daily observations

landscape and dance: the halprin collaboration June 24, 2008

Posted by Charles Noble in : chamber music, contemporary, music, portland, 1 comment so far

Tuesday morning Heather and I went to Pettygrove Park, and small urban oasis set in a 70’s urban renewal zone largely characterized by monolithic, concrete apartment blocks. It is one of three plazas in the area designed by renowned landscape architect Lawrence Halprin, along with the Keller Fountain (formerly the Forecourt Fountain) and the Lovejoy Fountain. We went there, instruments in hand, to check out the acoustics of the site for a planned installation of music and dance for the 2008 PICA TBA Festival (Festival of Time-Based Art). (more…)

field trip June 24, 2008

Posted by Charles Noble in : appreciation/criticism, cello, music, seattle, soloists & recitals, the orchestra world, 2comments

Last Friday, a group of us from the OSO went up to Seattle to hear a matinee performance of the Seattle Symphony. It was a group of management, staff, and musicians who made the trek. It was quite the interesting experience. Primarily, I’d like to provide my basic impressions of the experience as someone who’s only been to Benaroya Hall once before (to hear the Philadelphia Orchestra on tour last year). (more…)

hiatus June 21, 2008

Posted by Charles Noble in : News, add a comment

I’m taking a break from posting, at least with any regularity, for much of the summer. Enjoy the weather wherever you are, and see you in the Fall.

gig story June 17, 2008

Posted by Charles Noble in : freelancing, music, 1 comment so far

Today I played a gig at a local mall. It was for the opening of a new hearing aid store which specialized in their own brand of high-end hearing aids. The ensemble for the group was a traditional string quartet.

As we were walking up to the store, I remarked to my wife that at least we wouldn’t have to play out in the mall. Famous last words… (more…)

wildflowers at rowena viewpoint June 15, 2008

Posted by Charles Noble in : the orchestra world, add a comment

wildflowers at rowena viewpoint | Originally uploaded by nobleviola
click photo to enlarge

The weather has finally turned appropriately beautiful, and in honor of the occasion, I’m posting a photo I took last year at Rowena Crest viewpoint in the Columbia River Gorge. Hopefully I’ll be able to get out there and capture some more of the wildflower goodness this year.

another lost colleague June 13, 2008

Posted by Charles Noble in : News, cello, add a comment

David Stabler wrote yesterday about the passing Thursday of former OSO cellist Naomi Blumberg, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. She will be missed, as a warm and hospitable person, a caring and gifted teacher, and a fine cellist of long standing. My condolences and best wishes go out to Naomi’s family and friends.

svendsen/oquist verdict reached June 11, 2008

Posted by Charles Noble in : crime, 1 comment so far

This was forwarded to me by Janet George:

A jury found Fivea Sharipoff guilty as charged today after approximately 2.5 hours of deliberation. Charges are 2 counts of manslaughter in the first degree for the deaths of Angela Svendsen and Kjersten Oquist, 1 count of assault in the second degree for injuries suffered by Kelly Gronli, and 1 count of DUI for driving while intoxicated. Sentencing is currently scheduled for Tuesday 6/24 1:30-4:30 pm at the Linn County Courthouse.

OSO makes strides in ticket sales/attendance June 9, 2008

Posted by Charles Noble in : the orchestra world, 1 comment so far

The Oregon Symphony announced today that they had achieved double-digit gains in both average concert attendance and ticket sales revenue. For the 2007-2008 season, the OSO sold $5.64 million in tickets, up over 15 percent from the previous season. As for audience attendance, the symphony sold 7,878 more tickets that last season, which, combined with six fewer concerts that last season, made for just over a 14 percent increase in average paid attendance. (more…)