Portland composer Dana Carlile has produced a recording and documentary film about the Neah-Kah-Nie String Quartet, a Portland ensemble which was formed in the early part of the last century.

You can find complete information about the recording project here (which features Oregon Symphony musicians Erin Furbee, Julie Coleman, Brian Quincey, and Trevor Fitzpatrick).

There will be a screening of the film, entitled “Susie Fennell Pipes and the Neah-Kah-Nie String Qaurtet” at the Multnomah Central Library’s U.S. Bank Room (801 SW 10th Ave) on Sunday, November 2 at 3:30 p.m.  You can find further information here.

I just found out about a documentary which might provide great insight into the lives of musicians who are making ends meet in orchestras that are part-time. There is a group of orchestras in the extended Bay Area of California which are collectively known as the “Freeway Philharmonic”, because their musicians spend most of their time driving on the freeways from one gig to another to make a living. [Read more →]

I just spotted what looks to be a fascinating documentary: Note by Note: The Making of Steinway L1037. Take a look at the feature in the NY Times here.