Oregon Symphony’s “Sounds Like Portland” Festival Highlights Local Musical Talent
The Oregon Symphony’s “Sounds Like Portland” festival is underway, showcasing a commitment to local composers and musicians with performances this week featuring Storm Large and the world premiere of David Schiff’s piano concerto.
Music Director David Danzmayr spoke about the festival’s origins, emphasizing a desire to balance the orchestra’s repertoire with the vibrant musical landscape of the Pacific Northwest. “When I became music director here, a lot of the music that was played was non-Portland-ish,” Danzmayr explained, noting a shift towards incorporating more local voices. He contrasted this approach with his experiences in Europe, where contemporary music often felt insular and inaccessible to audiences. The festival aims to elevate Portland’s unique musical identity, a scene Danzmayr describes as having a “real vibrancy” with artists like esperanza spalding and Pink Martini.
This weekend’s concert includes the premiere of Schiff’s “Uptown/Downtown” piano concerto, performed by Darrell Grant, alongside works by Alejandro Belgique and a performance of Kurt Weill’s “The Seven Deadly Sins” with Storm Large. Danzmayr highlighted the importance of providing a platform for emerging composers, citing fifteen-year-old Alejandro Belgique as an example of the talent within the local community. The Oregon Symphony’s commitment to new music reflects a broader trend in orchestras seeking to connect with contemporary audiences, as discussed in NewMusicUSA’s resources for composers.
Danzmayr also emphasized the economic and cultural impact of the Oregon Symphony, noting its role in driving foot traffic downtown and supporting the local arts ecosystem. He described Portland as “the biggest town in the US,” fostering a strong sense of community and artistic collaboration. The festival’s focus on local talent is expected to further strengthen these ties, contributing to the city’s reputation as a hub for creativity. More information about the Oregon Symphony’s season can be found on their official website.
The Oregon Symphony will continue the “Sounds Like Portland” festival with additional performances throughout the fall, and officials say they plan to expand the program in future seasons.
