Pianist Miki Sawada, whose performance made The Boston Globe’s Best of Arts 2021 list, is a fearless musician taking classical music where others have not. Through her signature project Gather Hear, Sawada travels the country with a piano in a van to perform in community gathering spaces, forgoing the expected concert hall. Sawada’s mission is to connect people across socioeconomic and political boundaries through music, foster human connection and dialogue, while capturing an honest, intimate, and ultimately hopeful portrait of America. Gather Hear Portland is rooted in a multi-day residency with Sawada performing and collaborating with community partners and artists. The free community concert in Congress Square Park features a classical program tailored specifically to Portland and its rich musical history with additional community musicians to be announced.