music

Program Notes for Handel & Haydn Society by Philip Carlsen

Notes on the Program by Philip Carlsen   We are fortunate that many of Bach’s original manuscripts have survived. Most are readily available for viewing or pdf download at imslp.org, the International Music Score Library Project. The six Brandenburg concertos, notated in 1721 in Bach’s own hand as a gift for Christian Ludwig, the Margrave of Brandenburg, … Read more

Program Notes for “Sirocco” by Philip Carlsen

Notes on the Program by Philip Carlsen   Si-roc-co: A “hot dust-laden wind from the Libyan deserts that blows on the northern Mediterranean coast.” Si-roc-co: A musical wind blowing across the north Atlantic from Manchester, England, bearing tantalizing scents from South Africa, Mali, Denmark, and eighteenth-century Vienna, a visionary collaboration between violinist Rakhi Singh, cellist Abel … Read more

Program Notes for Zlata Chochieva by Philip Carlsen

Notes on the Program by Philip Carlsen Our soloist, the renowned Chopin interpreter Zlata Chochieva, has prepared a recital with Chopin at its center, framing his music with pieces written in tribute to him by two great Russian pianist-composers of a later generation. It’s worth noting that those composers, Alexander Scriabin and Sergei Rachmaninoff, had an … Read more

Program Notes for Jerusalem Quartet by Philip Carlsen

Notes on the Program Notes written and voiced by Philip Carlsen LISTEN to these program notes on Youtube LISTEN to these program notes on Spotify   FELIX MENDELSSOHN String Quartet in E-flat, Op. 12 (1829) The astonishing octet of Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847), written when he was only sixteen, was played on a Portland Ovations concert … Read more

A look back at the 2022-23 season

Ovations kickstarted our 92nd season with Garba360, a free-to-the-public lively and immersive community dance party. This unique event invited all to enjoy the spirited Indian Gujarati folk dances of garba and raas.  In October, we welcomed audiences for three performances of the timeless, award-winning musical, CHICAGO. Roxie Hart continues to razzle and dazzle along with … Read more

Program Notes for Miró Quartet & Soprano Karen Slack by Philip Carlsen

Notes on the Program Notes written and voiced by Philip Carlsen LISTEN to these program notes on Youtube LISTEN to these program notes on Spotify   There has been much chamber music written in the past century for solo singer with mixed instrumental ensemble of winds and strings, sometimes also including keyboard or percussion. Arnold … Read more

Staff Picks!

Portland Ovations Staff

Staff picks is a fun time of the season where each staff member at Portland Ovations writes about an upcoming performance they’re most excited about. We work very hard to bring these productions to you throughout the season and often get just as excited as our audiences to see these artists live on stage. Scroll … Read more

Program Notes for Janice Carissa by Philip Carlsen

Notes on the Program Notes written and voiced by Philip Carlsen LISTEN to these program notes on Youtube LISTEN to these program notes on Spotify   Enrique Granados: Maiden and the Nightingale   The three great Spanish composers who came of age around the turn of the last century are principally known for works celebrating their … Read more