music

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

Program Notes for Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble 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   Today’s program displays a striking symmetry. Each half opens with a single-movement Baroque composition, contrapuntal and abstract, which serves as a kind of prelude to the large-scale Romantic piece … Read more

Here’s to a great season!

Ovations’ 91st season is officially wrapped. Wow, we did it. And by “we” – we mean all of us. Because there is no live performance without you. Over the past 10 months, across 11 venues, more than 23,000 experienced 36 live performances. Seven of these performances were free and in public spaces. Five were dedicated … Read more

2021-22 Season Reflection – An Unforgettable Season

 OCTOBER We couldn’t think of a better way to kick off our 91st season than with 5 free public performances of the vertical dance innovators, BANDALOOP, which had people captivated, lying in the streets and watching from nearby rooftops, balconies and windows, as dancers were suspended from the rooftop of the Canopy by Hilton Portland … Read more

Program Notes for New York Philharmonic String 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   WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART (1756 – 1791) String Quartet in C major, K. 465 (“Dissonance”) Mozart’s C major quartet, K. 465, is one of six quartets that he dedicated to his friend … Read more