quartet

Program Notes for MOMIX by Aimée M. Petrin

Dear Friends, Welcome to the magical world of MOMIX where things are not always as they seem. Bodies curl and unfold to reveal ethereal, ephemeral beings and shapes or, in this case, the surreal wonderland inhabited by Alice and her friends. MOMIX’s “Alice” is a wonderful portal into the world of dance, with Alice and … Read more

Program Notes for Jerusalem Quartet by Aimée M. Petrin

Dear Friends, Welcome to the first performance of Portland Ovations’ 93rd season. You are amongst those experiencing a very special program in a very special space. From the artistry and historical significance of the program to the joyful partnerships and collaborations to moving out into the community to bring music to new and unexpected venues … Read more

Program Notes for Miró Quartet and Soprano Karen Slack by Aimée M. Petrin

Dear Friends, As I write this, I am watching the Facebook Live presentation of #KikiKonversations – a virtual series created by soprano Karen Slack and featuring composer/artivist Daniel Bernard Roumain in conversation. Together, they are talking about their lives and professions as Black musicians in the mostly white world of classical music. (You can watch the recording on Youtube by … Read more

Program Notes for the Fauré Quartett by Linda Russell

Faure Quartet

Pictures at an Exhibition Modest Mussorgsky (1839-1881) Modest Mussorgsky received musical training as a child but made his livelihood as a civil servant in Russian government circles until his dismissal in 1867 due to alcoholism. As one of a group of prominent nineteenth-century Russian composers known as “The Five” who endeavored to create music with … Read more