Maestro's Musings

The opening composition of the concert, "Prayers," by the Israeli composer Noam Sheriff is a marvelous display of contemporary musical texture with motivic and rhythmic elements that have been influenced by the music of Sfardic (Spanish) Jews, and other Middle Eastern cultures. The following compositions by composers Ofer Ben-Amots and Andre Hajdu offer two exquisite concert pieces titled "Celestial Dialogues" and "Shout of a King" that are clearly connected to the popular musical and mystical language and style of the West-East European Ashkenazic Jews known as Klezmer Music.
The term Klezmer results from the joining of the two words Kli (instrument) and Zemer (song). Klezmer music evolved from a union of vocal and instrumental styles. These styles were performed at special celebrations, and were often used to accompany dancing.
The final selection in our season's opening program is the "Concerto Grosso Number One for String Orchestra and Piano Obbligato" by past Portland resident and internationally renowned composer Ernest Bloch. Bloch searched for, discovered, and developed a clearly Jewish voice through much of his music.
I'm pleased to welcome to this concert clarinetist David Krakauer, one of the most highly qualified klezmer performers in the world, whose exciting personality and musical gifts fully embody what the klezmer instrument of song brings to the world. I would also like to welcome Yankl Falk, a true Jewish troubadour whose voice and spirit reflect this special style. Mr. Falk will sing the role of the Cantor in a marvelous dialogue with Mr. Krakauer.
I am looking forward to welcoming all of you to this unique event that will mark the beginning of the 57th season of the Portland Chamber Orchestra, and the beginning of the 5764th year of Jewish Cultural History.

Welcome to the first of three concerts in the
Portland Chamber Orchestra's 57th season,
the 2003-2004 Series.
There is an important niche being filled in the music offerings within Portland which will soon extend into the greater Oregon community. The Portland Chamber Orchestra, with its 38 professional musicians under the baton of the internationally acclaimed conductor Yaacov Bergman, is starting its new concert season. With a 57 year history, we are performing classical, ethnic, and contemporary repertoire, and attracting world famous soloists as guest artists. The Board of the Portland Chamber Orchestra Association has enthusiastically accepted the challenge to further the success of our series. We invite you to join in our vision for the future by attending the concert series and becoming a member of the PCOA. Watch us grow!