MAESTRO'S MUSINGS by YAACOV BERGMAN

Strings Attached - January 29 and 30, 2005

PCO's 2004-05 Season is off to a ROARING start! Our first concert, Beethoven Unlimited, was a tremendous success - as witnessed on the front of this card! The remainder of the season will also be extraordinary. (SEE YAKI ON A CHOPPER AT THE RECEPTION OF THE OCTOBER 2004 CONCERT.)

January 29 and 30, "Strings Attached" will reflect the many musical moods of Eastern European composers, from the rustic charm and haunting poignancy of folk tunes to the frenzied dances of the Tartars, all, through music by Shostakovich, Gorecki, Kilar, and Dvorak. Waldemar Malicki, Poland's widely acclaimed pianist, will also be featured as soloist in Shostakovich's first piano concerto.

June 5, you will be born on "wings of song" as Elijah's prophesy is realized in Mendelssohn's glorious, monumental, romantic score with our program "Thus Saith Elijah!". Orchestra, chorus, and vocal soloists bring the Old Testament story to life in this inspiring work.

Portland Chamber Orchestra has a rich history beginning in 1947. With our vision of "Bringing the Arts Together", new opportunities continue to be created for both the orchestra and the audience. We are fortunate Portland takes great pride in its arts organizations and has a noble tradition of supporting them. As PCO's Music Director, I am encouraged to see this important partnership between the arts organizations and the community flourish, and as we try to build on this, we ask for your support.

PCO's artistic scope has expanded dramatically over the past two years, and with this, the financial needs and challenges have also increased. Income from ticket sales is traditionally only a fraction of the concert costs leaving the need for tax-deductible individual contributions great. I invite you to join us as a Member of PCO's Friends and Family by making a commitment to become involved today.

Enclosed is a card detailing opportunities on how you can become involved. Please take a moment to fill it out and send it in. Thank you in advance for your loyalty and support.