Cultural Events Calendar

Enjoyable for the opera-expert and the opera-curious, these preview events are an opportunity for library visitors and others to learn about the opera and hear excerpts.

Preview events are free and open to the public.

Dates:
Saturday, November 8 | 2:00 PM, Gresham Library, 385 NW Miller Ave, Gresham, OR 97030
Sunday, November 9 | 3:00 PM, Oregon City Public Library, 606 John Adams St, Oregon City, OR 97045
Monday, November 10 | 12:00 PM, Multnomah County Central Library, 801 SW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97205
Sunday, November 16 | 12:30 PM, Clark County Family YMCA, 11324 NE 51st Cir, Vancouver, WA 98682

My Father’s War Stories

Lakewood Theatre Company presents “My Father’s War Stories: Tales and Tunes from the Greatest Generation” on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Award-winning actress and singer Joan Freed shares her father’s World War II experiences through stories, letters, and classic 1940s songs. The performance honors the humor, hardship, and heroism of the era. Veterans will be recognized at the start of the evening, and there will be a complimentary wine and dessert reception at 6:30 p.m.

When: Tuesday, Nov. 11, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Lakewood Theatre, 368 S. State St., Lake Oswego
Tickets: $30 at lakewood-center.org or 503-635-3901

Pianist David Rothman returns to Portland’s TOC (The Old Church) with a program of Johannes Brahms Concerto No. 1 in D Minor Opus 15 accompanied by Michael Barnes on organ, and Twelve Etudes for Piano by Claude Debussy.

This concert is free. RSVP but Walk-Ups are Also Welcome

——-
Pianist David Rothman has delighted TOC audiences with performances of the entire Schubert Cycle, Mozart Cycle, and all of Chopin’s solo piano pieces. With Michael Barnes on the organ, Rothman has also played the Rachmaninoff Third and Brahms Second Piano Concerto at TOC. As a child, Rothman attended the Yehudi Menuhin School and later the Curtis Institute of Music.

Michael Barnes is a professional pianist and organist, and has been Senior Organist at Westminster since 1992. With the Westminster Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir, he has toured Scotland and Cuba. He has performed with the Wednesday Noon Concert Series at The Old Church Concert Hall since 1988. With the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus, he toured China for goodwill concerts in 2019. He accompanies the Pacific Youth Choir, and is Organist at Westminster Presbyterian Church and Temple Beth Israel in Portland, OR. He is a member of the American Guild of Organists, Organ Historical Society and Guild of Temple Musicians.

From the Milky Way to meteor showers to fireflies that emerge at dusk on neighborhood streets, our eyes open a little wider at the stunning photos and videos of National Geographic Explorer Babak Tafreshi. He has spent his career documenting wildlife, humanity, and the cosmos—from dark national parks to bright urban areas—with the belief that people everywhere can connect through the shared experience of simply looking up.

National Geographic Explorer Babak Tafreshi is a photographer and cinematographer who merges art and science through visual stories. Tafreshi created The World At Night program in 2007 with the message of One People One Sky and has been directing its team of photographers in approximately 30 countries. He received the 2009 Lennart Nilsson Award, the world’s most recognized scientific imaging award at the time, for his effort to reconnect humanity with the natural world using night sky images. He has been a National Geographic contributor since 2012, and he is a 2022 National Geographic Society Wayfinder Award recipient.

What’s more exciting than a cello concerto played by a virtuoso musician? How about three of them? That’s what is in store for audiences as the Gorge Sinfonietta presents its November concerts, Cello Concerto Collage. The concerts feature three members of the Sinfonietta in solo roles. Principal cellist Michelle Edwards will perform the first movement of Elgar’s beloved concerto, Aaron Young will be featured in the Dvorak cello concerto, and Annie Harkey will perform the first movement of Haydn’s classical concerto in C.

Conductor Mark Steighner says the concert is unique in many ways. “We’ve never featured three concertos in the same concert, let alone three cellists. Although we’re performing movements from three different composers, the format follows a typical concerto structure of fast, slow and fast movements.”

“We have so many talented and accomplished musicians in the orchestra,”
Steighner said, “and this is a way to highlight more than one.”

It isn’t the first time the orchestra has put together a hybrid work. “A few years ago we stitched together a symphony that included movements by Bruckner and Brahms, two 19th century contemporaries who definitely didn’t agree on musical style. We called it a “Frankensymphony.””

In addition to the cello feature, the concert includes the Prelude to Act 1 of Die Meistersinger by Richard Wagner. Steighner explained that this piece was the very first one he conducted with the orchestra at his inaugural concert in 2005. Steighner is retiring as conductor after this season.

The concert will be rounded out by the extremely well-known and popular Suites from Carmen by Georges Bizet. “The Carmen Suites probably have more recognizable melodies-per-minute than any other pieces.”

Tickets are $25 for nonmembers, $20 for members, free for students and kids.

What’s more exciting than a cello concerto played by a virtuoso musician? How about three of them? That’s what is in store for audiences as the Gorge Sinfonietta presents its November concerts, Cello Concerto Collage. The concerts feature three members of the Sinfonietta in solo roles. Principal cellist Michelle Edwards will perform the first movement of Elgar’s beloved concerto, Aaron Young will be featured in the Dvorak cello concerto, and Annie Harkey will perform the first movement of Haydn’s classical concerto in C.

Conductor Mark Steighner says the concert is unique in many ways. “We’ve never featured three concertos in the same concert, let alone three cellists. Although we’re performing movements from three different composers, the format follows a typical concerto structure of fast, slow and fast movements.”

“We have so many talented and accomplished musicians in the orchestra,”
Steighner said, “and this is a way to highlight more than one.”

It isn’t the first time the orchestra has put together a hybrid work. “A few years ago we stitched together a symphony that included movements by Bruckner and Brahms, two 19th century contemporaries who definitely didn’t agree on musical style. We called it a “Frankensymphony.””

In addition to the cello feature, the concert includes the Prelude to Act 1 of Die Meistersinger by Richard Wagner. Steighner explained that this piece was the very first one he conducted with the orchestra at his inaugural concert in 2005. Steighner is retiring as conductor after this season.

The concert will be rounded out by the extremely well-known and popular Suites from Carmen by Georges Bizet. “The Carmen Suites probably have more recognizable melodies-per-minute than any other pieces.”

The Cello Concerto Collage concerts are Friday, November 14 at 7PM and Sunday, November 16 at 2 PM at the Wy’east Middle School Performing Arts Center, 3000 Wy’east Rd in Odell. Tickets and information about CGOA can be found at gorgeorchestra.org. CGOA offers free tickets for kids and students (high school and college IDs at the door), plus discounted tickets ($5 at the door) for SNAP card holders through the Arts for All program.

The concert kicks off the orchestra’s series of performances in CGOA’s 20th Anniversary Season which also includes performances with the Voci Community Choir in April, and a Piano Summit concert in June, featuring soloists Kathy Apland and Mitchell Jett Spencer.

The Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and presenting musical performances of the highest quality in the Columbia River Gorge region. With a commitment to artistic excellence and education, CGOA brings the joy of music to audiences of all ages.

Join us for Territorios Sonoros (Sound Territories) — an evening of original music by Argentinian pianist and composer Emilio Teubal and Colombian guitarist and composer Daniel Reyes Llinás, live at Leaven Community in Portland.
Teubal and Reyes Llinás share a long musical friendship, having collaborated in New York City between 2008 and 2011 as part of Parias Ensemble, Daniel’s band dedicated to exploring Latin American identity through contemporary sound. Their reunion in Portland rekindles that creative dialogue — weaving improvisation, rhythm, and melody into a rich sonic landscape shaped by memory, migration, and imagination.
Featuring Sensah as guest vocalist, adding her distinctive voice to this evolving conversation across territories and sound.

Collaboration with Portland based Colombian guitarrist Daniel Reyes Linas & NYC-based Argentine Pianist Emilio Teubal.

Program:
– Selections from the album “Códices” – Daniel Reyes Llinás
– Bambuco Yanacona – Ernesto “Teto” Ocampo
– Gallina Pollimodal – Ernesto “Teto” Ocampo

Brief Intermission –

Selections from the album “Seven Etudes” – Emilio Teubal

Duets:
– Lavanderas del Río Chico – Cuchi Leguizamon
– Busintana – – Ernesto “Teto” Ocampo

With special guest: Sensah
– Ayer pasé por tu casa – Ivan Benavides
– Between the bars – Elliott Smith

Celebrating 50 years in Taiko with the Golden 2×25 Tour in Fall 2025, Kenny Endo stands at the vanguard of the taiko genre, as one of the leading personas in contemporary percussion and rhythm in North America and in Japan. For 5 decades, he has led the way in this Japanese style of drumming in the U.S., and will be touring with his Contemporary Ensemble.

As jazz percussionist and early innovator in Japanese taiko, Kenny Endo embodies the history of taiko in the U.S. His adventurous spirit continues to stretch the taiko genre, incorporating influences like funk, jazz, Afro-Cuban & Hawaiian, with roots firmly grounded in tradition. His performances are nuanced, brilliant, exciting!

“… the concert was absolutely amazing. Each performer was a master soloist in their own right, and you all came together in a very special ensemble … all blended into a modern approach to percussion that I believe is unique in the world today.” –Chair, Dept of Music, Lafayette College Endo tours with his Contemporary Ensemble – taiko, vibes, drums, ‘ukulele, flute, koto (or shamisen) performed by renowned performers from the U.S. and Japan. He has received numerous awards and accolades, including special recognition in Japan—he was the first non-national to be honored with a “natori,” a stage name, in Japanese classical drumming.

The Portland State Chamber Choir kicks off its 50th anniversary season in signature style, bringing the acclaimed professional vocal ensemble Fourth Wall Ensemble to Portland for an evening of musical brilliance. Hailing from New York City, Fourth Wall Ensemble is a genre-bending group known for their fearless artistry and inventive programming. The program spans the centuries, from Claudio Monteverdi’s shimmering Renaissance harmonies to the genius of Portland’s own Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw. Breaking Ground promises to be a felicitous start to a milestone season for one of America’s finest university choirs.

For tickets and more information, visit pdx.edu.

Join us for Save the LP – A Record Show for the Community at The Reser, a one-of-a-kind experience celebrating the vibrant culture of record collectors, selectors and sound preservationists of all ages. Whether you’re a longtime crate digger or just getting into vinyl, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

Discover thousands of high-quality records from over 40 vendors across the Pacific Northwest—featuring Vinyl, CDs, 45s, Cassette Tapes, and more. Classical Records too!

Admission & Perks:
+Early Bird Admission (10AM–12PM): $15 (Limited availability)
+General Admission (12PM–4PM): $5

Admission includes (while supplies last):
+Save the LP Record Tote Bag
+ Lionheart Coffee & Churros Locos
+ Raffle Ticket for Giveaways

Special Features:
Live DJ Sets curated by KMHD Jazz Radio DJs – providing the perfect soundtrack all day long
Giveaways and raffles with exciting music-themed prizes

Last year, in partnership with Grammy Award-winners Portugal. The Man, we proudly raised over $50,000 for Frances Changed My Life, supporting rare disease research for children. This year, Save the LP supports H.O.P.E. (Honoring Our Precious Elders)—a nonprofit providing free yard maintenance and outdoor services for elders in the Beaverton and Portland areas.

The Last Anthem by rising star Dimitris Skyllas gives voice to memories too important to be forgotten. Co-commissioned by Cappella Romana with the İstanbul Festival, The Last Anthem remembers those caught in the “Exchange of Populations” between Greece and Türkiye after World War I, with poetry in English, Greek, and Turkish. Plus poignant selections from the Requiem by Mikis Theodorakis (Zorba the Greek), a memorial work by John Tavener, and the world premiere of Mystical Versicles by Christos Hatzis.

For tickets and more information, visit cappellaromana.org

This is a special All Ages Concert. This one-hour event is perfect for new listeners and families and will also provide time for folks to ask questions and learn more about Baroque music and the instruments used to create historically-inspired musical events.

This event has a special price of $5-10 to help welcome in more music lovers that have long-been curious about what a Portland Baroque Orchestra production is like.

What music will be performed?
Revel in the rich sonorities of two harpsichords in lively conversation, showcasing the wit and virtuosity of J.S. Bach and his son C.P.E. Bach. Anchored by Lully’s stately Passacaille, the program unfolds with Telemann’s vibrant Ouverture Suite, playfully bridging Baroque complexity and early Classical elegance.

The centerpiece: two sparkling harpsichord concertos—C.P.E.’s bold and unpredictable Concerto in F Major and J.S. Bach’s dramatic Concerto in C Minor. A rare performance of dueling keyboards bursting with energy.

For tickets and more information, visit pbo.org. 

Come join Blueprint for a trip into the world of Wicked!

Take a fully choreographed show and combine it with
the shimmering choral harmonies that the organization highlights at every concert,
as well as narration and visuals to navigate the audience through the story,
and you’ve got, well, one wicked show!

Of course, it includes favorites like…

• What is This Feeling?
• Popular
• For Good
• No Good Deed
• The Wizard and I

and of course…

• Defying Gravity

And many more… since we’re doing all of the songs from the soundtrack! So take a trip through Oz with Blueprint for a magic-making, broom-flying good time!

Price: Free

Revel in the rich sonorities of two harpsichords in lively conversation, showcasing the wit and virtuosity of J.S. Bach and his son C.P.E. Bach. Anchored by Lully’s stately Passacaille, the program unfolds with Telemann’s vibrant Ouverture Suite, playfully bridging Baroque complexity and early Classical elegance.

The centerpiece: two sparkling harpsichord concertos—C.P.E.’s bold and unpredictable Concerto in F Major and J.S. Bach’s dramatic Concerto in C Minor. A rare performance of dueling keyboards bursting with energy, contrast, and sheer musical brilliance.

Sat. Nov 15, 2025 | 7:00 PM
Sanctuary Hall at First Congregational
1126 SW Park Ave
Portland, OR 97205

Sat. Nov 16, 2025 | 3:00 PM
Kaul Auditorium
3017 SE Woodstock Blvd
Portland, OR 97202

There is a special one-hour, all-ages performance on November 15 at 2:00 PM.

For tickets and more information, visit pbo.org.

Project Chamber Music: Willamette Valley presents
Thunder and Starlight, featuring musicians from A Far Cry

Saturday, November 15th, 7:30pm
at Willamette University’s Hudson Concert Hall (in Mary Stuart Rogers Music Center)

Project Chamber Music: Willamette Valley (PCM) proudly announces its landmark 10th Anniversary Season, marking a decade of extraordinary performances, educational commitment, and community engagement. To celebrate this milestone, PCM presents members of the highly acclaimed, Grammy-nominated chamber orchestra A Far Cry in a rare Oregon appearance. Recognized worldwide for their energy, innovation, and collaborative spirit, the Boston-based ensemble performs a sweeping musical journey through the natural world, from the brilliance of comets and rivers to the tranquility of pastoral landscapes. Works include Hale Bopp by Mauna Järvelä & Timo Alakotila, Osvaldo Golijov’s otherworldly Tenebrae, Oregon composer Deena T. Grossman’s Songs of the River Po (featuring PCM’s celebrated side-by-side in a city-wide, multigenerational version including students from each of the Salem-Keizer Public School high school orchestras and Willamette University), and Beethoven’s beloved Pastoral Symphony.

TICKETS: $30, available at pcmwv.org or by cash or check only on the day of the concert. Tickets include a complimentary reception to meet the artists immediately following each performance.

All ticket proceeds directly benefit need-based scholarships to provide music lessons to local kids.

Maria Garcia, Piano

A program that invites you on a journey through a vibrant musical landscape, blending the bold and contemporary with the timeless and profound. This exciting program presents the Western U.S. premiere of a new composition titled Rainn by Karena Ingram, a rising star in contemporary composition. Her evocative work explores the fluidity of nature and emotion and is presented in collaboration with the League of American Orchestras’ Toulmin Commissions Program. Portland piano virtuoso Maria Garcia performs the dramatic elegance of Lūcija Garūta’s Piano Concerto in F-sharp Minor — a hidden gem of the 20th-century repertoire, brimming with intensity, lyricism, and dazzling virtuosity. The program closes with the radiance of Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 in G Major, a celebration of nature and folk-inspired melodies, bursting with joy and optimism.

Sat. November 15, 2025, 7:30 p.m. | Mt. Hood Community College, Gresham

Sun. November 16, 2025, 3:00 p.m. | The Reser, Beaverton

For tickets and more information, visit novanw.org

This unforgettable story of passionate young artists remains one of the world’s most beloved operas and reminds us to find beauty in fleeting moments of joy. La Bohème is a gift that keeps giving, making it the perfect first opera to share with someone you love.

With the Portland Opera Orchestra, Chorus, and Children’s Chorus

For tickets and more information, visit portlandopera.org.

The Portland State Chamber Choir kicks off its 50th anniversary season in signature style, bringing the acclaimed professional vocal ensemble Fourth Wall Ensemble to Portland for an evening of musical brilliance. Hailing from New York City, Fourth Wall Ensemble is a genre-bending group known for their fearless artistry and inventive programming. The program spans the centuries, from Claudio Monteverdi’s shimmering Renaissance harmonies to the genius of Portland’s own Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw. Breaking Ground promises to be a felicitous start to a milestone season for one of America’s finest university choirs.

For tickets and more information, visit pdx.edu.

This unforgettable story of passionate young artists remains one of the world’s most beloved operas, reminding us of the beauty and meaning in life’s fleeting moments of joy.

Based on Henry Murger’s 1851 novel Scènes de la vie de bohème, Puccini’s soaring arias tell the tender tale of Mimi and Rodolfo as they face the perils of poverty. A story that transcends time and place, its message of love through adversity resonates deeply with our community’s spirit. In its characters we see ourselves—the artists, the dreamers, and the everyday people, who face challenges but never lose sight of love and connection.

With the Portland Opera Orchestra, Chorus, and Children’s Chorus.

Enjoyable for the opera-expert and the opera-curious, these preview events are an opportunity for library visitors and others to learn about the opera and hear excerpts.

Preview events are free and open to the public.

Dates:
Saturday, November 8 | 2:00 PM, Gresham Library, 385 NW Miller Ave, Gresham, OR 97030
Sunday, November 9 | 3:00 PM, Oregon City Public Library, 606 John Adams St, Oregon City, OR 97045
Monday, November 10 | 12:00 PM, Multnomah County Central Library, 801 SW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97205
Sunday, November 16 | 12:30 PM, Clark County Family YMCA, 11324 NE 51st Cir, Vancouver, WA 98682

What’s more exciting than a cello concerto played by a virtuoso musician? How about three of them? That’s what is in store for audiences as the Gorge Sinfonietta presents its November concerts, Cello Concerto Collage. The concerts feature three members of the Sinfonietta in solo roles. Principal cellist Michelle Edwards will perform the first movement of Elgar’s beloved concerto, Aaron Young will be featured in the Dvorak cello concerto, and Annie Harkey will perform the first movement of Haydn’s classical concerto in C.

Conductor Mark Steighner says the concert is unique in many ways. “We’ve never featured three concertos in the same concert, let alone three cellists. Although we’re performing movements from three different composers, the format follows a typical concerto structure of fast, slow and fast movements.”

“We have so many talented and accomplished musicians in the orchestra,”
Steighner said, “and this is a way to highlight more than one.”

It isn’t the first time the orchestra has put together a hybrid work. “A few years ago we stitched together a symphony that included movements by Bruckner and Brahms, two 19th century contemporaries who definitely didn’t agree on musical style. We called it a “Frankensymphony.””

In addition to the cello feature, the concert includes the Prelude to Act 1 of Die Meistersinger by Richard Wagner. Steighner explained that this piece was the very first one he conducted with the orchestra at his inaugural concert in 2005. Steighner is retiring as conductor after this season.

The concert will be rounded out by the extremely well-known and popular Suites from Carmen by Georges Bizet. “The Carmen Suites probably have more recognizable melodies-per-minute than any other pieces.”

The Cello Concerto Collage concerts are Friday, November 14 at 7PM and Sunday, November 16 at 2 PM at the Wy’east Middle School Performing Arts Center, 3000 Wy’east Rd in Odell. Tickets and information about CGOA can be found at gorgeorchestra.org. CGOA offers free tickets for kids and students (high school and college IDs at the door), plus discounted tickets ($5 at the door) for SNAP card holders through the Arts for All program.

The concert kicks off the orchestra’s series of performances in CGOA’s 20th Anniversary Season which also includes performances with the Voci Community Choir in April, and a Piano Summit concert in June, featuring soloists Kathy Apland and Mitchell Jett Spencer.

The Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and presenting musical performances of the highest quality in the Columbia River Gorge region. With a commitment to artistic excellence and education, CGOA brings the joy of music to audiences of all ages.

What’s more exciting than a cello concerto played by a virtuoso musician? How about three of them? That’s what is in store for audiences as the Gorge Sinfonietta presents its November concerts, Cello Concerto Collage. The concerts feature three members of the Sinfonietta in solo roles. Principal cellist Michelle Edwards will perform the first movement of Elgar’s beloved concerto, Aaron Young will be featured in the Dvorak cello concerto, and Annie Harkey will perform the first movement of Haydn’s classical concerto in C.

Conductor Mark Steighner says the concert is unique in many ways. “We’ve never featured three concertos in the same concert, let alone three cellists. Although we’re performing movements from three different composers, the format follows a typical concerto structure of fast, slow and fast movements.”

“We have so many talented and accomplished musicians in the orchestra,”
Steighner said, “and this is a way to highlight more than one.”

It isn’t the first time the orchestra has put together a hybrid work. “A few years ago we stitched together a symphony that included movements by Bruckner and Brahms, two 19th century contemporaries who definitely didn’t agree on musical style. We called it a “Frankensymphony.””

In addition to the cello feature, the concert includes the Prelude to Act 1 of Die Meistersinger by Richard Wagner. Steighner explained that this piece was the very first one he conducted with the orchestra at his inaugural concert in 2005. Steighner is retiring as conductor after this season.

The concert will be rounded out by the extremely well-known and popular Suites from Carmen by Georges Bizet. “The Carmen Suites probably have more recognizable melodies-per-minute than any other pieces.”

Tickets are $25 for nonmembers, $20 for members, free for students and kids.

Revel in the rich sonorities of two harpsichords in lively conversation, showcasing the wit and virtuosity of J.S. Bach and his son C.P.E. Bach. Anchored by Lully’s stately Passacaille, the program unfolds with Telemann’s vibrant Ouverture Suite, playfully bridging Baroque complexity and early Classical elegance.

The centerpiece: two sparkling harpsichord concertos—C.P.E.’s bold and unpredictable Concerto in F Major and J.S. Bach’s dramatic Concerto in C Minor. A rare performance of dueling keyboards bursting with energy, contrast, and sheer musical brilliance.

Sat. Nov 15, 2025 | 7:00 PM
Sanctuary Hall at First Congregational
1126 SW Park Ave
Portland, OR 97205

Sat. Nov 16, 2025 | 3:00 PM
Kaul Auditorium
3017 SE Woodstock Blvd
Portland, OR 97202

There is a special one-hour, all-ages performance on November 15 at 2:00 PM.

For tickets and more information, visit pbo.org.

Maria Garcia, Piano

A program that invites you on a journey through a vibrant musical landscape, blending the bold and contemporary with the timeless and profound. This exciting program presents the Western U.S. premiere of a new composition titled Rainn by Karena Ingram, a rising star in contemporary composition. Her evocative work explores the fluidity of nature and emotion and is presented in collaboration with the League of American Orchestras’ Toulmin Commissions Program. Portland piano virtuoso Maria Garcia performs the dramatic elegance of Lūcija Garūta’s Piano Concerto in F-sharp Minor — a hidden gem of the 20th-century repertoire, brimming with intensity, lyricism, and dazzling virtuosity. The program closes with the radiance of Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 in G Major, a celebration of nature and folk-inspired melodies, bursting with joy and optimism.

Sat. November 15, 2025, 7:30 p.m. | Mt. Hood Community College, Gresham

Sun. November 16, 2025, 3:00 p.m. | The Reser, Beaverton

For tickets and more information, visit novanw.org

The Beaverton Community Band (Martin Sobelman, Conductor) proudly presents a selection of holiday favorites. The concert will include our 3rd Annual Holiday Silent Auction.

Here are a few highlights from our program:

Tale of Two Cities Mark Isham (b. 1951)
A celebrated film composer and jazz trumpeter, Mark Isham blends Eastern and Western
musical influences in this striking piece. Tale of Two Cities contrasts gongs, chimes, and shifting
meters with warm brass chorales, gradually merging the two sound worlds into a serene
conclusion. This newly commissioned piece comes to the Beaverton Community Band through a
generous anonymous donation.

Christmas Carol Randall Standridge (b. 1976)
Based on Charles Dickens’s beloved story, Christmas Carol guides audiences through Ebenezer
Scrooge’s journey from greed to redemption. Narration and vivid musical storytelling bring to life
the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future in a moving holiday suite.

Overture to a Pantomime Victor Hely-Hutchinson (1901–1947)
Written in 1938 by the composer of Carol Symphony, this sparkling overture brims with humor,
charm, and rhythmic energy. Hely-Hutchinson’s lively melodies and light orchestral touch make it
a true hidden gem of British music.

Musica Ignota Inspired by Hildegard von Bingen (1098–1179)
Drawing from the mysticism and creativity of Hildegard von Bingen—a German abbess,
composer, and visionary—Musica Ignota draws from von Bingen’s Lingua Ignota (Latin for
“unknown language”), and was written to honor her life and work.

For over 40 years, the Beaverton Community Band has shared its music, making it the
oldest standing community band in Washington County, Oregon. The Beaverton
Community Band keeps the long-standing community wind band tradition alive through
diverse local performances and by fostering the next generation of musicians through music
education. The band’s members volunteer their time to support music educators throughout
the Beaverton School District to encourage beginning musicians and build a vibrant arts
community. Visit http://www.beavertoncommunityband.org for more information.
This concert is funded in part by a grant from the City of Beaverton Arts Program, a strong
supporter of Arts and Cultural events in the community.

Adults: $15 Senior / Veteran: $10 Admission: Students under 12: Free Family of 4: $30

A hand injury forced Eric Lu to cancel his May 2024 Portland debut. Eighteen months later, the 27-year-old pianist returns—not diminished, but tested and sharpened by one of classical music’s most demanding trials. Fresh from competing in the Chopin Competition finals in Warsaw, Lu brings interpretations forged under international scrutiny directly to Portland audiences who have waited over a year to witness his artistry. This is the rare chance to hear an artist at a transformative moment: recovered, resilient, and returning from the world stage with fresh insights to share in the intimacy of Lincoln Performance Hall.

ROBERT SCHUMANN
Arabeske, op. 18

FRANZ SCHUBERT
Four Impromptus, Op. posth. 142, D. 935

FRÉDÉRIC CHOPIN
Polonaise in B-flat Major, op. 71, no. 2
Sonata No. 3 in B Minor, op. 58

For tickets and more information, visit portlandpiano.org. 

Starting and ending with the mighty hymn to the capricious Goddess Fortuna and her relentlessly turning wheel, the bold tunes and primal rhythms of Carmina Burana celebrate nature, the tavern, and the pleasures of love. It’s earthy and risqué, but sometimes also breathtakingly beautiful—like the soprano’s heaven-reaching solo—or raucous and rowdy, as the lusty drinking song, “In taberna.”

For more information about tickets and pricing, visit www.orsymphony.org

Picture this: the annual 97116 Show in Forest Grove, will feature a wide range of artwork from more than 100 area artists in a fun, “grab, pay and go” event. The show runs for one weekend only, on November 21, 22 and 23, 2025, at the Kathrin Cawein Gallery at Pacific University, 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116. The Cawein Gallery is in Les Au Coin Hall, in the center of campus.

On Friday November 21st , enjoy the best selection and free refreshments at the opening reception from 6 to 10 PM, and shop for originals, handmade greeting cards and prints, too. All works are priced at no more than $150 and include art to hang on the wall, and 3D works. The show continues through the weekend, November 22nd and 23rd, from 12 to 4 PM both days.

Artists of all ages from Washington, Yamhill and Columbia Counties are invited to register for the show at https://www.97116artshow.com/ through October 31st..

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra presents the first Back to the Movies performance of the 2025/26 season. Played with live accompaniment by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra chamber ensemble.

This classic comedy turns 100 years old this year! Buster Keaton takes Horace Greeley’s advice and heads West, where he finds work on a cattle ranch. He befriends a young milk cow, and they look after each other as he learns the ropes and lassos of ranch life. When a runaway cattle train ends up at the wrong station, Buster finds he must get the entire herd across Los Angeles by himself!

Price: $25

This unforgettable story of passionate young artists remains one of the world’s most beloved operas and reminds us to find beauty in fleeting moments of joy. La Bohème is a gift that keeps giving, making it the perfect first opera to share with someone you love.

With the Portland Opera Orchestra, Chorus, and Children’s Chorus

For tickets and more information, visit portlandopera.org.

This unforgettable story of passionate young artists remains one of the world’s most beloved operas, reminding us of the beauty and meaning in life’s fleeting moments of joy.

Based on Henry Murger’s 1851 novel Scènes de la vie de bohème, Puccini’s soaring arias tell the tender tale of Mimi and Rodolfo as they face the perils of poverty. A story that transcends time and place, its message of love through adversity resonates deeply with our community’s spirit. In its characters we see ourselves—the artists, the dreamers, and the everyday people, who face challenges but never lose sight of love and connection.

With the Portland Opera Orchestra, Chorus, and Children’s Chorus.

Picture this: the annual 97116 Show in Forest Grove, will feature a wide range of artwork from more than 100 area artists in a fun, “grab, pay and go” event. The show runs for one weekend only, on November 21, 22 and 23, 2025, at the Kathrin Cawein Gallery at Pacific University, 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116. The Cawein Gallery is in Les Au Coin Hall, in the center of campus.

On Friday November 21st , enjoy the best selection and free refreshments at the opening reception from 6 to 10 PM, and shop for originals, handmade greeting cards and prints, too. All works are priced at no more than $150 and include art to hang on the wall, and 3D works. The show continues through the weekend, November 22nd and 23rd, from 12 to 4 PM both days.

Artists of all ages from Washington, Yamhill and Columbia Counties are invited to register for the show at https://www.97116artshow.com/ through October 31st..

SALEM PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA PRESENTS A PAIR OF ALL-AGES “FAMILY CONCERTS” NOVEMBER 22 AND 23, conducted by SPO Artistic Director, Jonathan DeBruyn. These concerts feature a stylistic mix of shorter classical to modern compositions, showcasing the different instrumental sections in the orchestra.

Salem Phil’s venue is the East Salem Community Center, 1850 45th Ave. NE, Salem, OR 97305.
Concerts begin at 2:00pm on both days, Saturday, November 22 and Sunday, November 23. SPO musicians will host an instrument “petting zoo”, beginning at 1:00pm in the lobby for youngsters to see up close and try out different orchestral instruments.

Admission: $25 (Adults ages 18-64); $20 (Students 18-64/Srs. 65+); $0 (children/youth through age 17). Tickets may be purchased online at https://www.salemphil.org/buy-tickets/, or at the door on concert day.
Contact information@salemphil.org with questions.

Having honed his musical storytelling ability by appearing on Broadway (i.e., Phantom of the Opera, Marie Christine w/Audra McDonald, and Jane Eyre), national tours (i.e., Les Misérables, Falsettos, and The Who’s Tommy), and numerous leads in regional theaters across the country (BATCC awards and nominations), Michael sings with a style that blends dramatic power with a warm, vulnerable presence.

Inspired by musical theater songs (by composers such as Sondheim, Kander & Ebb, J. Robert Brown, and LaChiusa) that portray complexity and emotional depth, he embraces the gray areas that are part of being human and the beauty of imperfection. Guided by a love of classic artistry and authentic storytelling, Michael brings both timeless elegance and heartfelt sensitivity to his performance.

Price: $35

Starting and ending with the mighty hymn to the capricious Goddess Fortuna and her relentlessly turning wheel, the bold tunes and primal rhythms of Carmina Burana celebrate nature, the tavern, and the pleasures of love. It’s earthy and risqué, but sometimes also breathtakingly beautiful—like the soprano’s heaven-reaching solo—or raucous and rowdy, as the lusty drinking song, “In taberna.”

For more information about tickets and pricing, visit www.orsymphony.org

Picture this: the annual 97116 Show in Forest Grove, will feature a wide range of artwork from more than 100 area artists in a fun, “grab, pay and go” event. The show runs for one weekend only, on November 21, 22 and 23, 2025, at the Kathrin Cawein Gallery at Pacific University, 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116. The Cawein Gallery is in Les Au Coin Hall, in the center of campus.

On Friday November 21st , enjoy the best selection and free refreshments at the opening reception from 6 to 10 PM, and shop for originals, handmade greeting cards and prints, too. All works are priced at no more than $150 and include art to hang on the wall, and 3D works. The show continues through the weekend, November 22nd and 23rd, from 12 to 4 PM both days.

Artists of all ages from Washington, Yamhill and Columbia Counties are invited to register for the show at https://www.97116artshow.com/ through October 31st..

SALEM PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA PRESENTS A PAIR OF ALL-AGES “FAMILY CONCERTS” NOVEMBER 22 AND 23, conducted by SPO Artistic Director, Jonathan DeBruyn. These concerts feature a stylistic mix of shorter classical to modern compositions, showcasing the different instrumental sections in the orchestra.

Salem Phil’s venue is the East Salem Community Center, 1850 45th Ave. NE, Salem, OR 97305.
Concerts begin at 2:00pm on both days, Saturday, November 22 and Sunday, November 23. SPO musicians will host an instrument “petting zoo”, beginning at 1:00pm in the lobby for youngsters to see up close and try out different orchestral instruments.

Admission: $25 (Adults ages 18-64); $20 (Students 18-64/Srs. 65+); $0 (children/youth through age 17). Tickets may be purchased online at https://www.salemphil.org/buy-tickets/, or at the door on concert day.
Contact information@salemphil.org with questions.

This unforgettable story of passionate young artists remains one of the world’s most beloved operas, reminding us of the beauty and meaning in life’s fleeting moments of joy.

Based on Henry Murger’s 1851 novel Scènes de la vie de bohème, Puccini’s soaring arias tell the tender tale of Mimi and Rodolfo as they face the perils of poverty. A story that transcends time and place, its message of love through adversity resonates deeply with our community’s spirit. In its characters we see ourselves—the artists, the dreamers, and the everyday people, who face challenges but never lose sight of love and connection.

With the Portland Opera Orchestra, Chorus, and Children’s Chorus.

Starting and ending with the mighty hymn to the capricious Goddess Fortuna and her relentlessly turning wheel, the bold tunes and primal rhythms of Carmina Burana celebrate nature, the tavern, and the pleasures of love. It’s earthy and risqué, but sometimes also breathtakingly beautiful—like the soprano’s heaven-reaching solo—or raucous and rowdy, as the lusty drinking song, “In taberna.”

For more information about tickets and pricing, visit www.orsymphony.org

This unforgettable story of passionate young artists remains one of the world’s most beloved operas and reminds us to find beauty in fleeting moments of joy. La Bohème is a gift that keeps giving, making it the perfect first opera to share with someone you love.

With the Portland Opera Orchestra, Chorus, and Children’s Chorus

For tickets and more information, visit portlandopera.org.

Step into a world of beauty and winter magic as Festival Chorale Oregon presents A Celebration of Choral Christmas Masterpieces on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at the Elsinore Theatre in Salem, Oregon. This captivating program spans four centuries of choral brilliance, from Schütz’s Christmas Story, a vivid Baroque retelling of the Nativity, to the contemporary elegance of So Gracious Is the Time, a haunting modern setting of Shakespeare with harp. The concert also features Gordon Jacob’s radiant The New-Born King, a rarely heard treasure. With soloists Nicole Peldyack, Les Green, and Brett Peldyak under the direction of Dr. Solveig Holmquist, audiences will be treated to an unforgettable afternoon of musical warmth and inspiration—just in time for the holiday season.

Price: $30 general admission, $25 senior, $10 student

The Light Opera of Portland (LOoP!) will hold its annual fund-raiser Gala on Sunday, November 23 at the Wingspan Conference and Event Center in Hillsboro.

The opera company, celebrating its 10th anniversary, will be presenting two one-act operas, Trial By Jury by Gilbert and Sullivan and The Zoo by Rowe and Sullivan, as a kickoff to its commitment to perform the entire G & S catalogue during the 150th anniversary year of their original premieres. In addition to the performance, snacks, beverages and a silent auction will be available.

Oregon ArtsWatch called LOoP “A Portland Treasure” and indeed the company has been delighting audiences in the greater Portland area with classics such as Pirates of Penzance and HMS Pinafore, as well as more obscure pieces such as recently performed, Yeomen of the Guard and Patience. Laurence Cox, the artistic director along with Josh Pounders, music director plus a cast of 30 outstanding actors and singers are sure to delight you also.

Admission is free but a donation would be greatly appreciated. Donations may be made online or at the door on November 23. A generous benefactor has offered a matching grant for the first $10,000 raised. The Gala performance is supported, in part, by a grant from the City of Hillsboro.

****************************************************************