Where Will the Music Take You?

Dear Symphony Friends,

Very soon all subscribers to the Oregon Symphony will receive our 2006-2007 season brochure in the mail. We are very proud of the new brochure. It represents not only another fantastic season of music, with artists ranging from Ithzak Perlman to The Pointer Sisters, but also a new way of celebrating that music—through the personal experiences of our audience members and patrons. The brochure, entitled "Where will the music take you?" attempts to capture the unique connections we all have to great music. I hope you catch a glimpse of yourself when you look inside.

Carlos has put together a blockbuster classical season, beginning with a gala opening with Garrick Ohlsson tackling, as only he can, Beethoven's "Emperor" Concerto. As if that weren't enough, the same program features audience favorites Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition and Night on Bald Mountain. The rest of the season is full of core repertoire, including Brahms' Symphony No. 4 and Tchaikovsky's "Pathetique," but is also sprinkled with eclectic, interesting music that will be new to Portland. Highlights include an improvisation of Mozart by pianist Robert Levin and the return of fantastic soloists such as Leila Josefowicz, Stephen Hough, Alban Gerhardt and Colin Currie.

The Pops series opens with a bang in October with The Pointer Sisters, then celebrates several decades of the best in popular music with tributes to Nat King Cole, Motown and the Beatles and Broadway, as well as the Latin jazz by Brasilia, famous Broadway love songs and, of course, our annual holiday presentation of Yuletide Spectacular.

One change for next season is the blending of Front Row Center and the Sundays at Two series to create Inside the Score, an in-depth look at some of the greatest masterpieces ever written.  Inside the Score builds on the success of Front Row Center by taking the behind-the-scenes experience to a broader audience. We are excited about the opportunity it presents for families who are looking for a concert experience that can serve as a bridge between Kids Concerts and the Classical series.

Of course we also have more great Kids concerts planned for next season, and will continue the very popular Encore series of Sunday afternoon Classical Concerts. Finally, we are thrilled to present special events with the incomparable Garrison Keillor, the hilarious Capitol Steps and our wildly popular Gospel Christmas show.

Although there are many great concerts yet to come this season, I encourage you to check out the 2006-2007 season soon. You'll definitely want us to hold your seats!

Sincerely,

William Ryberg
President