An orchestra walks into a jazz club
October 18 & 19, 2025
esperanza spalding
Overview
It’s a fabulous night of orchestra-meets-jazz with headliner—and Portland’s own—esperanza spalding: bassist, singer, songwriter, composer, and Grammy Award winner performing her own songs with arrangements that showcase the expanded forces of the orchestra. Among esperanza’s heroes is jazz icon and multi-Grammy Award winner Wayne Shorter, whose music you’ll also enjoy on this program, including Gaia, a work for vocals, jazz quartet, and orchestra co-written with spalding.
About the Show
Info
This concert is part of Classical Series A, and is eligible for the Choose Your Own Series.
Here's a taste of what's to come
Esperanza Spalding's Unique Perspective on Music
"Alright y'all, what do we need from music tonight?"
"Alright y’all,what do we need from music tonight?” she asks. It’s 9:00 P.M. and the studio at Harvard’s ArtLab is lit only by lamps. There’s an oval of students on chairs and floor cushions in the center, and in the corner, a tapestry-covered altar with sage and a black votive candle. Clad in a denim jumpsuit and cross-legged next to a student with a keytar is professor of the practice of music and five-time Grammy-winning musician esperanza spalding. She keeps her name uncapitalized and drops the “professor” title, so to students, she’s esperanza.
Celebrating Portland's musical landscape.
Sounds Like Portland showcases Portland's finest musicians
esperanza spalding
It’s a fabulous night of orchestra-meets-jazz with headliner—and Portland’s own—esperanza spalding.
Seven Deadly Sins
Storm Large, Portland’s "favorite songstress”, wows you as she explores the world of The Seven Deadly Sins.
The Decemberists
For their first time performing with an orchestra in nearly two decades, The Decemberists take the stage with the Oregon Symphony for a landmark hometown collaboration.
Coming Fall 2025
Sounds Like Portland
Showcasing Portland's finest musicians
A vibrant celebration of world-class music and musicians from your very own Rose City. From Portland's renowned indie bands like The Decemberists to acclaimed artists like esperanza spalding, and Storm Large, this extraordinary festival promises three weeks of locally rooted musical experiences.
Headliners: Beloved indie icons The Decemberists and Grammy-winning jazz artist esperanza spalding will take the stage alongside Storm Large, Darrell Grant, and other Portland-based stars.
Collaborative Spirit: With performances ranging from indie to classical, this festival embraces Portland’s musical diversity, making it a true reflection of the city’s identity.
Community Connection: Sounds Like Portland offers interactive events, from artist panels to exploring new venues and partnerships. The hope it to create opportunities for audiences to engage with local talent and deepen their connection to the music.