Bravo Series with Christopher Parkening
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
1037 S.W. Broadway
Nov. 9-11
Tickets start at $16
503-796-9293
www.oregonsymphony.org
Christopher Parkening is simply the leading classical guitarist of our time. In performing this Rodrigo piece, he pays tribute both to the genius of the Spanish composer as well as to his own teacher and mentor, the legendary Andr퀌�s Segovia, for whom the challenging work was composed.
He brings his incomparable phrasing and virtuosity back to Portland with a performance of the well-known “Fantasia para un Gentilhombre” by Joaquin Rodrigo with guest conductor Michael Stern, who is making his debut conducting Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5 and the US premier of Austrian Composer Herbert Willi’s “Encounter for Orchestra.”
Called “America’s reigning classical guitarist” by the Los Angeles Times, Parkening has captivated audiences with the elegance of his sound for more than 25 years. The Washington Post heralds him as “the leading guitar virtuoso of our day, combining profound musical insight with complete technical mastery of his instrument.”
Parkening’s eloquent musicianship and uniquely beautiful sound are a rare combination of his dramatic virtuosity. He’s performed at the White House, appeared with Placido Domingo and participated in Carnegie Hall’s 100th anniversary celebration. He’s also made the television rounds on “The Tonight Show,” “Good Morning America,” “CBS Sunday Morning,” “The Today Show” and “20/20.” He was also voted “Best Classical Guitarist” in a nationwide reader’s poll of Guitar Player Magazine.
Parkening has other interests as well. At Pepperdine University, where he’s been appointed to chair the “Christopher Parkening Chair in Classical Guitar,” he was named a distinguished Professor of Music. Additionally, he teaches an annual summer master class at Montana State University. He’s authored “The Christopher Parkening Guitar Method, Volumes I and II,” basic pedagogy books for beginning and advanced players.
Michael Stern, through his highly successful tenures with orchestras in Europe and the United States, the American conductor has established a flourishing international reputation. His latest venture is the founding of IRIS, a new orchestra in residence at the Germantown Performing Arts Centre in Tennessee. Since its inaugural concert in September 2000 the project has received unanimous public and critical acclaim. The orchestra has dedicated itself not only to revitalizing the experience of presenting a broad mix of chamber orchestra repertoire, but also to supporting American music. In its opening season, IRIS has already commissioned and will record new works by such composers as Stephen Hartke, Richard Danielpour and Edgar Meyer.
Increase your enjoyment and understanding of the music being performed by the Oregon Symphony this season by attending these informal pre-concert discussions at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Admission to pre-concert lectures is free to all concert ticket holders.
Dr. Kevin Walczyk, professor of Music at Western Oregon University is hosting this pre-concert lecture. Discussion will include what to listen for in modern music, with an emphasis on Herbert Willi’s “Begegnung for Orchestra,” tracing the contrasting compositional traits in “Begegnung” through the historical precedents of post-modern style.
Pre-concert lectures occur one hour prior to each Classical Series concert, from the stage, and last 30 minutes. Saturday and Sunday pre-concert lectures are held from 6:30-7 p.m., Monday pre-concert lectures are held from 7-7:30 p.m.