October is a symphony of permanence and change.
– Bonaro W. Overstreet

I’ve always loved October. Summer is really over, baseball playoffs and football seasons are in full swing, the Trail Blazers are getting started, and we Portlanders can finally move into full rain dance mode. In the performing arts community, this is our moment of greatest optimism and excitement at finally being able to share our passion for art with our wonderful audiences.

This month we present two great shows that really deliver the virtuosity and variety that you’ve come to expect from us:

Although Dmitri Shostakovich described his final symphony (no. 15) as a “Toy Shop,” it could more aptly be called the “What does it mean?” symphony. The defiance of his previous symphonies is gone, and quotes from Rossini, Beethoven, Strauss, Wagner, and Glinka form a mysterious texture of remembrances of musical influences past. “It was a work which simply grabbed me, one of the few which appeared in my mind with total clarity from first note to last. There was nothing left for me to do but write it down.”

On October 19th, Gemini Project will perform Currents, combining the 15th Symphony of Dmitri Shostakovich (arranged for sextet) with the visionary filmmaking of Portlander Scott Ballard. This is Portland’s creative community in action, a collaborative event that showcases great virtuosity and visual artistry.

Check out the online performance of Gemini from our year in pandemic-monium. This is your chance to hear and see this amazing project live, dear friends!

The evening will begin with another collaboration, Andante, featuring the Pyxis Quartet performing music of Florence Price, accompanying the brilliant animation of Portlander Zak Margolis. Zak’s story of pandemic quarantining is told with beautiful visual artistry, a slow walk down a long hallway toward an optimistic vista at the window at the end.

Seating capacity is limited, so be sure to get your Currents tickets today!

Arcturus Quintet explores music connected to the rhythms, cultures, and unique landscapes of North and South America. From George Gershwin’s big-city-swing to Paquito D’Rivera’s sweltering Aires Tropicales and more, this program is packed with melodies that will move your spirit and rhythms that will get you on your feet. These folks can really play.

This will be our first show in the beautiful Jacobs Center atrium, graciously donated to us for these concerts by the lovely folks at SKB Properties. We’ll take good care of you there, with our volunteers and staff on hand to make sure you have a safe and inspiring experience!

As will be the case with all of our performances, seating capacity has been limited in order to allow for social distancing. Get your tickets while you still can!

Ron Blessinger
Executive Director, 45^th Parallel Universe