#oregon-symphony

#oregon-symphony

"Why aren't there more orchestral concerts featuring Portland classical composers?" The piano concerto they commissioned from Portland composer David Schiff for legendary Portland jazz pianist Darrell Grant notwithstanding ( read about that here) - and also notwithstanding their recent collaborations with Oregon composers Andy Akiho, Nancy Ives, and Giancarlo Castro D'Addona - it seems a fair question for a symphony orchestra with "Oregon" in its name.

I spoke with Danzmayr on a frigid Tuesday morning. He arrived in Portland late the night before from working with the Pro Musica ensemble in Columbus. He showed up just in time for our ten A.M. interview, already brimming with enthusiasm, and spoke with verve. We discussed the origins of the festival, European and American attitudes towards music, and the Oregon Symphony's role in the state's musical culture and economy.