If it’s the end of the Oregon Symphony’s season, chances are it’s time to hear one of Mahler’s magnificent symphonies. This season it is his massive Symphony No. 3. It will be my second time playing this wonderful piece, the first having been back in 2003 under Maestro James DePreist. We’ll have a viola section of 12 players (!) instead of our usual 9-10. And 10 cellists, instead of our usual 7-8. There are more violins, too, but that doesn’t concern me so much. It’s a huge orchestra, and along with the instrumental forces, there will be young singers of the Pacific Youth Choir and the women, of the PSU Chamber Choir and Vox Femina. It’s going to be quite the spectacle, you won’t want to miss it!
My musical summer plans are coming along nicely as well.
Late in June and into July, I’m spending a good couple of weeks at the Oregon Bach Festival, playing works by James MacMillan (including the world premiere of his Requiem), Gabriel Kahane, and the great Brahms Requiem.
After a nice respite in Ashland seeing the sights, I’ll be back in the Methow Valley in the North Cascades of Washington to play at the Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival, which will include some fantastic pieces: Schubert’s Adagio and Rondo Brilliante, Mozart’s Horn Quintet, and Schoenberg’s Verklärte Nacht.
Then, it’s back to central Oregon for the Sunriver Music Festival, where the focus is on works inspired by nature and natural beauty.