It was a picture-perfect night at Portland’s Waterfront Park last night, when the Oregon Symphony took the stage for the first time since the end of last season. There was a near-capacity crowd (not much grass to be seen, but this being Portland, there was some to be smelled) on hand despite a nearby two-alarm condo fire that snarled traffic in the area just a few hours before the downbeat was due to fall. I have to say that I love playing the waterfront concert every year – except when it’s ungodly hot – the enthusiasm of the crowd is great, and the pomp and circumstance of having a formal, indoor ensemble playing out in the open air makes for a great experience. I also love the hundreds of bikes that are seen locked up around the area, as well as the crowds that assemble on the Hawthorne bridge for the after-concert fireworks display. Now, the season can really start!