Portland Columbia Symphony announces expanded 8-concert season with outdoor, indoor, virtual, and in-person events

Highlights of the Season  With ticketed events every month but one between September and May, about 38% of the season’s programming reflects under-represented composers, including Barbara Harbach, Jessie Montgomery, Reynaldo Hahn, and Anna Clyne.
 Classical heavyweights include Copland’s Appalachian Spring, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, Piazzolla’s Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, and Brahms’ Second Symphony.
 After delighting audiences in The Soldier’s Tale in April, 2021, local broadcast hero Robert McBride returns to the PCSO stage alongside Portland’s own Lisa Neher to recite the poetry of Edith Sitwell in William Walton’s “Façade.” Music Director Steven Byess and Executive Director Rebekah Phillips will also be featured as speakers.
 One of the five living composers to be featured is Portland-based composer Slate Wilson, a retired surgeon from OHSU and long-time supporter and Board member of PCSO. PCSO will give the World Premiere of his Fantasy for Reed Quintet, String Orchestra, and Harp, featuring PCSO members as soloists.
 After being forced to cancel its first Sensory and Family Friendly Concert in 2020, PCSO will present this program in May, 2022 at Beaverton’s new Reser Center for the Arts. The concert is designed to be accessible to listeners of all ages and abilities, including those on the autism spectrum.

Season Passes of 6, 7, and 8 concerts are on sale now for Portland Columbia Symphony’s 2021-2022 Season at pcsymphony.org or by calling 503-234-4077. Single tickets ($20-$35) go on sale to the public in August. Complete information about programs and artists, including our COVID-19 Ticket Policy, can be found at pcsymphony.org.
Portland Columbia Symphony 2021-2022 SEASON
Season Passes on sale now at pcsymphony.org or by calling 503-234-4077.
FREE OUTDOOR CONCERT  A free concert for the community! Tickets are required. Reservations can be made starting in August. Season Pass holders can add this concert to their package for premium seating.
PCSO Pops in the Park Saturday, September 25, 4 pm (Rain date: Sunday, September 26, 4 pm) Grant Park (NE 33rd and US Grant Place)
Your favorite classical tunes are best enjoyed among friends, wouldn’t you agree? Pack a picnic and a blanket and celebrate the start of the season with Steven Byess and your entire Portland Columbia Symphony family.
CLASSICAL SERIES  Three virtual concerts in the fall, followed by three in-person indoor concerts after the New Year.
Façade Saturday, October 16, 7:30 pm Virtual Concert Premiere
Robert McBride, speaker Lisa Neher, speaker Steven Byess, speaker Rebekah Phillips, speaker
William Walton Façade – An Entertainment
After delighting audiences in The Soldier’s Tale, Robert McBride returns to the PCSO stage alongside Portland’s own Lisa Neher to recite the ticklingly clever, wonderfully rhythmic poetry of Dame Edith Sitwell, set brilliantly to music by a young William Walton.

Appalachian Spring Saturday, November 20, 7:30 pm Virtual Concert Premiere
Barbara Harbach American Solstice Copland Appalachian Spring (1944)
The joyful spirit of Copland’s Appalachian Spring evokes pristine waters, serene forests, an abundant harvest, and gratitude for all this life has to offer. Drawing on the memorable Shaker tune, “Simple Gifts,” it’s nothing short of an American masterpiece.
Brassy Christmas Saturday, December 11, 2021, 7:30 pm Virtual Concert Premiere
Cozy up by the fire with a plate of your favorite cookies and turn up the volume to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with charming holiday arrangements from the PCSO Brass!
Four Seasons of Buenos Aires Friday, January 28, 7:30 pm First United Methodist Church Sunday, January 30, 3 pm Mt. Hood Community College
Tomás Cotik, violin
Jessie Montgomery Banner Fauré Masques et Bergamasques Piazzolla Four Seasons of Buenos Aires
Piazzolla’s tribute to the seasons is sultry, sensual, mysterious, and thrilling, transporting audiences to the tango-filled nightlife of Buenos Aires.
Brahms’ Symphony No. 2 Friday, March 11, 7:30 pm First United Methodist Church Sunday, March 13, 3 pm Mt. Hood Community College
Reynaldo Hahn À Chloris Slate Wilson Fantasy for Reed Quintet, String Orchestra, and Harp (World Premiere)

Debussy Petite Suite Brahms Symphony No. 2
Though his other symphonies are known for their brooding introspection, all is well in Brahms’ pastoral Second Symphony, which shines with the light, airy radiance of the Alpine countryside.
Beethoven’s Fifth Friday, May 6, 7:30 pm First United Methodist Church Sunday, May 8, 3 pm Reser Center for the Arts (Beaverton)
Rainer Eudeikis, cello
Anna Clyne Restless Oceans Shostakovich Cello Concerto. No. 1 Beethoven Symphony No. 5
In a program that wrestles with darkness and light, struggle and triumph, Beethoven’s iconic Fifth Symphony finally emerges victorious. What an exhilarating way to cap the season!
SENSORY AND FAMILY FRIENDLY CONCERT  This afternoon concert is the perfect setting for people of all ages and abilities to experience the joys of symphonic music. Concert includes flexible seating options, comfortable lighting and volumes, opportunities for participation, and engaging, entertaining musical selections.
Sensory and Family Friendly Concert Saturday, May 7, 2 pm Reser Center for the Arts (Beaverton)
Rainer Eudeikis, cello
This afternoon concert is the perfect setting for people of all ages and abilities to experience the joys of symphonic music!

ANNUAL GALA & FUNDRAISER  Tickets announced in October, 2021.
2022 Gala & Auction: Around the World Saturday, February 19 The Redd (831 SE Salmon St.)
We’re ready to travel, how about you? This season, let global cuisine, wine, and musical performances by Portland Columbia Symphony take you on a journey around the world. What better way to support the orchestra and musicians you love? The event includes our signature auction and paddle raise, so place your bids and enjoy the ride!
ABOUT PORTLAND COLUMBIA SYMPHONY: Founded in 1982, the Portland Columbia Symphony cultivates and champions a diverse community of musicians and audiences through affordable and accessible performances. Under the musical direction of Steven Byess, PCSO gathers artists and audiences in friendly, accessible, affordable experiences that deepen connections to the art form through the design of culturally and locally relevant programming, an inclusive narrative, and educational programs that engage audiences from Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. PCSO maintains a dual performance schedule, with concerts held in both Portland and East County.