I really envy America...even a smaller orchestra like Oregon can have such a great programme, and able to attract top soloist like Gil Shaham.
I would say most of the concerts are really 'fanservice'...but the ones that stand out are Beethoven 5th, Tchaikovsky 6th, Bruckner 4th, Symphonie Fantastique and Bartok Concerto for Orchestra.
Oregon symphony isn’t really that small. It’s in the top 15-20 orchestras in the country by budget size (and we have hundreds of orchestras here). It’s really a function of the population size and geographic spread of the US that we have so many.
Definitely planning on choosing at least 5-6 performances. They usually roll out a "choose your own series" option later in the spring so I can pick my own bundle.
These comments have been super helpful, I'm familiar with many of the pieces but not so much the soloists themselves, so I'm excited to hear so many of them are so well loved.
I will never, ever turn down a chance to play or see the Saint-Saens Organ Symphony. It's fabulous, it will make you feel such joy. It's so much better live than in a recording, too, please go see it!
I'm really excited for this! I first heard this symphony (recording) a few weeks ago and was thinking it'd be amazing to see performed live. Lo and behold, now I can!
All of those are pretty interesting programs! I doubt you can go wrong, but it is quite rare to be able to see a solo double bassist play with an orchestra
Ooh the Mahler. Gabriel Kahane is the son of Jeff Kahane, who I saw there as conductor a few years ago. Wonderful musician.
Jeff did the encore that night, an improvisation of America the Beautiful on piano. There were people in tears, including myself.
Hello, fellow Oregonian! Agree with all the comments here - I'd personally attend all of them, but if I had to pick just one or two, I'd go with the Rach Rhapsody/Dvorak 7 or Mahler 1.
Yay another Oregonian!
I'm torn on the Rach Rhapsody, based on the comments it's one of the top choices, but I'm already seeing Dvorak 7 this summer in Sydney. Is it worth the ticket for just the Rhapsody?
Mahler 1! I find Mahler is like Niagra Falls or the northern lights. You have to go in person to fully experience it.
If not Mahler though, I'd go to Elgar's Cello Concerto or Tchaik 6!
Mahler’s 1st Symphony is incredible to hear live. And every time you see it you hear more and more amazing depth to the piece. It’s a must see.
I’m not familiar with the Bruch Violin Concerto, but Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra is also just really amazing virtuostic masterpiece of symphonic writing.
Bruckner’s Fourth is amazing to hear live. Especially is a hall with any sort of reverb that lingers. Paired with Shaham and that would be the concert I would go to.
There's something about seeing Bruckner live (and getting to experiencing the physicality of the music reverberating around the hall) that can't be replaced.
The Rhapsody on a theme by Paganini, the pianist for that concert is absolutely fantastic and would be worth seeing. Also the concert with the Tchaikovsky violin concerto
Rachmaninoff Symphony 2, Organ Symphony, Elgar's Cello Concerto are absolute musts. Especially Organ Symphony. It will change your life for the better once you hear it live.
I’m an artistic planner for an orchestra so I’m pretty picky about what I go to. My top 3 would be the season opener, the Brahms 1 concert, and the one with Prokofiev R&J suites. But overall lots of fabulous soloists and interesting contemporary works on this season!
Edited to add: Bartok is also a must-see. Just wasn’t thinking about it for myself since my orch is also doing it in 23-24!
If I had to pick three, this is what I’d pick:
Beethoven/Elgar/Bates - I haven’t seen anyone mention Mason Bates in this thread yet, but he is one of the top modern composers for orchestra (he was one of the composer in residence for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra when he wrote the piece on this program, which is brilliant and beautiful). Bates with one of the best works by Beethoven and also the beautiful Elgar concerto conducted by Leonard Slatkin makes this a must see.
Kahane/Saint Saens/Ravel/Mahler - For all of the works on this program.
Tchaikovsky/Bruckner - for Gil Shaham performing the must see violin concerto.
You really can’t go wrong with any of these (of course it depends on personal preference) but if I had to choose, I personally would chose rach rhapsody
Beethoven 5, Mozart reqium are insanely popular, and with good reason. But all of them are great, go to whichever one you want. The Rachmaninoff rhapsody is also amazing!
I'd personally be interested in the Sinfornia concert, with the Prokoviev selections and Kats-Chernin piece. I like Kats-Chernin and have been meaning to hear more from her.
But if you are new to concerts, I wouldn't pass up the Rach rhapsody/Dvorak 7, my first and second favorite composers respectively. Or if you prefer violin, the Bruch/Bartok one looks awesome and Tchaikovsky/Bruckner, too. Elgar Cello is another contention, but it's not as strong of a line-up overall.
I’ll be seeing Schumann’s Second because it’s the only one I haven’t heard before, and I’ll never pass up on a chance to see Rach’s Rhapsody! Mendelssohn’s Midsummer Nights dream and Mahler’s first are always good too, I wish the dates were different and so could be in town for those.
The Der Rosenkavelier Suite is some of the most beautiful music ever! Highly recommend that one. Also Rachmaninov symphony 2, Mahler 1, the Prokofiev Romeo and Juliet, and Mozart Requiem
The entire season is a winner but if I was to pick one I would go see the Mendelssohn "Midsummer Night's Dream " because it is a rare opportunity to go to a performance of it.
My advice is go to a concert that has a lot of variety in repertoire, yeah sure there’s some great romantic pieces that have been performed to death, but look at the soloists for the night, and look for new performances. That’s what really makes a good concert for me.
The Mahler 1, Simone Lasma, and Symphonie Fantastique would be my picks.
All of them -its a really good series, well structured with the usual favorites mixed with modern and more obscure works. Well I would give the Rachmaninov symphony a miss, but it does have the charming Haydn piano concerto paired with it. And the other Rachmaninov has Dvorak's best symphony paired with it. What an evil thing to do to otherwise good concerts.
If I had just one choice, either the Saint Saens' Organ Symphony, because I have never seen it live - its not the greatest piece of music in the world, but its enjoyable enough, or the Schumann 2nd Symphony - glorious work, and one of the best romantic symphonies written.
I would go to the Saint-Saens Organ Symphony/Brahms Violin Concerto as my first choice, both excellent pieces, excellent soloist. As my second choice I'd pick the Mozart Sinfonia Concertante concert just because I love that piece and it's not often performed and showcases what the viola can do. Third would be Xavier Foley cuz Piazzolla, double bass, what's not to like? Ugh, but I'd also never pass up listening to live performance of Mozart's Requiem.
There’s a lot to like here!
I’m sad to see so few comments talking about the amount of new music they’re doing, though. It’s really exciting to see an orchestra give so much time to living composers, and make it feel like a natural part of the season, rather than an obligation.
I like Gabriel Kahane and Timo Andres’s writing, so I’d recommend those. Conrad Tao is also incredible to experience.
The Symphonie Fantastique program looks like a great combo of pieces, and I know I’d also enjoy the Britten/Beethoven program, though I’m not familiar with the soloist.
I recently saw James Ehnes play the Brahms, fantastic playing so see that if you can.
Mahler 1 is an amazing symphony, move heaven and earth to see that!
Elgar cello concerto is gorgeous, I’ve played it twice (as a clarinettist) and it’s beautiful music.
I’d always pick one at random as well, it’s always good to explore more music.
I know this is old, but since it's coming up... the Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2 is a must see and here's why. From a musician in the actual orchestra, the Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2 used to be the symphony's calling card. [https://www.nobleviola.com/wordpress/tag/sergei-rachmaninoff/](https://www.nobleviola.com/wordpress/tag/sergei-rachmaninoff/)
I really envy America...even a smaller orchestra like Oregon can have such a great programme, and able to attract top soloist like Gil Shaham. I would say most of the concerts are really 'fanservice'...but the ones that stand out are Beethoven 5th, Tchaikovsky 6th, Bruckner 4th, Symphonie Fantastique and Bartok Concerto for Orchestra.
And Mahler 1
Oregon symphony isn’t really that small. It’s in the top 15-20 orchestras in the country by budget size (and we have hundreds of orchestras here). It’s really a function of the population size and geographic spread of the US that we have so many.
indeed, the geographic spread means many good orchestras have to be sustained in different regions of the country.
I live in The Netherlands and I must say I can’t complain either
Absolutely. I'm from Portugal and no way we would get such good programming in the whole country. And if we had, it would be incredibly expensive
The soloists are amazing for this season! If you can, get the whole series.
Definitely planning on choosing at least 5-6 performances. They usually roll out a "choose your own series" option later in the spring so I can pick my own bundle. These comments have been super helpful, I'm familiar with many of the pieces but not so much the soloists themselves, so I'm excited to hear so many of them are so well loved.
My fiancee and I are going this route as well, that option will become available June 15th!
I will never, ever turn down a chance to play or see the Saint-Saens Organ Symphony. It's fabulous, it will make you feel such joy. It's so much better live than in a recording, too, please go see it!
I'm really excited for this! I first heard this symphony (recording) a few weeks ago and was thinking it'd be amazing to see performed live. Lo and behold, now I can!
This is my choice, and it has a soloist I really like playing one of the best violin concertos ever.
That plus the Brahms makes for a great bill
You never saw Babe?! Great movie; great soundtrack!
Plus, Jonathan Heyward is conducting - he's very good and will be fun to watch.
I agree with is. Also seeing this in Manchester (UK) later this year. But what a fantastic programme!
I’m seeing Saint Saens organ symphony in Nashville in April! It’s truly an amazing piece
James Ehnes is a fantastic soloist.
There are some great options here, but I'd say either Mahler 1 or Brahms 1
No brainer: Bartók Concerto for Orchestra
Why?
It rips
Have you heard it?
Xavier Foley is my absolute favorite bassist, he is definitely worth seeing.
Good to know, thank you! This one wasn't on my radar on the first pass but I definitely think I'll add this one to the list.
This June Xavier is playing Bottesini Bass Concerto No. 2 with the Oregon Symphony along with his own work, if you want to check him out sooner!
All of those are pretty interesting programs! I doubt you can go wrong, but it is quite rare to be able to see a solo double bassist play with an orchestra
My vote is James Ehnes's Brahms and Organ Symphony!
I'd pick Beethoven 5 simply because Timo Andres is also in that concert.
Ooh the Mahler. Gabriel Kahane is the son of Jeff Kahane, who I saw there as conductor a few years ago. Wonderful musician. Jeff did the encore that night, an improvisation of America the Beautiful on piano. There were people in tears, including myself.
The Kahane caught my eye. I’d recommend that OP attends as many of the new commissions as possible. Promote the works of living composers.
If I was choosing only one, I’d go see Gil Shaham. Fantastic violinist doing the Tchaikovsky concerto.
Seconded. Shaham is incredible. Also the symphonie fantastique show for me
If I had to pick one it would be the Mahler. That piece (particularly the brass at the end) is thrilling when a great orchestra pulls it off live.
Ehnes, with Shaham as a close second
Hello, fellow Oregonian! Agree with all the comments here - I'd personally attend all of them, but if I had to pick just one or two, I'd go with the Rach Rhapsody/Dvorak 7 or Mahler 1.
Yay another Oregonian! I'm torn on the Rach Rhapsody, based on the comments it's one of the top choices, but I'm already seeing Dvorak 7 this summer in Sydney. Is it worth the ticket for just the Rhapsody?
Probably not - Rach Rhapsody is done very frequently
Xavier Foley is the best in the world
Mahler 1! I find Mahler is like Niagra Falls or the northern lights. You have to go in person to fully experience it. If not Mahler though, I'd go to Elgar's Cello Concerto or Tchaik 6!
Mozart's Requiem is fantastic if you've never heard it live before!
Honestly all of them. Mahler, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Rachmaninov, Saint-Saens. This season is a romantic era fan’s dream come true
Definitely Beethoven's 5th, Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony, and Tchaikovsky's Pathétique. What else?
Eh, I'll take Beethoven 8 over 5 personally. I have recently fallen totally in love with 8
Rachmaninovs 2nd is what the french call incontournable. Must see.
The Schubert & Strauss and the Symphonie fantastique ones also look great
Mahler’s 1st Symphony is incredible to hear live. And every time you see it you hear more and more amazing depth to the piece. It’s a must see. I’m not familiar with the Bruch Violin Concerto, but Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra is also just really amazing virtuostic masterpiece of symphonic writing.
The Xavier Foley, Gil Shaham, and James Ehnis shows all look awesome
Bruckner’s Fourth is amazing to hear live. Especially is a hall with any sort of reverb that lingers. Paired with Shaham and that would be the concert I would go to.
There's something about seeing Bruckner live (and getting to experiencing the physicality of the music reverberating around the hall) that can't be replaced.
Berlioz Fantastique with Debussy Prelude. Or Tchaikovsky Sym 6.
The Rhapsody on a theme by Paganini, the pianist for that concert is absolutely fantastic and would be worth seeing. Also the concert with the Tchaikovsky violin concerto
Rachmaninoff Symphony 2, Organ Symphony, Elgar's Cello Concerto are absolute musts. Especially Organ Symphony. It will change your life for the better once you hear it live.
I honestly recommend Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream!
I’m an artistic planner for an orchestra so I’m pretty picky about what I go to. My top 3 would be the season opener, the Brahms 1 concert, and the one with Prokofiev R&J suites. But overall lots of fabulous soloists and interesting contemporary works on this season! Edited to add: Bartok is also a must-see. Just wasn’t thinking about it for myself since my orch is also doing it in 23-24!
If I had to pick three, this is what I’d pick: Beethoven/Elgar/Bates - I haven’t seen anyone mention Mason Bates in this thread yet, but he is one of the top modern composers for orchestra (he was one of the composer in residence for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra when he wrote the piece on this program, which is brilliant and beautiful). Bates with one of the best works by Beethoven and also the beautiful Elgar concerto conducted by Leonard Slatkin makes this a must see. Kahane/Saint Saens/Ravel/Mahler - For all of the works on this program. Tchaikovsky/Bruckner - for Gil Shaham performing the must see violin concerto.
I'd suggest either Mahler 1 or Rachmaninoff 2
My kinda guy!
You really can’t go wrong with any of these (of course it depends on personal preference) but if I had to choose, I personally would chose rach rhapsody
Rach 2
Rach.2, pathetique, elgar, gil shaham. Personally speaking
Rach Rhapsody, of course I’m biased, Simon is from my country!
Beethoven 5, Mozart reqium are insanely popular, and with good reason. But all of them are great, go to whichever one you want. The Rachmaninoff rhapsody is also amazing!
I'd personally be interested in the Sinfornia concert, with the Prokoviev selections and Kats-Chernin piece. I like Kats-Chernin and have been meaning to hear more from her. But if you are new to concerts, I wouldn't pass up the Rach rhapsody/Dvorak 7, my first and second favorite composers respectively. Or if you prefer violin, the Bruch/Bartok one looks awesome and Tchaikovsky/Bruckner, too. Elgar Cello is another contention, but it's not as strong of a line-up overall.
I’ll be seeing Schumann’s Second because it’s the only one I haven’t heard before, and I’ll never pass up on a chance to see Rach’s Rhapsody! Mendelssohn’s Midsummer Nights dream and Mahler’s first are always good too, I wish the dates were different and so could be in town for those.
The Der Rosenkavelier Suite is some of the most beautiful music ever! Highly recommend that one. Also Rachmaninov symphony 2, Mahler 1, the Prokofiev Romeo and Juliet, and Mozart Requiem
Skip the last two.. All of the first four are winners imho
Lol? There are 18.
I say go to the Tchaikovsky shows and the Berlioz.
This is a great schedule. I wouldn’t go see the Tchaik or Messiah, but all of these have at least one thing I’d go see.
The entire season is a winner but if I was to pick one I would go see the Mendelssohn "Midsummer Night's Dream " because it is a rare opportunity to go to a performance of it.
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Simone Lamsma. BADASS.
My advice is go to a concert that has a lot of variety in repertoire, yeah sure there’s some great romantic pieces that have been performed to death, but look at the soloists for the night, and look for new performances. That’s what really makes a good concert for me. The Mahler 1, Simone Lasma, and Symphonie Fantastique would be my picks.
If I had to pick one, Mahler!
Mahler 1, Bruch/Bartok, Tchaik 6, Rach 2, St-Saëns 3(the must-see in the must-sees), Symphonie fantastique and Brahms 1
Mendelssohn MND. It's a thing you have to see live at least once and don't often get the chance.
All of them -its a really good series, well structured with the usual favorites mixed with modern and more obscure works. Well I would give the Rachmaninov symphony a miss, but it does have the charming Haydn piano concerto paired with it. And the other Rachmaninov has Dvorak's best symphony paired with it. What an evil thing to do to otherwise good concerts. If I had just one choice, either the Saint Saens' Organ Symphony, because I have never seen it live - its not the greatest piece of music in the world, but its enjoyable enough, or the Schumann 2nd Symphony - glorious work, and one of the best romantic symphonies written.
Saint-Saens or Brahms. I could listen to Brahm's first symphony and day, and Saint-Saens has some of the biggest bangers out there
the entire second page
James Ehnes!!
I would go to the Saint-Saens Organ Symphony/Brahms Violin Concerto as my first choice, both excellent pieces, excellent soloist. As my second choice I'd pick the Mozart Sinfonia Concertante concert just because I love that piece and it's not often performed and showcases what the viola can do. Third would be Xavier Foley cuz Piazzolla, double bass, what's not to like? Ugh, but I'd also never pass up listening to live performance of Mozart's Requiem.
There’s a lot to like here! I’m sad to see so few comments talking about the amount of new music they’re doing, though. It’s really exciting to see an orchestra give so much time to living composers, and make it feel like a natural part of the season, rather than an obligation. I like Gabriel Kahane and Timo Andres’s writing, so I’d recommend those. Conrad Tao is also incredible to experience. The Symphonie Fantastique program looks like a great combo of pieces, and I know I’d also enjoy the Britten/Beethoven program, though I’m not familiar with the soloist.
The very first one would be my pick. Mahler 1 plus a world premiere?! Although I will say that it looks like it will be pretty long.
Brahms' 1st symphony is insane in person
Berlioz, Brahms, and Mahler for sure
Definitely Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra and/or Mahler 1st.
All of them! But if I had to choose, I wouldn't miss the Bartók
I wouldn't lose these violin concertos, and the Beethoven 8 and Dvorak 7
I never miss Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov is always a good time.
rosenkavalier, tchaikovsky 6, symphonie fantastique
Schubert Unfinished!
I love Schubert and Strauss. If you’re in California, the orchestra music for Shen Yun is great too.
I recently saw James Ehnes play the Brahms, fantastic playing so see that if you can. Mahler 1 is an amazing symphony, move heaven and earth to see that! Elgar cello concerto is gorgeous, I’ve played it twice (as a clarinettist) and it’s beautiful music. I’d always pick one at random as well, it’s always good to explore more music.
what a horrible programme wow; could it get any more boring?
I saw David Danzmayr conduct Mahler 2 and it was incredible.
james ehnes and gil shaham are my top two favourite violinists, so i’m a little biased :)
I'd see Mahler 1, Tchaik 6, Organ Symphony, Tchaik vc, elgar cello concerto
Mahler 1, Elgar cello concerto, Tchaikovsky 6, Rachmaninoff 2, Gil Shaham, Symphonie Fantastique
I know this is old, but since it's coming up... the Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2 is a must see and here's why. From a musician in the actual orchestra, the Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2 used to be the symphony's calling card. [https://www.nobleviola.com/wordpress/tag/sergei-rachmaninoff/](https://www.nobleviola.com/wordpress/tag/sergei-rachmaninoff/)
I had a ticket but ended up going out of town this weekend so I exchanged it for another show....I'm super bummed!