Pink Martini Band Leader Thomas Lauderdale and In a Landscape Pianist Hunter Noack join America’s oldest youth orchestra to celebrate the conclusion of PYP’s historic Centennial Season on May 31
Posted on May 10, 2024
PORTLAND, OR – Established in 1924, the Portland Youth Philharmonic (PYP) is the longest continually running youth orchestra in the nation. In 100 years, over 5,000 young musicians have passed through their ranks; they annually serve 20,000 young people in our community, introducing the orchestra and spreading the joy of making music with audiences of all ages. On May 31, 2024, the musicians of PYP’s centennial orchestra perform their finale concert “A Century of Incredible Music,” on the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall stage, alongside outstanding guest artists.
To mark this momentous occasion, PYP welcomes special guests, pianist and Pink Martini Band Leader Thomas Lauderdale, and IN A LANDSCAPE: Classical Music in the Wild pianist Hunter Noack, who will perform their unique piano four-hands version of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, also celebrating its 100th year!
“Thomas Lauderdale has a special love for PYP going back to his high school days in Portland,” said Musical Director David Hattner. “He has invited PYP to perform alongside Pink Martini on many occasions. These are always memorable for our musicians and for audiences. With Hunter Noack alongside, this special version of Rhapsody in Blue will celebrate the 100th anniversary of both PYP and this important American composition.”
Hattner will also conduct Jessie Montgomery’s Strum for string orchestra, another American piece that is quickly becoming a classic in the repertoire. Montgomery recently won a GRAMMY for another one of her compositions.
Additionally, former Musical Director and frequent guest conductor Huw Edwards will present Benjamin Britten’s distinctive Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes, Johannes Brahms’s Academic Festival Overture and Franz Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony—the first piece ever performed by this orchestra, which was known as the Portland Junior Symphony until 1978. Hattner remarks that Edwards is a “remarkable part of PYP’s history.” As only the third permanent conductor in PYP’s long history, Edwards “brought a youthful energy and fresh programming to the rehearsal room and concert hall,” which inspired many future professional musicians.
“Although I was only music director of PYP for 7% of its illustrious 100-year history, it has played a huge part in my life and impacted my growth as a musician in a seismic way,” said Edwards. “I look back fondly on my seven years, possess so many good memories, made so many lasting and valued friendships, and the pieces I surveyed with the PYP still resonate so much many years later. It is very touching—and satisfying—to be a part of the centenary season and I look forward to doing pieces by Brahms, Schubert and Britten at the May 31 finale concert, which will be a special occasion and a future PYP memory to be treasured.”
The program honors the amazing legacy of PYP’s 100 years of outstanding music education, community programs, and musical directors who have made the organization what it is today, all of whom will be showcased through a series of mini documentaries throughout the program.
This concert ushers in a new century of musical excellence as PYP moves forward towards Season 101! Learn more and get tickets at portlandyouthphil.org.
Portland Youth Philharmonic Season 100 (2023-2024)
Summary of Event:
Who: Portland Youth Philharmonic, conducted by Musical Director David Hattner
What: A Century of Unforgettable Music
When: Friday, May 31 | 7:30 PM
Where: Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall (1037 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205)
Tickets:
$18 starting; student/senior/group discounts available
$5 Arts for All tickets
Livestream: $13
Program:
- George Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue with Thomas Lauderdale and Hunter Noack
- Jessie Montgomery: Strum
- Franz Schubert: Unfinished Symphony
- Johannes Brahms: Academic Festival Overture
- Benjamin Britten: Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes
Program Sponsor: EyeHealth Northwest.
Concert Co-Sponsors: Suzanne Watnick and Pacific Office Automation
Portland Youth Philharmonic
Portland Youth Philharmonic prepares young people for success through musical excellence. PYP is a vibrant community of over 300 young people who explore their passion for music and grow as individuals while making lifelong friendships. The orchestra’s tradition of excellence in education and performance dates to its founding in 1924.
Hear PYP for yourself at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall or at any time on their popular YouTube channel.
David Hattner, PYP Musical Director
David is only the fifth Musical Director in the Portland Youth Philharmonic’s 100-year history, and he is the first to be born in the United States. Former music critic for The Oregonian, David Stabler, commented that under Hattner’s baton the orchestra “Roared like a Maserati!”
Also a noted clarinetist, David Hattner has regularly been featured in recital on All Classical Radio’s Thursdays @ Three. He has appeared recently with Chamber Music Northwest. He served as the principal clarinetist of the Princeton Symphony, New Jersey Opera Theater, and the Cascade Festival of Music. He has also played with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Oregon American, and New Jersey Symphony Orchestras, as well as Brooklyn Philharmonic Orchestra.
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