PORTLAND YOUTH PHILHARMONIC OPENS 99TH SEASON WITH MUSIC FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Posted on October 10, 2022
PYP to feature new voices, premieres, & classic masterworks on November 12 at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.
This concert is sponsored by the Leo Lester Browne Charitable Fund
PORTLAND, OR – Established in 1924, Portland Youth Philharmonic (PYP), is the United States’ longest running youth orchestra! During its historic 99th season opening concert, Autumn Variations, PYP will feature music from around the world through classic masterworks and new compositions.
Patrons will experience Mexican folk themes in Balada Mexicana by Manuel Ponce, Symphonic Variations by Czech composer Antonín Dvořák, and world premieres of Bruce Stark’s “healing and unifying” (Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner, pianist) Variations for Piano and Strings, and UK-based Iranian composer Farhad Poupel’s “hopeful and nostalgic” (Farhad Poupel) Childhood Memories.
Award-winning, “poetic, electrifying” (Michigan Live) pianist Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner returns to Portland to make his debut with the Philharmonic Orchestra in performances of Ponce’s and Stark’s works:
“Mexican music is very close to my heart,” Llewellyn shared. “My mother was born in Mexico before she came to the United States when she was seven, and the music of Carlos Chavez and Manuel Ponce…I really believe in these composers. I want them to be performed more…Ponce was such a great melodist; he really oozes these wonderful long unending melodic lines and has such a luscious orchestration.”
Llewellyn continued, “[Bruce Stark’s Variations for Piano and Strings] in particular are filled with such complexity and nuance, but also something that is so joyful and it’s as experimental as it is soothing…It’s really a piece that elicits so much healing and sense of unity. It is a very human piece at its core…I really think both pieces – the Ponce and Stark – are going to make you want to dance a little bit, just in a very different way. So, I’m excited about this pairing!”
Also on the program is Farhad Poupel’s Childhood Memories, a much-anticipated world premiere twice delayed during the pandemic. Patrons can expect to be inspired by his use of folk music and lullabies which, as he describes, showcase the “beautiful, colourful, and youthful, yet ancient Iranian (Persian) culture.”
“The second movement is a lullaby, composed in memory of my grandmother,” Farhad reflected. “She has great musical talent, and she sings beautiful lullabies for me. I used some of the motives that I remember from her…I hope the audience can enjoy the work and especially, create in them a sense of hope and nostalgia.”
PYP believes in providing excellent music education to all young musicians, which lends itself to a wonderful musical experience for all to enjoy. With thoughtful training and challenging and rewarding compositions, the Philharmonic Orchestra performs at a level that rivals many of their professional counterparts. PYP hopes you will hear for yourself at their season opening concert on November 12, 2022 at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.
“To those of you who are on the fence about this concert, all I can tell you is that unequivocally, YOU SHOULD COME! It is a wonderful program,” Bruce Stark exclaimed! “There’s new music, old music, and it should be an amazing concert; you won’t regret it!”
Tickets are on sale now! In-person tickets start at $15 for seniors, $20 for adults, and livestream passes are $13. To learn more about the concert, musical artists, and to purchase tickets, visit portlandyouthphil.org/concerts; in-person tickets may also be purchased at the venue door.