Friday, January 25, 2008

Matt Haimovitz plays Schumann Cello Concerto with PSU Symphony


The Portland State University Orchestra moves downtown to present its winter concert at the Newmark Theater. Besides the Schumann Cello Concerto, the program includes the U.S. premiere of Wolfgang Rihm's "Ricercare in memoriam Luigi Nono," the U.S. premiere of Bryan Johanson's "Quick as a Wink," and Johannes Brahms' Double Concerto with violinist Andy Simionescu and cellist Matt Haimovitz.

Entitled "Juxtapositions" this concert continues the vision of conductor (and professor) Ken Selden, who programs a mixture of contemporary music and beloved works. Last year was Selden's first with the PSU Symphony, and his fearless leadership into new repertoire caused the PSU Symphony to win First Prize in Adventurous Programming from ASCAP and the American Symphony Orchestra League (beating out the nation's music conservatories and top-rated music schools).

Haimovitz is known for his performances around town in unorthodox places like coffee shops, outdoor music festivals, and clubs. But he has had an international career since he first soloed at the ripe age of 13 with Zubin Mehta and the Israel Philharmonic. Since then, Haimovitz has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, the New York Philharmonic, the English Chamber Orchestra, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Cleveland Orchestra among others.

The concert starts at 8 pm on Saturday. Don't miss it!

Tickets prices are $15 for adults; $10 for seniors; $8 for students; and PSU faculty, staff and students are admitted free with PSU ID. Tickets are available at the PSU Box Office (1825 SW Broadway), by calling 503-725-3307 or at Antoinette Hatfield Hall (1111 SW Broadway).

You can find more about the PSU Symphony on MySpace.

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