Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA

5th Annual Piano Extravaganza / Chamber Music Series
2020-01-19 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | First Presbyterian Church, 4300 Main Street, Vancouver, WA, 98663, United States
DETAILS
5th Annual Piano Extravaganza
Enjoy our fifth annual Piano Extravaganza, “Return of the Duo Grand Pianos.”

DATE/TIME
Sunday January 19, 2020 @ 3:00 pm
PURCHASE TICKETS

A VSO Holiday Celebration / Classical Concert Series
2019-12-14 - 2019-12-15 | Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th St., Vancouver, WA, 98685, United States
DETAILS
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra kicks off the holiday season with a celebration of classic pieces by Tchaikovsky, Bach and Strauss. Joining the VSO are renowned Austrian soprano, Charlotte Pistor, and dancers from the local Columbia Dance Studio, who are back by popular demand following last year’s triumphant performance. The concert features the 70+ member symphony orchestra led by Music Director and Conductor Salvador Brotons, now in his 29th season with the VSO.
The celebration begins with Rossini’s La gazza ladra, which translates to “The Thieving Magpie.” The familiar piece was famously used in Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange. Then the VSO welcomes dancers from Columbia Dance Company, led by Becky Moore, to perform excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet, including Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy, Arabian Dance and Waltz of the Flowers. Following intermission, famed soprano, Charlotte Pistor, comes to the stage to perform holiday carol favorites such as O Holy Night and an arrangement by Bruce Chase will take the audience on a tour of holiday music from around the world.
What: Gioacchino Rossini’s Overture to La gazza ladra, Tchaikovsky’s Suite No.1 from The Nutcracker, Op.71a, Johann Sebastian Bach / Charles Gounod’s Ave Maria, Johann Strauss’ Vienna Blood Waltz, Op. 354, Pietro Yon Gesù Bambino, Strauss’ Thunder and Lightning Polka, Op. 274, Adolphe Adam’s Cantique de Noël (O Holy Night), Bruce Chase’s Around the World at Christmas Time and Strauss’ Blue Danube Waltz, Op. 314
About Columbia Dance Company
Columbia Dance presents dance as a life-enhancing experience to students and the community by setting high artistic standards in classical ballet education and performance, while creating a positive, nurturing and challenging environment where dance appreciation thrives. For more information, please visit columbiadance.org
About Becky Moore
Becky Moore received her ballet training from Laguna Ballet, Contra Costa Ballet, and The School of American Ballet. She also earned degrees in ballet and business at Indiana University, studying on scholarship under Violette Verdy. Becky has danced professionally around the country with The Cincinnati Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet, Ballet West and The Washington Ballet where Washington Ballet Artistic Director, Septime Webre, recognized Becky’s talents off the stage. Soon after she joined the company, he plucked her to start staging the children’s’ roles of his Nutcracker. She eventually become Washington Ballet’s Artistic Coordinator where she served as Ballet Mistresses for Septime Webre’s The Nutcracker and Cinderella, as well as a faculty member for the esteemed Washington School of Ballet. After four years dancing, teaching and setting ballets at The Washington Ballet, Becky joined the staff and faculty of Marin Ballet in the San Francisco Bay Area. She spent 11 years as Marin Ballet’s Artistic Coordinator during which time she oversaw the pre-pointe and early pointe training of over 150 students and was introduced to Regional Dance and Ballet Alliance Festivals. In June 2019, Becky proudly joined Columbia Dance as Artistic and School Director. She believes passionately that through dance education we can instill life enhancing qualities in our students. The teamwork, self-discipline, attention to detail and love of physical exercise and creative expression learned and honed in the ballet studio will serve the students indefinitely and carry over into all aspects of their lives
About Charlotte Pistor
The American soprano, Charlotte Pistor, received her musical training at the University of Oregon and completed in 1990 her musical studies at Portland State University. They were followed by master classes in 1990 at the renowned “Internationalen Stiftung Mozarteum” (Mozarteum International Summer Academy) in Salzburg with masters such as Peter Schreier and Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. Charlotte Pistor then started her first operatic engagement at the Salzburg Landestheater (Salzburg State Theater) in 1991, singing the coloratura-soubrette roles there through 1995. She worked there under directors such as Harry Kupfer and John Cox. A freelance artist since 1995, Charlotte Pistor is much in demand as a Lieder, operetta and operatic soloist. For the past 17 years, she has lived and performed in Salzburg, Austria, where she is married and has a family. She has garnered the reputation as an outstanding Mozart interpreter, performing the demanding C Minor Mass, Requiem and Coronation Mass—as first soprano soloist at the Salzburg Cathedral. She has had numerous engagements in Salzburg, but also travels and singsthroughout Europe, with regular guest appearances in Japan and the U.S. In 2006, she sang Johannes Brahms Requiem with the Spokane Symphony, Mozart at the Astoria Music Festival and other repertoire with regional orchestras in the Northwest. She recently sang for Seattle Opera’s Speight Jenkins and Seattle Symphony Orchestra’s Gerard Schwarz. In 2008, she sang a tour of America’s Four Last Songs by Richard Strauss with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Her warm, vibrant, lyric soprano voice combined with her heartfelt interpretations have delighted audiences wherever she sings. Charlotte Pistor sang the entire J.S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio (BWV 248) in Salzburg. In January 2012, she sang Austrian operetta in the beautiful Sala 1 Pau Casals in L’Auditori in Barcelona, Spain. She sang Austrian operetta in St. Wolfgang, Austria, in June 2012. In September 2012, she gave Lieder concerts of water songs sung in French, German and English in Washington State and Oregon.
About The VSO
The VSO, now in its 41st season, has been a cornerstone of Southwest Washington’s arts community, providing symphony music of the highest caliber in live performances and through music education in schools, concert halls, and throughout the community. For more information, please visit vancouversymphony.org.
DATE/TIME
December 14 @ 3 p.m.
December 15 @ 7 p.m.
Skyview Concert Hall
1300 NW 139th Street
Vancouver WA. 98685
PURCHASE TICKETS

Afternoon Trios / Chamber Music Series
2019-10-13 15:00 - 17:00 | First Presbyterian Church, 4300 Main Street, Vancouver, WA, 98663, United States
DETAILS
The Vancouver Symphony’s Chamber Music Series presents “Afternoon Trios”
Starring principal Orchestra members in delightful sets of trios and shorter pieces showcasing the clarinet, piano and cello. Co-founders Dr. Igor Shakhman and Dr. Michael Liu will perform three showpiece works for clarinet and piano: Eastern Dances by the distinguished 20th-century Russian musician and teacher Sergei Vasilenko, Rigoletto Fantasia by composer Luigi Bassi who derived the piece from themes of Verdi’s opera Rigoletto, and Three Latin Dances by 21st-century composer and clarinetist Michele Mangani.

Also helping to support the VSO Chamber Series with this concert are VSO clarinetist and OPB CEO Steve Bass and longtime VSO cellist and supporter Suzanne Rague. They will be joined by Dr. Michael Liu on two sets of trio pieces for clarinet, cello, and piano. Featured will be a collection of short Character Pieces by the late romantic era Czech-German composer Alexis Hollaender as well as a collection of Trio Miniatures by another late romantic era composer, Russian-Swiss composer Paul Juon.

Show screens at the First Presbyterian Church on Sunday, October 13th at 3:00 PM.
First Presbyterian Church, 4300 Main St, Vancouver, WA 98663

DATE/TIME
Sunday October 13, 2019 @ 3:00 pm
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“The Magic of Music” Annual Fundraising Gala
2019-09-28 | Black Pearl on the Columbia, 56 S 1st St, Washougal, WA, 98671, United States

Classical Concert: September 28-29, 2019
2019-09-28 - 2019-09-29 | Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th St., Vancouver, WA, 98685, United States
DETAILS
Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2
Guest Artist: Vladimir Feltsman, piano
Tchaikovsky – Piano Concerto No. 1
Rachmaninoff – Symphony No. 2

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra opens its 2019-2020 season with an all-Russian concert featuring masterworks by Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff. The concert features the 70+ member symphony orchestra led by Music Director and conductor Salvador Brotons.
Joining Maestro Brotons and the VSO will be critically-acclaimed Russian-born piano virtuoso, Vladimir Feltsman. Mr. Feltsman will perform Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovskys Piano Concerto No. 1 in B minor, Op. 23.
In the second half, Maestro Brotons and the VSO will deliver one of the most beloved works in all of symphonic literature Sergei Rachmaninoffs Symphony No. 2 in E minor.
We are thrilled to have Mr. Feltsman join the VSO in Tchaikovskys Piano Concerto said VSO Executive Director Igor Shakhman. This opening concert showcases two outstanding compositions, setting the stage for an exciting season full of remarkable music!
Performances are scheduled for Saturday, September 28 at 3 pm and Sunday, September 29 at 7 pm. They will be held at Skyview Concert Hall, located at 1300 NW 139th Street in Vancouver, WA.
About Vladimir Feltsman
Pianist and Conductor Vladimir Feltsman is one of the most versatile musicians of our time. Born in Moscow in 1952, Mr. Feltsman debuted with the Moscow Philharmonic at age 11. In 1969, he entered the Moscow Tchaikovsky State Conservatory of Music to study piano under the guidance of Professor Jacob Flier. In 1979, because of his growing discontent with the restrictions on artistic freedom under the Soviet regime, Mr. Feltsman signaled his intention to emigrate by applying for an exit visa. In response, he was immediately banned from performing in public and his recordings were suppressed. After eight years of virtual artistic exile, he was finally granted permission to leave the Soviet Union. Upon his arrival in the United States in 1987, Mr. Feltsman was warmly greeted at the White House, where he performed his first recital in North America. That same year, his debut at Carnegie Hall established him as a major pianist on the American and international scene. He has now appeared with all the major American orchestras and on the most prestigious musical stages and festivals worldwide.
About Salvador Brotons
Maestro Salvador Brotons returns to Vancouver for his 29th season as Artistic Director and Conductor of the VSO. In addition to the VSO, he has been the Music Director and Conductor of the Orquestra Simfnica de les Illes Balears Ciutat de Palma (1997-2001, 2009-2013) and the Orquestra Sinfnica del Valls (1997-2002). He is presently the Conductor of the Barcelona Symphonic Band. In 2005, he received the Arts Council award by the Clark County and The City of Vancouver as well as the Kiwanis Rose Award. He has guest-conducted orchestras in countries such as the U.S., Israel, France, Germany, China, Poland, South Korea, Mexico, Uruguay, and Colombia.
DATE/TIME
Saturday September 28, 2019 @ 3:00 pm
Sunday September 29, 2019 @ 7:00 pm
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VSO Goes Back To The Movies / Chamber Music Series
2019-09-15 15:00 - 17:00 | VSAA Royal Durst Theatre, 3101 Main Street, Vancouver, WA, 98663, United States
DETAILS
VSO Goes Back to the Movies
First installment of the VSO “Goes Back to the Movies” silent film series
featuring Buster Keaton in “The General” with live chamber music
accompaniment and pianist, Rodney Sauer.

DATE/TIME
Sunday September 15, 2019 @ 3:00 pm
PURCHASE TICKETS

A Gallery Of Music & Musicians / Classical Concert
2019-06-01 - 2019-06-02 | Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th St., Vancouver, WA, 98685, United States
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A Gallery of Music and Musicians
DETAILS
Experience the iconic Pictures at an Exhibition, Mussorgsky’s suite that takes viewers on a musical tour through an art gallery with each movement. Join the VSO in the premiere of Maestro Salvador Brotons’ work, Concerto for Violin and Cello, costarring VSO Concertmaster Eva Richey and Principal cello, Dieter Ratzlaf.
DATE/TIME
Saturday June 1, 2019 @ 3:00 pm
Sunday June 2, 2019 @ 7:00 pm
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Encore: A Celebration of Chamber Music / Chamber Concert Series
2019-05-05 15:00 - 17:00 | VSAA Royal Durst Theatre, 3101 Main Street, Vancouver, WA, 98663, United States
VSO Chamber Orchestra Debut with Ko Iwasaki

WORLD-RENOWNED CELLIST, KO IWASAKI HEADLINES UNVEILING OF BRAND-NEW VSO CHAMBER ORCHESTRA MAY 5TH IN CHAMBER SEASON FINALE.
Following his captivating performances with the VSO Chamber Music Ensemble in 2016 and 2017, internationally renowned cellist Ko Iwasaki returns to Vancouver Sunday, May 5th at 3:00 PM for the exciting Chamber Music Series season finale. Mr. Iwasaki will perform Haydn’s thrilling Cello Concerto in C and Tchaikovsky’s own arrangement of Andante Cantabile for Cello and strings from the String Quartet No.1, arguably Tchaikovsky’s most popular Chamber works. This concert is the inaugural performance of the VSO Chamber Orchestra; a 24- piece orchestra presenting virtuosic masterpieces in the comfortable setting of the VSAA Royal Durst Theatre under the baton of Dr. Igor Shakhman.
Program will include:

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Eine kleine Nachtmusik for Strings
Franz Joseph Haydn Cello Concerto in C
Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky Andante Cantabile from the Sting Quartet in D (Arranged by the composer)
Ko Iwasaki, Cello
Ernst Bloch Concerto Grosso for String Orchestra with Piano Obbligato
Michael Liu, Piano
Astor Piazzolla Fuga Y Misterio

Details:
Sunday May 5, 2019 @ 3:00 pm
VSAA The Royal Durst Theatre, 3101 Main Street St, Vancouver, WA 98663
Prices are $25 for adults and $10 for students.
PURCHASE TICKETS

This concert is generously sponsored in part by Ann Bardacke and David Wolf;
Leonard and Betsy Liu and Michael Liu and Nien Wei Hsiao.
Piano is generously provided by Michelle’s Pianos.

About Ko Iwasaki
First-Prize winner of the Japan National Music Competition in 1960, Ko Iwasaki studied cello with Hideo Saito. After graduating from the Toho Gakuen High School, he continued his studies at the Juilliard School under Leonard Rose. In 1965 he made his New York debut in the Young Concert Artists Series. Later, he studied with Harvey Shapiro and Pablo Casals in Puerto Rico. He has won top prizes in numerous international cello competitions such as the Vienna, Munich, Budapest, Cassado, and Tchaikovsky competitions. In 1971, he received the Arts Minister Award for Young Artists and the Arts Festival Record Prize for his performance of contemporary Japanese cello music. In 1972, he made his European debut with the London Symphony Orchestra with Andre Previn.
Since 1974, he has been based in the United States where he has performed both as a soloist and as a chamber music player, as well as in Europe, the former Soviet Union, and Japan. In addition, he has participated in numerous festivals, including Marlboro, Aspen, Santa Fe, Lockenhaus, and Kuhumo. He is also a founder of the Tokyo Chamber Soloists and was a director of the Okinawa Moon Beach Music Camp & Festival in Japan. Since 1995, he has performed the entire cycle of Beethoven String Quartets as a member of the Japan String Quartet.

About Michael C. Liu
Michael C. Liu, MD, was born in the Chicago area and started the piano at the age of 4. He was fortunate to have won several prizes and awards in his youth that allowed him the opportunity to perform in both the U.S. and abroad. His primary teachers included the late George Banhalmi and noted English pianist Ian Hobson. He attended Tanglewood and Meadowmount summer music programs where he developed his love of chamber music. Dr. Liu received both degrees in chemistry and music prior to attending the Mayo Medical School and Mayo Graduate School of Medicine in Rochester, MN for his medical studies. He has been a faculty/professor for the Family Medicine of SW Washington Residency Program at the PeaceHealth Medical Center since 2007. Dr. Liu has been a long-time supporter, musician member, and board member for the Vancouver Symphony. He and his wife have been tireless advocates for the VSO and arts in the community. In addition to having founded the VSO Chamber Music Series, Dr. Liu regularly performs with several chamber music groups in the Portland-Vancouver area and with a doctor jazz music group called MED Trio Plus. He is a regular performer for the Dinner with Friends programs for the Friends of Chamber Music in Portland. He also enjoys performing 4-hand and 2-piano music and has collaborated with pianist Kathryn Hobbie and former VSO young artist winner Fred Lu for several years.

About Igor Shakhman
Igor Shakhman has been heard in recitals, chamber music concerts and concert appearances throughout Europe and the US. He has performed with the Colorado, Eugene and Oregon Symphony Orchestras, Oregon Ballet Theatre, Colorado Opera Orchestra, Russian State Symphony Orchestra among others and participated in international music festivals in the US, France, Greece, Russia and Switzerland. As an on-stage soloist Shakhman was featured in the critically acclaimed North American tour of Fiddler on the Roof starring Topol. He received Master of Music degree from the Moscow Conservatory and Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Colorado. He is currently the Executive Director of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and is on the faculties at Marylhurst University and the University of Portland.

About the VSO Chamber Concert Series
Co-created by Dr. Michael C. Liu, the VSO pianist and board member, and Dr. Igor Shakhman, VSO Executive Director and Principal Clarinet, the VSO Chamber Concert Series is proud to provide enchanting chamber music in an intimate setting. Originally intended to be played in a small chamber, hall, or house, chamber music showcases musician virtuosity in melodies that are quite exposed in a typical ensemble of three to six musicians. Listeners enjoy an entirely new concert experience meant to speak to every individual in a comfortable space. The content of each VSO concert is unique, ranging from musical accompaniment for silent films and operatic soloists, to traditional string quartets and trios. Now in its eighth season, the VSO Chamber Series continues to provide this matchless art form to the Vancouver community.

About our Sponsors
The VSO is generously supported by individual donors, Morel Ink, All Classical Portland, Oregon Public Broadcasting, The Community Foundation of SW Washington, The Columbian, and Michelle’s Pianos.
The VSO-Kiggins Chamber Series is sponsored by Leonard and Betsy Liu who would like to help expand and further develop this series so it can reach an even wider audience.

Young Artists Concert / Classical Concert Series
2019-04-13 - 2019-04-14 | Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th St., Vancouver, WA, 98685, United States
Young Artists Concert
DETAILS
Three Exceptional VSO Young Artists Winners Debut with The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra April 13 & 14
Maestro Salvador Brotons Leads the VSO in Rimsky-Korsakov Masterwork, Scheherazade
The Vancouver Symphony presents its most- anticipated concert of the season, featuring the three gold medalists of the 25 th Annual Young Artists Competition. These artists will perform with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra for the first time, bringing; Ravels virtuosic Tzigane, Vivaldis brisk La Notte for flute, and Rachmaninoffs monumental Piano Concerto No. 2 in c minor. After intermission, Maestro Brotons and the VSO share the majesty of One Thousand and One Nights in the timeless Rimsky-Korsakov masterpiece, Scheherazade. This years Gold Medal Winners, violinist Aaron Green, flutist Julin Cheung, and pianist Jenna Tu, won the right to appear with the VSO following their extraordinary performances in front of a capacity-crowd at a competition on January 13 th at Trinity Lutheran Church. The VSO announces its 2019-2020 Classical Concert Season during this concert. Special season subscription discounts are available only for those in attendance.
Calendar Editors, please note: Young Artists Concert Saturday, April 13 th , 3 PM and Sunday April 14 th , 7 PM
Skyview Concert Hall
1300 NW 139th St., Vancouver, WA, 98685
Tickets: Starting at $34, $10 for students with ID Find out more at vancouversymphony.org or (360) 735-7278
PURCHASE TICKETS

We are thrilled to present this exciting debut of the next generation of classical performers. The level of artistry of all three Young Artist Winners is nothing short of astounding! And of course, Scheherazade is an audiences all-time favorite masterwork, says VSO Executive Director Dr. Igor Shakhman.
Piano generously provided by Michelles Pianos. The performances are Saturday, April 13th, 3 PM and Sunday April 14 th, 7 PM at Skyview Concert Hall, located at 1300 NW 139th Street in Vancouver, WA. Tickets are available for this concert and all 2018-2019 events at vancouversymphony.org or (360) 735-7278.
About Aaron Greene
Aaron is a 17-year-old senior at Union High School in Camas, WA. He started playing the violin at 8 years old, and currently studies with Carol Sindell. He gave his solo debut with the MetroArts orchestra at age 15, as a winner of the 2017 Van Buren Concerto Competition. Aaron also played solo with the Portland Youth Philharmonic, as the winner of the 2018 PYP Soloist Competition. He has led several ensembles as concertmaster, including the Portland Youth Philharmonic, PYPs Camerata, and the ensembles of music organization Olivenbaum. Aaron has also attended music festivals such as the National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute and Interlochen Arts Camp.
About Julin Cheung
Julin, 11, is a 6th grader at Ridgecrest Elementary in Shoreline, WA. When he was six, he declared he wanted to play the flute after hearing Sir James Galway perform The Flight of the Bumble Bee on the radio. Two years later, he became the youngest woodwind player at the Seattle Youth Symphony. Julin is the first prize winner of many local and international contests, most recently the Severino Gazzelloni Flute Competition in Italy. He has been invited to play for Sir James Galway in Switzerland and Jeffrey Khaner at Curtis Institute of Music. Julin is a student of Demarre McGill.
About Jenna Tu
Jenna Tu, 16, currently studies piano with Dr. Renato Fabbro. Her most recent honors include first prizes at the 2018 Oregon MTNA Senior Piano Competition, 2018 Marjorie Trotter Memorial Scholarship Competition, 2018 American Protg International Concerto Competition, 2018 Steinway & Sons Competition (Senior Division), 2017 Oregon MTNA Senior Piano Competition, and others. Jenna has performed as a first prize winner with Coeur dAlene, Central Oregon, and other symphony orchestras. She has also performed at Carnegie Halls Weill Recital Hall, and the 2014 Colburn Music Academy Piano Festival. She was also selected to perform in masterclasses for Angela Cheng, Joseph Moog, among others.
About Salvador Brotons
Now in his 28th season leading The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra as Music Director and Conductor, musicians and classical music enthusiasts still delight in having Dr. Brotons lead them. Salvador Brotons was born in Barcelona into a family of musicians. He studied flute with his father and continued his musical studies at the Barcelona Music Conservatory where he earned advanced degrees in flute, composition and conducting. In 1985 he won a Fulbright scholarship and moved to the U.S. where he obtained a doctorate in music from Florida State University. In addition to The VSO, in Spain he has been the music director and conductor of the Orquestra Simfnica de les Illes Balears Ciutat de Palma (1997-2001, 2009-2013) and the Orquestra Sinfnica del Valls (1997-2002), and is presently the conductor of the Barcelona Symphonic Band. In 2005, he received the Arts Council award by the Clark County and the city of Vancouver and the Kiwanis Rose Award. He has guest-conducted orchestras internationally in countries like the US, Israel, France, Germany, China, Poland, South Korea, Mexico, Uruguay, Colombia, as well as the most prestigious Spanish orchestras.
About The VSO
Now in its 40th season, The VSO has been a cornerstone of Southwest Washington's arts community, providing world-renowned classical music, promoting young musicians, and opening doors to classical music for young audiences through events such as the annual In- School concerts, Young Artists Competition and various family-styled special events and performances. A full-sized professional orchestra of over 70 core members provides performs a multi-concert classical season every year. Symphony performances are at Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th Street, Vancouver.
About our Sponsors
The VSO is generously supported by individual donors, Morel Ink, All Classical Portland, Oregon Public Broadcasting, The Community Foundation of SW Washington, The Columbian, The Heathman Lodge, PeaceHealth, and Michelles Pianos.
PURCHASE TICKETS

The VSO "Goes Back To The Movies" 3: Chamber Concert Series: April 7
2019-04-07 15:00 - 17:00 | Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main Street, Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
The VSO “Goes Back To The Movies” 3
DETAILS
The Vancouver Symphony’s Chamber Music Series presents the beloved drama The Phantom of the Opera in its original 1925 silent film adaptation starring American stage and film actor Lon Chaney as the phantom. The VSO’s “Back to the Movies” series delights music and film fans alike with live musical accompaniment arranged by Rodney Sauer and shown in the intimate theater setting of downtown Vancouver’s historical Kiggins Theatre.

Adapted from the 19011 novel written by French author Gaston Leroux, The Phantom of the Opera has bewitched audiences for decades with its tragic romance and mystery. Accompanying the film is The VSO Chamber Ensemble, performing Rodney Sauer’s latest silent film compositions. Musicians are Rodney Sauer, piano; Stephen Shepherd, violin; Dieter Ratzlaf, cello; Igor Shakhman, clarinet; and Bruce Dunn, trumpet.
About Rodney Sauer
Pianist and score arranger, studied at the Oberlin Conservatory while majoring in Chemistry at Oberlin College, and has appeared as piano soloist with the Boulder Sinfonia. He is an avid student of silent film music, and his article on the history and use of “photoplay music” was published in the American Music Research Center Journal. He is a frequent performer in various participatory dance genres from early 20th century ballroom dance to morris and contra dance. He also plays solo improvised silent film scores, although the Mont Alto Orchestra is his major musical endeavor. In 2001 he won a Musical grant from the Arts and Humanities Assembly of Boulder.
About Stephen Shepherd
Stephen Shepherd, Violin, has performed throughout the country since leaving Kansas City, MO for the University of Iowa where he completed his Bachelors degree in Music Performance. He relocated to Pittsburgh, PA to work towards a Masters in Music Performance and Artist Diploma degrees and upon receiving them, decided to pursue a Doctorate of Musical Arts degree at the University of Iowa, completing the terminal degree in 2003. His orchestral playing includes several seasons with the Westmoreland Symphony, the Wheeling Symphony, the Cedar Rapids Symphony and Cedar Rapids Opera orchestra before moving to the Pacific Northwest in 2003. Stephen has served as Concertmaster of the Linfield Chamber Orchestra in McMinnville, OR and is currently Associate Concertmaster of the Vancouver Symphony in Vancouver, WA, and a violinist with The Portland Chamber Orchestra. He has performed during the summer at festivals in Kansas, Colorado, Oregon and Massachusetts. He is fortunate to have a lovely wife, Lanette and two daughters, Josie and Jasmine.
About Dieter Ratzlaf
Dieter began cello studies at the age of seven and performed with the Portland Youth Philharmonic for six years, touring Europe with the orchestra in 1989. He went on to receive his Master of Arts in Cello Performance at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. He has performed with the Oregon Symphony, Eugene Symphony, Portland Opera Orchestra (18 seasons) and the Oregon Ballet Theater Orchestra (10 seasons). Dieter was appointed principal cello of the VSO in 2005 and the Hood River Philharmonic in 2012, positions he currently holds.
About Bruce Dunn
Now in his 20th year as the VSO’s principal trumpet, Bruce Dunn is an accomplished freelance trumpeter who holds performance degrees from both Washington State University and Portland State University. A recipient of the prestigious Presser Foundation Scholarship, he can be heard in venues across the Northwest. He has performed in groups across the region including the Portland Opera, Columbia Symphony Orchestra, the Portland Chamber Orchestra, the Big Horn Brass, the Portland Festival Symphony, the Beach Cantata Choir and many others. He is also a founding member of the Columbia Rover Brass Ensemble. In addition to performing, Bruce is a National Board-Certified Teacher and the Director of Bands at Covington Middle School, Sunset Elementary and Silver Star Elementary in the Evergreen School District. He has also taught at Evergreen High School, Mountain View High School and Pacific Middle School.
About Igor Shakhman
Dr. Shakhman has been heard in recitals, chamber music concerts and concert appearances throughout Europe and the US. As an orchestral clarinetist, he has performed with the Colorado and Oregon Symphony Orchestras, Oregon Ballet Theatre, Colorado Opera Orchestra, Russian State Symphony Orchestra and the chamber orchestras of Moscow Virtuosi and Moscow Stars. As a chamber musician and soloist, he has played in international music festivals in Oregon, Colorado, France, Greece, Russia and Switzerland. Dr. Shakhman has participated in two critically acclaimed Broadway tours: the first national tour of Oklahoma! as principal clarinetist and on-stage soloist in the North American tour of Fiddler on the Roof. He received his B.A. in Music from Kharkov Music College, his Master’s from the Moscow Conservatory and his Doctorate from the University of Colorado. He teaches at the University of Portland and is the Oregon state chair for the International Clarinet Association. In addition to being principal clarinet for the Vancouver Symphony, he’s also the orchestra’s Executive Director.
About the VSO Chamber Concert Series
Co-created by Dr. Michael C. Liu, the VSO pianist and board member, and Dr. Igor Shakhman, VSO Executive Director and Principal Clarinet, the VSO Chamber Concert Series is proud to provide enchanting chamber music in an intimate setting. Originally intended to be played in a small chamber, hall, or house, chamber music showcases musician virtuosity in melodies that are quite exposed in a typical ensemble of three to six musicians. Listeners enjoy an entirely new concert experience meant to speak to every individual in a comfortable space. The content of each VSO concert is unique, ranging from musical accompaniment for silent films and operatic soloists, to traditional string quartets and trios. Now in its eighth season, the VSO Chamber Series continues to provide this matchless art form to the Vancouver community.
Prices are $25 for adults and $10 for students. Save money with one of the ticket packages!
ABOUT THE VENUE
Primarily known as a movie theater, the Kiggins Theatre was designed in the Art Deco style by architect Day Walter Hilborn and named for former Vancouver mayor and businessman John P. Kiggins. Opened in 1936, the theater was renovated and reopened in September 2011. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012. The theatre is owned and operated by Dan Wyatt.
Date
Sunday April 7, 2019 @ 3:00 pm
PURCHASE TICKETS

Legendary Jazz Clarinetist and Saxophonist Ken Peplowski Returns to Vancouver for the VSO Evening of Jazz
2019-03-24 17:30 - 20:00 | Warehouse 23, Vancouver, WA, 100 Columbia St #102, Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
Join The VSO for an Evening of Jazz at Warehouse 23 on March 24
Featuring Legendary Jazz Clarinetist and Saxophonist Ken Peplowski
[Vancouver, Washington, February 6, 2019] – The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to announce the return of celebrated jazz clarinetist and saxophonist Ken Peplowski for the VSO 4th Annual Evening of Jazz live benefit concert and dinner at 5:30 pm on Sunday, March 24th at Warehouse 23 on the Vancouver waterfront. Mr. Peplowski is an award-winning artist and has played with legendary musicians from Mel Torme and Peggy Lee to Madonna. From polka bands to the Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey Orchestras and eventually Dixieland and jazz, Ken Peplowski has done it all.
Experience Mr. Peplowski’s illustrious quartet as we transform Warehouse 23 into the Moulin Rouge – vast curtains of red, feathers, rhinestones, and sequins. Enjoy a catered evening of decadent Pacific Northwest cuisine, sparkling spirits, and red-hot jazz on a spacious dancefloor like the days of cabaret.
Tickets are $100, which include two complimentary tickets to the VSO April 13/14 Young Artists Concert.

4th Annual Evening of Jazz
with Ken Peplowski
Sunday, March 24th, 5:30pm
Warehouse 23, 100 Columbia St. #102, Vancouver, WA 98660
Tickets: $100

Tickets

Proceeds from this event benefit The VSO’s Education Initiative, focusing on extensive music education outreach programs that serve to empower students, educators and adults in our community. Your partnership contributes to the profound impact we have on the lives of others, particularly those in underserved areas.
Concert Steinway piano generously provided by Michelle’s Pianos.
About Ken Peplowski
In 2013, Russell Davies of BBC2 said that “Ken Peplowski is arguably the greatest living jazz clarinetist.” A Cleveland, Ohio native, Ken and his trumpet-playing brother Ted made many local radio and TV appearances and played for Polish dances and weddings virtually every weekend all through high-school. “That’s where I learned to improvise, ‘fake’ songs, learn about chord changes, etc.- it’s exactly like learning to swim by being thrown into the water!” Peplowski signed with Concord Records, under the tutelage of Carl Jefferson, the founder and president, and recorded close to 20 albums as a leader, including “The Natural Touch” in 1992 which won Best Jazz Record of the Year by the Prises Deutschen Schallplatten Kritiken, and “The Other Portrait,” recorded in Sophia, Bulgaria with the symphony orchestra and highlighting Ken’s classical side. He also recorded two records on the Nagel Heyer label,”Lost In The Stars” and “Easy To Remember,” the latter of which features Bobby Short on his last recording. “I loved Bobby Short’s approach to the American songbook, and we’d talked about doing a record together for a while – I’m glad we got this one ‘in the can.’”
Ken Peplowski has recorded approximately 50 CDs as a soloist, and close to 400 as a sideman. He travels at least half of every year, playing clubs, concert halls, colleges, and pops concerts. He has headlined the Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, the Blue Note, and Dizzy’s Club amongst many other venues. Ken’s recorded the Darius Milhaud Clarinet Concerto with an orchestra in Sofia, Bulgaria, and was a featured soloist (playing Mozart) in 2015 at the Siletz Bay Music Festival in Oregon. Ken was the musical director of the Oregon Festival Of American Music (OFAM) for eight years, and is a longtime performer/consultant to The Jazz Cruise, where he was elected into the Jazz Cruise Hall Of Fame in 2013. Ken’s new album, recorded for Capri is called “Enrapture”.
About The VSO
Now in its 40th season, The VSO has been a cornerstone of Southwest Washington’s arts community, providing world-renowned classical music, promoting young musicians, and opening doors to classical music for young audiences through events such as the annual In-School concerts, Young Artists Competition and various family-styled special events and performances. A full-sized professional orchestra of over 70 core members provides performs a multi-concert classical season every year. Symphony performances are at Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th Street, Vancouver.
About our Sponsors
The VSO is generously supported by individual donors, Morel Ink, All Classical Portland, Oregon Public Broadcasting, The Community Foundation of SW Washington, The Columbian, The Heathman Lodge, PeaceHealth, and Michelle’s Pianos.
PURCHASE TICKETS

Legacy Young Artist Showcase Recital: Chamber Concert Series: March 10
2019-03-10 15:00 - 17:00 | First Presbyterian Church, 4300 Main Street, Vancouver, WA, 98663, United States
Legacy Young Artist Showcase Recital
DETAILS
“Legacy Young Artist Showcase Recital” featuring our young artist competition finalists from years past as they share their incredible talent that has been fostered within our community.
MORE
Now in its seventh season, the series was co-created by Dr. Michael C. Liu, the VSO pianist and board member, and Dr. Igor Shakhman, VSO Executive Director and Principal Clarinet, to present great musicians playing in a very intimate setting. The content of each concert is unique, and most of the participating musicians are members of The Vancouver Symphony.
Prices are $25 for adults and $10 for students. Save money with one of the ticket packages!

Date
Sunday March 10, 2019 @ 3:00 pm
First Presbyterian Church, 4300 Main St, Vancouver, WA 98663
PURCHASE TICKETS

The “Big Two” Of Vienna: Classical Concert: February 23-24, 2019
2019-02-23 - 2019-02-24 | Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th St., Vancouver, WA, 98685, United States
The “Big Two” of Vienna
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra presents The Big Two of Vienna, performing three timeless masterpieces by Viennese composers, Beethoven and Mozart, February 23rd and 24th at Skyview Concert Hall.
DETAILS
The orchestra shares the stage with distinguished Spanish pianist, Ignasi Cambra. First-place recipient of several international prestigious competitions and praised by celebrated conductor Valery Gergiev, Cambra joins the VSO in performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3, a piece praised in its time for “a new kind of slow movement,” long and drawn-out romantic melodies over the tinkling of piano keys.
The orchestra begins its 40th Anniversary Spring program with Mozart’s The Magic Flute and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4, two masterworks indicative of Viennese classical style: boisterous, yet elegant and refined. Symphony No. 4 showcases that classical style, a graceful composition flowing from mysterious, lingering sections to light and quick. Composer Hector Berlioz “claimed [the second movement] was the work of the Archangel Michael, and not that of a human” (Wiki). Music Director and world-renowned conductor Maestro Salvador Brotons returns to Skyview Concert Hall for his 28th season.
Concert Steinway piano generously provided by Michelle’s Pianos.
About Ignasi Cambra – Hailed by legendary conductor Valery Gergiev as “someone who can talk to me at the piano,” pianist Ignasi Cambra was a Jacobs Scholar and recipient of a 2010 scholarship from Juventudes Musicales de Madrid. He was awarded a Bachelor of Music degree and artist diploma from Indiana University while simultaneously taking classes in finance, economics and mathematics. Subsequently awarded a prestigious fellowship from Spain’s La Caixa Foundation, he has amassed a singular collection of competition wins, concert appearances and fellowships in short order. Born in Barcelona (Spain) Ignasi Cambra was educated at the French Lycée in that city, where he became fluent in English and French, in addition to his native Catalan and Spanish. A first price winner at the Verga International Piano Competition, Vilafranca Piano Competition, Ciudad de Murcia International Piano Competition, Ciudad de Toledo International Piano Competition, Barcelona Piano Competition and Barcelona Chamber Music Competition, he began musical studies at age six at the Escola de Música de Barcelona with Mª Lluïsa Alegre and Albert Attenelle, and started playing concerts and participating in both solo and chamber music competitions at an early age. He also received awards at the Carlet international piano competition and at the Infanta Cristina piano competition in Spain, and had his orchestral debut in Barcelona at age 15 with conductor Jordi Mora and the Vic chamber orchestra while also appearing at Minato Mirai hall in Yokohama that same year. A student of Edward Auer, Menahem Pressler and Alexander Toradze at Indiana University, he is currently working with Jerome Lowenthal, Matti Raekallio and Choong Mo Kang at the Juilliard School. A fellow at the Music Academy of the West in 2012 and a participant at the Cincinnati Conservatory’s international piano institute in Prague in 2011, Ignasi has worked in masterclasses with Arnaldo Cohen, Ingrid Flitter, Joseph Kalichstein, Emanuel Krasovsky, Robert Levin, Seymor Lipkin, Robert McDonald and others. An avid chamber musician he has received coachings from Alon Goldstein, Franz Helmerson, Alexander Kerr, Mihaela Martin, Anton Nel, Peter Salaff, and members of the Miró string quartet. Cambra’s performances have taken him to Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage in Washington DC, the United Nations in New York City, the Auditori and the Palau de la Música Catalana in Barcelona, as well as the Ravinia Festival’s Bennet Gordon hall in Chicago, the Mariinsky concert hall in Saint Petersburg, and other venues in Zaragoza, Madrid, Miami, Santa Barbara, Toronto and Indianapolis. He has collaborated with such conductors as Valery Gergiev, Tsung Yeh, Jordi Mora and Daniel Endai, performing and with the Mariinsky Theatre symphony orchestra, the South Bend and Miami symphony orchestras, the Vic chamber orchestra and the Orquesta de Cámara Andrés Segovia in Madrid. In 2014 Ignasi was artist in residence at La Pedrera in Barcelona, where he presented a solo recital and also invited other musicians to collaborate with him in chamber music recitals. A fellow at the Ravinia Festival’s Steans Music Institute in 2014, he has been invited to return in 2015. Cambra has also been featured on radio and television in Spain, the United States and Canada, including National Public Radio’s Prairie Home Companion. Ignasi Cambra is planning to release his first solo CD in 2016. www.ignasicambra.com
About Salvador Brotons – Now in his 28th season leading The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra as Music Director and Conductor, musicians and classical music enthusiasts still delight in having Dr. Brotons lead them. Salvador Brotons was born in Barcelona into a family of musicians. He studied flute with his father and continued his musical studies at the Barcelona Music Conservatory where he earned advanced degrees in flute, composition and conducting. In 1985 he won a Fulbright scholarship and moved to the U.S. where he obtained a doctorate in music from Florida State University. In addition to The VSO, in Spain he has been the music director and conductor of the Orquestra Simfònica de les Illes Balears “Ciutat de Palma” (1997-2001, 2009-2013) and the Orquestra Sinfónica del Vallés (1997-2002), and is presently the conductor of the Barcelona Symphonic Band. In 2005, he received the “Arts Council” award by the Clark County and the city of Vancouver and the Kiwanis Rose Award. He has guest-conducted orchestras internationally in countries like the US, Israel, France, Germany, China, Poland, South Korea, Mexico, Uruguay, Colombia, as well as the most prestigious Spanish orchestras.
About The VSO – Now in its 40th season, The VSO has been a cornerstone of Southwest Washington’s arts community, providing world-renowned classical music, promoting young musicians, and opening doors to classical music for young audiences through events such as the annual In-School concerts, Young Artists Competition and various family-styled special events and performances. A full-sized professional orchestra of over 70 core members performs a multi-concert classical season every year. Symphony performances are at Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th Street, Vancouver.
About our Sponsors – The VSO is generously supported by individual donors, Morel Ink, All Classical Portland, Oregon Public Broadcasting, The Community Foundation of SW Washington, The Columbian, The Heathman Lodge, PeaceHealth, and Michelle’s Pianos.
PURCHASE TICKETS

The VSO "Goes Back To The Movies" 2: Chamber Concert Series: Feb. 10
2019-02-10 15:00 - 17:00 | Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main Street, Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
VSO Goes Back To The Movies
DETAILS
The Vancouver Symphony’s Chamber Music Series welcomes Rodney Sauer back to Vancouver for the showing of The Cameraman (1928) with live musical accompaniment at the historical Kiggins Theatre February 10th. The concert begins at 3 PM with a special viewing of the Laurel and Hardy short comedy, Wrong Again, followed by The Cameraman. The presentation of these classic 1920s silent films features new and spirited arrangements from score compiler and pianist Rodney Sauer.
Known for their riotous slapstick comedy that has earned them generations of fans, Englishman Stan Laurel and American Oliver Hardy fall (literally) from one gag to the next, running from problems they’d caused, always resulting in huge laughs from audiences. Rodney Sauer will perform solo piano accompaniment for the lively Wrong Again. The Cameraman, drawn from Buster Keaton’s extensive film repertoire, features Sauer’s dynamic arrangement for a string and winds quartet, to be performed by the VSO Chamber Music Ensemble.
In the film, Buster empties his bank account for a movie camera to impress the girl of his dreams, but breaking into the film business is trickier than it looks. With the help of a monkey, he happens to catch a major city grievance on camera! This excellent comedy features all the laughs, stunts, and heart of a timeless Buster Keaton classic.
About Rodney Sauerpianist and score compiler, studied at the Oberlin Conservatory while majoring in Chemistry at Oberlin College, and has appeared as piano soloist with the Boulder Sinfonia. He is an avid student of silent film music, and his article on the history and use of “photoplay music” was published in the American Music Research Center Journal. He is a frequent performer in various participatory dance genres from early 20th century ballroom dance to morris and contra dance. He also plays solo improvised silent film scores, although the Mont Alto Orchestra is his major musical endeavor. In 2001 he won a Musical grant from the Arts and Humanities Assembly of Boulder.
About Eva Richey – Eva began her career playing regularly with several orchestras including the Cincinnati Symphony, Columbus Symphony, West Virginia Symphony and Kentucky Symphony. She toured South America with the New World Symphony and played briefly with the Cape Town Symphony in South Africa. She attended the Aspen and Tanglewood Music Festivals, learning from such conductors as Leonard Bernstein, Seiji Ozawa, and Eiji Oue. Eva has also enjoyed playing popular music in concert events with The Moody Blues, Yes, Harry Connick Jr. and Rod Stewart. In 2001, She moved to the northwest where she began working with the Oregon Symphony as Associate Music Librarian, as well as holding two one-year positions in the second violin section. Currently, Eva is on the adjunct faculty at Clark College as violin instructor and concertmaster of the Clark College Orchestra. She plays regularly with the Portland Opera, Portland Chamber Orchestra and Oregon Ballet Theatre.
About Dieter Ratzlaf – Dieter began cello studies at the age of seven and performed with the Portland Youth Philharmonic for six years, touring Europe with the orchestra in 1989. He went on to receive his Master of Arts in Cello Performance at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. He has performed with the Oregon Symphony, Eugene Symphony, Portland Opera Orchestra (18 seasons) and the Oregon Ballet Theater Orchestra (10 seasons). Dieter was appointed principal cello of the VSO in 2005 and the Hood River Philharmonic in 2012, positions he currently holds.
About Bruce Dunn – Now in his 20th year as the VSO’s principal trumpet, Bruce Dunn is an accomplished freelance trumpeter who holds performance degrees from both Washington State University and Portland State University. A recipient of the prestigious Presser Foundation Scholarship, he can be heard in venues across the Northwest. He has performed in groups across the region including the Portland Opera, Columbia Symphony Orchestra, the Portland Chamber Orchestra, the Big Horn Brass, the Portland Festival Symphony, the Beach Cantata Choir and many others. He is also a founding member of the Columbia Rover Brass Ensemble. In addition to performing, Bruce is a National Board-Certified Teacher and the Director of Bands at Covington Middle School, Sunset Elementary and Silver Star Elementary in the Evergreen School District. He has also taught at Evergreen High School, Mountain View High School and Pacific Middle School.
About Igor Shakhman – Dr. Shakhman has been heard in recitals, chamber music concerts and concert appearances throughout Europe and the US. As an orchestral clarinetist, he has performed with the Colorado and Oregon Symphony Orchestras, Oregon Ballet Theatre, Colorado Opera Orchestra, Russian State Symphony Orchestra and the chamber orchestras of Moscow Virtuosi and Moscow Stars. As a chamber musician and soloist, he has played in international music festivals in Oregon, Colorado, France, Greece, Russia and Switzerland. Dr. Shakhman has participated in two critically acclaimed Broadway tours: the first national tour of Oklahoma! as principal clarinetist and on-stage soloist in the North American tour of Fiddler on the Roof. He received his B.A. in Music from Kharkov Music College, his Master’s from the Moscow Conservatory and his Doctorate from the University of Colorado. He teaches at the University of Portland and is the Oregon state chair for the International Clarinet Association. In addition to being principal clarinet for the Vancouver Symphony, he’s also the orchestra’s Executive Director.
About the VSO Chamber Concert Series – Founded in 2011 by Dr. Michael C. Liu and his wife Nien-Wei Hsiao in collaboration with VSO executive director Dr. Igor Shakhman, the VSO Chamber Series started in the Trinity Lutheran Church in Vancouver and moved to the Kiggins Theater in 2013. The series primary goals are to highlight the musicians of the VSO in different settings, bring more awareness to the public about the great symphony orchestra we have in the community, provide additional monetary support for the VSO, and of course to entertain and inspire its audiences! Performances have ranged from traditional chamber music concerts to live music and film presentations as well as the 2-piano extravaganza and legacy young artists recitals, as well as concerts that highlight guest artists and other great musician collaborators.
About our Sponsors – The VSO is generously supported by individual donors, Morel Ink, All Classical Portland, Oregon Public Broadcasting, The Community Foundation of SW Washington, The Columbian, and Michelle’s Pianos.
The VSO-Kiggins Chamber Series is sponsored by Leonard and Betsy Liu who would like to help expand and further develop this series so it can reach an even wider audience. We invite others interested in supporting the VSO-Kiggins Chamber Series and the Vancouver Symphony to come forward anytime and come talk with us.
PURCHASE TICKETS

VSO Goes To Broadway!: Classical Concert: January 26-27, 2019
2019-01-26 - 2019-01-27 | Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th St., Vancouver, WA, 98685, United States
The VSO Goes to Broadway With Susannah Mars
Featuring the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus and VSAA Choir Students
DETAILS
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra presents a thrilling evening of classic Broadway music, featuring one of the region’s favorite musical theater performers—Susannah Mars—along with the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus on January 26th and 27th at Skyview Concert Hall. Adding to the festivities will be the VSAA Choir students, all under the baton of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s Maestro Salvador Brotons.
The Portland Gay Men’s Chorus (PGMC) joins the VSO after its recent trip as the first gay chorus to tour and perform in China. PGMC will perform with Susannah Mars and students of the Vancouver School of Ars and Academics choir in classic musical numbers including “America” from West Side Story and “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning” from Oklahoma. The program will include orchestra suites of George Gershwin’s “An American in Paris.” and Aaron Copland’s “Rodeo.”
“How better to start the new year then making music with The Vancouver Symphony?” says Susannah Mars, “The joy of singing with the Vancouver Symphony, Portland Gay Men’s Chorus, and members of The Vancouver School of Arts and Academics, is lighting me up like all the holiday lightables, Menorahs and Christmas Trees alike!”
Calendar Editors, please note:
VSO Goes to Broadway
Special Guest: Susannah Mars
Portland Gay Men’s Chorus
Saturday, January 26th @ 3 PM and Sunday January 27th @ 7 PM
Skyview Concert Hall 1300 NW 139th St., Vancouver, WA, 98685
Tickets: Starting at $34, $10 for students with ID
Major sponsorship provided by Bill Dickey. Pianos generously provided by Michelle’s Pianos. The performances are Saturday, January 26th @ 3 PM and Sunday January 27th @ 7 PM
at Skyview Concert Hall, located at 1300 NW 139th Street in Vancouver, WA.
Tickets are available for this concert and all 2018-2019 events at vancouversymphony.org or (360) 735-7278.
About Susannah Mars
Susannah is a Resident Artist at Artists Rep where she has performed in many productions and serves as Music Events Specialist. In other theatrical endeavors, she recently appeared as Mistress Hibbins in Scarlet at Portland Playhouse, and Mrs. Lovett in Portland Opera’s Sweeny Todd. She’s appeared at Portland Playhouse as Margaret in The Light In The Piazza, and was Golde in Portland Center Stage’s Fiddler on the Roof. Favorite roles at Portland Center Stage include Rona Lisa Peretti in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Mother in Ragtime, Mama Rose in Gypsy, and Merideth in Bat Boy. At Artists Rep she performed Mars On Life for three seasons, and also appeared as Dinah in The Quality of Life, Julia in Holidazed, Becca in Rabbit Hole, Mabel in Chaps, and Karen in Dinner with Friends. At Artists Rep she was also Mary Todd Lincoln in A Civil War Christmas. She was Frieda and Betty at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre in Sunday in the Park with George, and was Susan in their production of Company. Maybe you saw her on NBC’s Grimm as Drew Wu’s psychiatrist, Dr. Richet. Ms. Mars is the recipient of six Portland Drama Critics awards and two Portland Area Music Theatre Awards. Her recordings Susannah Mars, Call It Home; The Music of Richard Gray, and the MAC nominated Take Me To The World are available on iTunes, where you can also subscribe to her podcast Adventures In Artslandia. Proud member of AEA. www.susannahmars.com
About Portland Gay Men’s Chorus
The Portland Gay Men’s Chorus is a thriving arts organization comprised of over 140 singers, its mission to expand, redefine, and perfect the choral art through eclectic performances that honor and uplift our community and affirm the worth all people. The Chorus performs to packed houses in Portland and beyond and considers outreach to be an important part of its mission. The Chorus is the first gay performing group to tour China in the fall of 2018. PGMC has performed throughout North America from Vancouver, B.C. to Montreal, Miami, Denver, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. They have also performed extensively throughout the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West, with outreach performances in sites as varied as Ashland, Bend, Stayton, Roseburg, Eugene, Grants Pass, The Dalles, Pendleton, and Salem, in Oregon; Vancouver, Tri-cities, and Longview, in Washington; and Boise, Idaho. The PGMC takes its leadership role seriously. As a recipient of the Portland State University College of Urban and Public Affairs, the “Urban Pioneer Award,” PGMC “has made a significant difference not only within the cultural landscape of Portland, but across the region”. It was noted that “their voice has affirmed the worth of the LGBT community, while changing the hearts and minds of all those who have listened to their affirming songs.” Over the years, PGMC has supported many non-profit organizations in the community by performing for their benefit. Such groups include the Cascade AIDS Project, OHSU, Portland State University, Equality Foundation, Our House, Metropolitan Community Church, Christ Church, and St. Stephen’s Episcopal. It has also performed for the Inaugural Celebrations for numerous state elected officials including Governor Roberts and Kitzhaber to name just a few.
About Salvador Brotons
Now in his 28th season leading The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra as Music Director and Conductor, musicians and classical music enthusiasts still delight in having Dr. Brotons lead them. Salvador Brotons was born in Barcelona into a family of musicians. He studied flute with his father and continued his musical studies at the Barcelona Music Conservatory where he earned advanced degrees in flute, composition and conducting. In 1985 he won a Fulbright scholarship and moved to the U.S. where he obtained a doctorate in music from Florida State University. In addition to The VSO, in Spain he has been the music director and conductor of the Orquestra Simfònica de les Illes Balears “Ciutat de Palma” (1997-2001, 2009-2013) and the Orquestra Sinfónica del Vallés (1997-2002), and is presently the conductor of the Barcelona Symphonic Band. In 2005, he received the “Arts Council” award by the Clark County and the city of Vancouver and the Kiwanis Rose Award. He has guest-conducted orchestras internationally in countries like the US, Israel, France, Germany, China, Poland, South Korea, Mexico, Uruguay, Colombia, as well as the most prestigious Spanish orchestras.
About The VSO
Now in its 40th season, The VSO has been a cornerstone of Southwest Washington’s arts community, providing world-renowned classical music, promoting young musicians, and opening doors to classical music for young audiences through events such as the annual In-School concerts, Young Artists Competition and various family-styled special events and performances. A full-sized professional orchestra of over 70 core members provides performs a multi-concert classical season every year. Symphony performances are at Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th Street, Vancouver.
About our Sponsors
The VSO is generously supported by All Classical Portland, Oregon Public Broadcasting, The Community Foundation of SW Washington, The Columbian, The Heathman Lodge, PeaceHealth, and Michelle’s Pianos.

25th Annual Young Artists Competition
2019-01-13 13:00 - 17:00 | Trinity Lutheran Church, 309 W 39th St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
25th Annual Young Artists Competition with emcee Christa Wessel from All Classical Portland
DETAILS
Students vie for over $5,000 in scholarship money and chance to perform with VSO.
Every season, one of the best-attended and most eagerly anticipated events is the
VSO Young Artists Competition and the performances of the three winners with the
orchestra on April 13th and 14th. These are joyous events
that celebrate the area’s incredible musical talent.
Following the initial judging of application CDs by select area musicians at 1:00 pm, the three top candidates in each category will compete January 13, 2019, in front of an audience at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vancouver for the scholarship prizes of $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place and $250 for third place.
First place finishers then perform their winning selections with Maestro Brotons and The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra at our April 13th & 14th, 2019 concerts at Skyview Concert Hall.
This Event Is free to the Public
2019 FINALISTS:
Piano
· Joshua Ji (age 14)
Portland, Oregon
Parent: Yuan Yuan
Teacher: Kelli Stephens
· Felix Tse (age 16)
Portland, Oregon
Parent: Tom Tse
Teacher: Renato Fabbro
· Jenna Tu (age 16)
Vancouver, Washington
Parent: Hsu-Chien Tu
Teacher: Renato Fabbro
Strings
· Aaron Greene, violin (age 17)
Camas, Washington
Parent: Nathan Greene
Teacher: Carol Sindell
· Ian Song, violin (age 14)
Portland, Oregon
Parent: Jin Song
Teacher: Carol Sindell
· Hailey Kang, cello (age 16)
Tualatin, Oregon
Parent: Jina Kang
Teacher: Hyun-Jin Kim
Brass/Woodwinds
· Julin Cheung, flute (age 11)
Shoreline, Washington
Parent: Yuliya Cheung
Teacher: Demarre McGill
· Macy Gong, flute (age 12)
West Linn, Oregon
Parent: Wen Jiang
Teacher: Sydney Carlson
· Ben Price, oboe (age 15)
Portland, Oregon
Parent: Michael Price
Teacher: Karen Wagner

VSO 3rd Annual Speaker Series Fundraising Dinner Featuring Lawrence Gilliard Jr.
2019-01-12 17:30 | Heathman Lodge, 7801 NE Greenwood Dr., Vancouver, WA, 98662, United States
From Streets to Stardom
Star of Televisions The Wire and The Walking Dead Recounts His Musical Journey from Baltimore Projects to the Hollywood Screen
[Vancouver, Washington, November 30, 2018] American television, theater and film actor Lawrence Gilliard Jr. will be the honored guest at the VSO’s 3rd Annual Distinguished Speaker Series. Join the VSO Saturday evening, January 12th, 2019 to share in the inspirational story of Gilliard’s rise to fame. Gilliard is best known for his television role as D’Angelo Barksdale in the critically-acclaimed HBO series, The Wire. He is also known for his role as Bob Stookey in AMC’s The Walking Dead as well as co-starring as Chris Alston in the HBO series, The Deuce.
Guests will hear about Gilliard’s path to stardom while enjoying the finest in Pacific Northwest cuisine and spirits in partnership with The Heathman Lodge. Gilliard will speak to his experience as a young boy growing up in 1980’s Baltimore, Maryland, where his discovery of music changed the course of his life. He will also perform some musical selections.
Hello Vancouver’s Temple Lentz and OPB President Steve Bass to emcee this unforgettable event!
PLEASE NOTE: Check-in upon arrival at The Heathman Lodge. No physical tickets necessary.

VSO 3rd Annual Speaker Series Fundraising Dinner
Guest Speaker: Lawrence Gilliard Jr.
Saturday, January 12th, 5:30pm
The Heathman Lodge 7801 NE Greenwood Dr, Vancouver, WA 98662
Tickets: $100
RSVP by January 4th, 2019

Tickets

About Lawrence Gilliard Jr.
Gilliard was born in New York City and moved to Baltimore, Maryland when he was seven years old. He played clarinet and studied classical music at Baltimore School for the Arts. After attending Juilliard School for three years as a clarinet performance student, Gilliard decided to pursue acting instead of music. He studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, The Acting Studio – New York, and the Stella Adler Conservatory. Gilliard made his film debut playing the lead, Dennis Brown, in the 1991 independent film Straight Out of Brooklyn.
Gilliard has appeared on numerous television crime dramas such as Law & Order, Homicide: Life on the Street, The Wire, New York Undercover, and CSI: NY. Film roles include a love-struck ghetto teen in Lotto Land (1995), an earnest college football player in The Waterboy (1998), and a member of the Dead Rabbits in Gangs of New York (2002). Gilliard is also a stage actor. He received positive reviews for his role of Booth in a production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Topdog/Underdog.
He joinedThe Walking Dead cast as a regular, playing Bob Stookey, as of season 4, appearing in thirteen episodes up until he got another job on a new show, which led to his character’s death in the fifth season’s third episode. Gilliard is married to Michelle Paress, who joined the cast of The Wire in its fifth season.
About The VSO
Now in its 40th season, The VSO has been a cornerstone of Southwest Washington’s arts community, providing world-renowned classical music, promoting young musicians, and opening doors to classical music for young audiences through events such as the annual In-School concerts, Young Artists Competition and various family-styled special events and performances. A full-sized professional orchestra of over 70 core members provides performs a multi-concert classical season every year. Symphony performances are at Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th Street, Vancouver.
About our Sponsors
The VSO is generously supported by All Classical Portland, Oregon Public Broadcasting, The Community Foundation of SW Washington, The Columbian, The Heathman Lodge, PeaceHealth, and Michelles Pianos.
PURCHASE TICKETS

Holiday Pops Concert: Classical Concert: December 8-9, 2018
2018-12-08 - 2018-12-09 | Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th St., Vancouver, WA, 98685, United States
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Announces Holiday Pops Concert to Include Selections from Swan Lake
In Partnership with the Columbia Dance Company, Experience this Celebration December 8 and 9
[Vancouver, Washington, October 31, 2018] – The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra invites all to join in its festive musical jubilee this December as it presents joyful holiday favorites at the annual Holiday Pops Celebration. The stage will fill as the Columbia Dance Company shares in performing selections from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake including beloved pieces “Dance of the Swans” and “Spanish Dance.” Experience the Swan Lake “Finale” in its splendor as music and dance converge on the stage of Skyview Concert Hall.
Music Director and world-renowned conductor Maestro Salvador Brotons returns for his 28th season. In addition to Swan Lake, the VSO will perform Vienna-style celebration waltzes, cheerful polkas, and high-energy marches composed by Johann Strauss. Light Cavalry Overture by Franz von Suppé will generate gallant and exhilarating melodies to fill the hall with holiday spirit.
Calendar Editors, please note:

Holiday Pops Concert
Special Guest: Columbia Dance Company
Saturday, December 8th, 3 PM and Sunday December 9th, 7 PM
Skyview Concert Hall 1300 NW 139th St., Vancouver, WA, 98685
Tickets: Starting at $34, $10 for students with ID
Find out more at vancouversymphony.org or (360) 735-7278

Tickets

The performances are Saturday, December 8th, 3 PM and Sunday December 9th, 7 pm at Skyview Concert Hall, located at 1300 NW 139th Street in Vancouver, WA. Tickets are available for this concert and all 2018-2019 events at vancouversymphony.org or (360) 735-7278.
About Columbia Dance Company
Founded in 1987, the mission of Columbia Dance is to provide a positive, nurturing and challenging environment where all are inspired to embrace their creative potential through dance. They are dedicated to presenting high-quality performances; and providing community service, outreach and education in dance. They set high artistic standards in teaching and performance, presenting dance as an appreciable life-enhancing experience for both their students and community. Artistic Director Jan Hurst has been providing artistic leadership since 1996, and each season Columbia Dance Company presents a full length Nutcracker, and Columbia Dance Presents!, an eclectic repertory concert, featuring exciting new works by the company’s Artistic Director, alumni and guest choreographers. They also host an annual Choreographer’s Showcase, which is designed to encourage and nurture young, pre-professional choreographers. They are supported by a dedicated Board of Directors who have been honored for their contributions to the cultural diversity in Vancouver. Their alumni have established careers in professional companies as well as careers in which their dance skills enable them to help the world be a better place in which to live. Their alumni have danced professionally with Attack Theatre, BodyVox, Éowyn Emerald & Dancers, Georgia Ballet, Idaho Dance Theatre, Young Americans Japan Tour and Midwest US Tour, The Juilliard Dance Ensemble, Nashville Ballet, Nederlands Dans Theatre, Nevada Ballet Theatre, North Atlanta Dance Theatre, Northwest Dance Project, Nguyen Dance Company, The Pillow Project, and Rasta Thomas’ Bad Boys of Dance.
About Salvador Brotons
Now in his 28th season leading The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra as Music Director and Conductor, musicians and classical music enthusiasts still delight in having Dr. Brotons lead them. Salvador Brotons was born in Barcelona into a family of musicians. He studied flute with his father and continued his musical studies at the Barcelona Music Conservatory where he earned advanced degrees in flute, composition and conducting. In 1985 he won a Fulbright scholarship and moved to the U.S. where he obtained a doctorate in music from Florida State University.
In addition to The VSO, in Spain he has been the music director and conductor of the Orquestra Simfònica de les Illes Balears “Ciutat de Palma” (1997-2001, 2009-2013) and the Orquestra Sinfónica del Vallés (1997-2002), and is presently the conductor of the Barcelona Symphonic Band. In 2005, he received the “Arts Council” award by the Clark County and the city of Vancouver and the Kiwanis Rose Award. He has guest-conducted orchestras internationally in countries like the US, Israel, France, Germany, China, Poland, South Korea, Mexico, Uruguay, Colombia, as well as the most prestigious Spanish orchestras.
About The VSO
Now in its 40th season, The VSO has been a cornerstone of Southwest Washington’s arts community, providing world-renowned classical music, promoting young musicians, and opening doors to classical music for young audiences through events such as the annual In-School concerts, Young Artists Competition and various family-styled special events and performances. A full-sized professional orchestra of over 70 core members provides performs a multi-concert classical season every year. Symphony performances are at Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th Street, Vancouver.
About our Sponsors
The VSO is generously supported by All Classical Portland, Oregon Public Broadcasting, The Community Foundation of SW Washington, The Columbian, The Heathman Lodge, PeaceHealth, and Michelle’s Pianos.
PURCHASE TICKETS

The VSO “Goes Back to the Movies”: Chamber Concert Series: November 18
2018-11-18 15:00 - 17:00 | Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main Street, Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
VSO Goes Back To The Movies
DETAILS
The Vancouver Symphony’s Chamber Music Series continues its 2018-2019 season at the Kiggins Theatre with two silent comedies, the 1918 short film, Bell Boy and the 1919 film The Oyster Princess on Sunday, November 18th at 3:00 PM.
Short films The Oyster Princess and Bell Boy come to the Kiggins screen with a compiled score by music arranger and pianist Rodney Saur, featuring four members of The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Sauer, on piano, joins Eva Richey; violin, Logan Brown; trumpet, Dieter Ratzlaf; cello and Igor Shakhman; clarinet in the quartet accompanying the classic silent film.
The two-reel film Bell Boy, lasting just over 30 minutes, will feature Rodney Sauer in an improvisational piano score. The four VSO players will join in for the 60-minute German film The Oyster Princess with difficult and unique music.
MORE
Now in its seventh season, the series was co-created by Dr. Michael C. Liu, the VSO pianist and board member, and Dr. Igor Shakhman, VSO Executive Director and Principal Clarinet, to present great musicians playing in a very intimate setting. The content of each concert is unique, and most of the participating musicians are members of The Vancouver Symphony.
Prices are $25 for adults and $10 for students. Save money with one of the ticket packages!
ABOUT RODNEY SAUER
Pianist and score compiler, studied at the Oberlin Conservatory while majoring in Chemistry at Oberlin College, and has appeared as piano soloist with the Boulder Sinfonia. He is an avid student of silent film music, and his article on the history and use of “photoplay music” was published in the American Music Research Center Journal. He is a frequent performer in various participatory dance genres from early 20th century ballroom dance to morris and contra dance. He also plays solo improvised silent film scores, although the Mont Alto Orchestra is his major musical endeavor. In 2001 he won a Musical grant from the Arts and Humanities Assembly of Boulder.
ABOUT EVA RICHEY
Eva began her career playing regularly with several orchestras including the Cincinnati Symphony, Columbus Symphony, West Virginia Symphony and Kentucky Symphony. She toured South America with the New World Symphony and played briefly with the Cape Town Symphony in South Africa. She attended the Aspen and Tanglewood Music Festivals, learning from such conductors as Leonard Bernstein, Seiji Ozawa, and Eiji Oue. Eva has also enjoyed playing popular music in concert events with The Moody Blues, Yes, Harry Connick Jr. and Rod Stewart. In 2001, Eva moved to the Northwest. She began working with the Oregon Symphony as Associate Music Librarian, as well as holding two one-year positions in the second violin section. Currently, Eva is on the adjunct faculty at Clark College as violin instructor and concertmaster of the Clark College Orchestra. She plays regularly with the Portland Opera, Portland Chamber Orchestra and Oregon Ballet Theatre.
ABOUT DIETER RATZLAF
Dieter began cello studies at the age of seven and performed with the Portland Youth Philharmonic for six years, touring Europe with the orchestra in 1989. He went on to receive his Master of Arts in Cello Performance at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. He has performed with the Oregon Symphony, Eugene Symphony, Portland Opera Orchestra (18 seasons) and the Oregon Ballet Theater Orchestra (10 seasons). Dieter was appointed principal cello of the VSO in 2005 and the Hood River Philharmonic in 2012, positions he currently still holds.
ABOUT LOGAN BROWN
Logan Thane Brown moved to Portland in the summer of 2010 to begin working for renowned trumpet maker David G. Monette. There Mr. Brown learned the skills to build hand-made trumpets for some of the most well-known trumpet players of this era, such as Wynton Marsalis, Terence Blanchard, Ron Miles and many more. Logan studied trumpet at UW-Madison WI under John Aley and is now pursuing a Bachelor of Music in performance from Portland State University under the study of Oregon Symphony’s assistant principal trumpet, Dave Bamonte. Logan has been an active performer and freelancer in the Portland area. He currently plays second trumpet in the Portland Colombia Symphony and third trumpet in the Vancouver WA Symphony. Logan plans to continue his performance career and education with a Master of Music in the next few years.
ABOUT IGOR SHAKHMAN
Dr. Shakhman has been heard in recitals, chamber music concerts and concert appearances throughout Europe and the US. As an orchestral clarinetist, he has performed with the Colorado and Oregon Symphony Orchestras, Oregon Ballet Theatre, Colorado Opera Orchestra, Russian State Symphony Orchestra and the chamber orchestras of Moscow Virtuosi and Moscow Stars. As a chamber musician and soloist, he has played in international music festivals in Oregon, Colorado, France, Greece, Russia and Switzerland. Dr. Shakhman has participated in two critically acclaimed Broadway tours: the first national tour of Oklahoma! as principal clarinetist and on-stage soloist in the North American tour of Fiddler on the Roof. He received his B.A. in Music from Kharkov Music College, his Master’s from the Moscow Conservatory and his Doctorate from the University of Colorado. He teaches at the University of Portland and is the Oregon state chair for the International Clarinet Association. In addition to being principal clarinet for the Vancouver Symphony, he’s also the orchestra’s Executive Director.
ABOUT THE VSO CHAMBER CONCERT SERIES
Founded in 2011 by Dr. Michael C. Liu and his wife Nien-Wei Hsiao in collaboration with VSO executive director Dr. Igor Shakhman, the VSO Chamber Series started in the Trinity Lutheran Church in Vancouver and moved to the Kiggins Theater in 2013. The series primary goals are to highlight the musicians of the VSO in different settings, bring more awareness to the public about the great symphony orchestra we have in the community, provide additional monetary support for the VSO, and of course to entertain and inspire its audiences! Performances have ranged from traditional chamber music concerts to live music and film presentations as well as the 2-piano extravaganza and legacy young artists recitals, as well as concerts that highlight guest artists and other great musician collaborators.
This coming 2018-2019 Season the VSO-Kiggins Chamber Series is being sponsored by Leonard and Betsy Liu who would like to help expand and further develop this series so it can reach an even wider audience. We invite others interested in supporting the VSO-Kiggins Chamber Series and the Vancouver Symphony to come forward anytime and come talk with us.
ABOUT THE VENUE
Primarily known as a movie theater, the Kiggins Theatre was designed in the Art Deco style by architect Day Walter Hilborn and named for former Vancouver mayor and businessman John P. Kiggins. Opened in 1936, the theater was renovated and reopened in September 2011. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012. The theatre is owned and operated by Dan Wyatt.
Date
Sunday November 18, 2018 @ 3:00 pm (add to calendar)
About our Sponsors
The VSO is generously supported by All Classical Portland, Oregon Public Broadcasting, The Community Foundation of SW Washington, The Columbian, and Michelle’s Pianos.
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Scottish Symphony No. 3: Classical Concert: November 3-4, 2018
2018-11-03 - 2018-11-04 | Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th St., Vancouver, WA, 98685, United States
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Presents its November Classical Concert: Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 3 “Scottish Symphony”
Highly-Anticipated Return of Local Pianist Extraordinaire Dimitri Zhgenti in
Khachaturian’s Piano Concerto, November 3rd and 4th
Berlioz — Roman Carnival Overture
Khachaturian — Piano Concerto Dimitri Zhgenti, piano
Mendelssohn — Symphony No. 3 “Scottish Symphony”
[Vancouver, Washington, October 9, 2018] – Two years after his debut performance at Skyview Concert Hall in 2016, local pianist extraordinaire Dimitri Zhgenti returns to the stage for a performance of Khachaturian’s monumental Piano Concerto. Vancouverite and successful instructor of a private studio, Dimitri Zhgenti has been playing the piano for over two decades. A student of renowned concert pianists Alexander Toradze and Vladimir Feltsman, Mr. Zhgenti’s intense artistic stylings showcases grand Russian tradition.
Calendar Editors, please note:

Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 3 Scottish Symphony
Special Guest: Dimitri Zhgenti
Saturday, November 3rd, 3 PM and Sunday November 4th, 7 PM
Skyview Concert Hall 1300 NW 139th St., Vancouver, WA, 98685
Tickets: $34 to $50, $10 for students with ID

The orchestra continues its 40th Anniversary of world-class music with Felix Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 3, the “Scottish Symphony.” Inspired by the ruins of Holyrood Chapel at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, Scotland, the picturesque symphony swells with emotion and incorporates components of Scottish folk dance and folk music, hence its informal title, “Scottish Symphony.” Music Director and world-renowned conductor Maestro Salvador Brotons returns to Skyview Concert Hall for his 28th season.
“We are thrilled to welcome back local piano virtuoso Dimitri Zhgenti. We are particularly excited to perform the spectacular Khachaturian’s piano concerto with Dimitri” says VSO Executive Director Igor Shakhman. “And of course, Mendelsohn’s romantic Scottish symphony is one of the most beautiful masterworks in the orchestra repertoire.”
The performances are Saturday, November 3rd at 3 pm and Sunday, October 4th at 7 pm at Skyview Concert Hall, located at 1300 NW 139th Street in Vancouver, WA. Tickets are available for this concert and all 2017-2018 events at vancouversymphony.org or (360) 735-7278.

About Dimitri Zhgenti
Dimitri Zhgenti was born in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia. At the age of nine he began studying with Medea Javahia and later with one of the prominent professors of the Tbilisi State Conservatory, Rusudan Hodjava. In 2002 Dimitri moved to Vancouver, WA and later in 2004 began studying with renowned American concert pianist and artist-teacher Joanna Hodges at the Joanna Hodges Piano Studio.
Mr. Zhgenti was accepted into the Toradze Piano Studio at Indiana University, South Bend where he studied under world renowned concert pianist Alexander Toradze and concert pianist and Senior Lecturer of Music Ketevan Badridze. There he completed both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees (2008-2014). Starting in 2011 Dimitri began studying with American award-winning pianist and teacher Mark Westcott and has completed additional study at the SUNY New Paltz Piano Summer festival under the artistic direction of Vladimir Feltsman. In 2015 Dimitri performed an audition for maestro Salvador Brotons. He was immediately recognized for his blazing virtuosity and musical intensity and was invited to perform with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra of Vancouver, Washington in January of 2016.
After his debut with the VSO, Dimitri opened his piano studio and soon after joined the board of Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver, WA. Dimitri continues to be active performer and is always looking for opportunities for his students to perform at different events and concerts.
About Salvador Brotons
Now in his 27th season leading The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra as Music Director and Conductor, musicians and classical music enthusiasts still delight in having Dr. Brotons lead them. Salvador Brotons was born in Barcelona into a family of musicians. He studied flute with his father and continued his musical studies at the Barcelona Music Conservatory where he earned advanced degrees in flute, composition and conducting. In 1985 he won a Fulbright scholarship and moved to the U.S. where he obtained a doctorate in music from Florida State University.
In addition to The VSO, in Spain he has been the music director and conductor of the Orquestra Simfònica de les Illes Balears “Ciutat de Palma” (1997-2001, 2009-2013) and the Orquestra Sinfónica del Vallés (1997-2002), and is presently the conductor of the Barcelona Symphonic Band. In 2005, he received the “Arts Council” award by the Clark County and the city of Vancouver and the Kiwanis Rose Award. He has guest-conducted orchestras internationally in countries like the US, Israel, France, Germany, China, Poland, South Korea, Mexico, Uruguay, Colombia, as well as the most prestigious Spanish orchestras.
About The VSO
Now in its 40th season, The VSO has been a cornerstone of Southwest Washington’s arts community, providing world-renowned classical music, promoting young musicians, and opening doors to classical music for young audiences through events such as the annual In-School concerts, Young Artists Competition and various family-styled special events and performances. A full-sized professional orchestra of over 70 core members provides performs a multi-concert classical season every year. Symphony performances are at Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th Street, Vancouver.
About our Sponsors
The VSO is generously supported by All Classical Portland, Oregon Public Broadcasting, The Community Foundation of SW Washington, The Columbian, The Heathman Lodge, PeaceHealth, and Michelle’s Pianos.
PURCHASE TICKETS

Piano Extravaganza-"Return of the Duo Grand Pianos": Chamber Concert Series: October 7
2018-10-07 15:00 - 17:00 | Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main Street, Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
Piano Extravaganza, “Return of the Duo Grand Pianos”
DETAILS
The critically-acclaimed piano spectacular returns for its fourth consecutive year featuring five brilliant community pianists – presenting the Two Piano Extravaganza! Live on stage in the historic Kiggins Theater in downtown Vancouver, four Vancouver pianists will play duo piano music on two Steinway grand pianos generously provided by Michelle’s Pianos. VSO pianist Michael C. Liu will perform together with the esteemed teacher and pianist Kathy Charles. The East Meets West Piano Duo of Cinda Goold Redman and Elena Vozheiko-Wheaton makes its fourth appearance, quickly becoming an annual crowd favorite. As a bonus, we will also spotlight a new Vancouver pianist, Anton Zotov, in a debut performance for the community. Musical repertoire includes 2-piano arrangements of Saint-Saëns’ Danse Macabre, Piazzolla’s Libertango, Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances, and Marquez’s Danzon No. 2, as well as works specifically written for the piano by Debussy, Stravinsky, and Kapustin.
Fourth Annual Piano Extravaganza
Special Guest: Anton Zotov
Sunday, October 7th, 3 PM
Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St, Vancouver, WA 98660
MORE
Now in its seventh season, the series was co-created by Dr. Michael C. Liu, the VSO pianist and board member, and Dr. Igor Shakhman, VSO Executive Director and Principal Clarinet, to present great musicians playing in a very intimate setting. The content of each concert is unique, and most of the participating musicians are members of The Vancouver Symphony.
Prices are $25 for adults and $10 for students. Save money with one of the ticket packages!
ABOUT THE VENUE
Primarily known as a movie theater, the Kiggins Theatre was designed in the Art Deco style by architect Day Walter Hilborn and named for former Vancouver mayor and businessman John P. Kiggins. Opened in 1936, the theater was renovated and reopened in September 2011. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012. The theatre is owned and operated by Dan Wyatt.
Date
Sunday October 7, 2018 @ 3:00 pm
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Bernstein's Centennial Celebration: Classical Concert: Sept 29-30, 2018
2018-09-29 - 2018-09-30 | Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th St., Vancouver, WA, 98685, United States
Bernstein’s Centennial Celebration
DETAILS
Maestro Brotons and the VSO celebrate Leonard Bernstein’s 100 year anniversary with excerpts from some of the composer’s most beloved masterworks. VSO welcomes back critically acclaimed violin virtuoso, Mayuko Kamio, Gold Medalist of the International Tchaikovsky Competition.

Buetti’s — Odyssey Overture for Orchestra
Barber’s —Violin Concerto
Bernstein’s Centennial Celebration — Selections from West Side Story and Candide

DATE/TIME
Saturday September 29, 2018 @ 3:00 pm
Sunday September 30, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

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VSO Musician's Showcase: Chamber Concert Series: Sept. 9
2018-09-09 15:00 - 17:00 | Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main Street, Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
VSO Musician’s Showcase
Chamber Concert Series
DETAILS
A preview of upcoming guest soloists for the Vancouver Symphony’s 40th Anniversary Classical Concert series, featuring local piano virtuoso Dimitri Zhgenti, pianist Dr. Michael Liu, and VSO principal musicians.
MORE
Now in its seventh season, the Chamber Concert Series was co-created by Dr. Michael C. Liu, the VSO pianist and board member, and Dr. Igor Shakhman, VSO Executive Director and Principal Clarinet, to present great musicians playing in a very intimate setting. The content of each concert is unique, and most of the participating musicians are members of The Vancouver Symphony.
Prices are $25 for adults and $10 for students. Save money with one of the ticket packages!
ABOUT THE VENUE
Primarily known as a movie theater, the Kiggins Theatre was designed in the Art Deco style by architect Day Walter Hilborn and named for former Vancouver mayor and businessman John P. Kiggins. Opened in 1936, the theater was renovated and reopened in September 2011. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012. The theatre is owned and operated by Dan Wyatt.
Date
Sunday September 9, 2018 @ 3:00 pm
PURCHASE TICKETS

2018 VSO Free Concert In The Park
2018-07-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Esther Short Park, 605 Esther St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
VSO LAUNCHES 40th ANNIVERSARY JULY 26 WITH ANNUAL OUTDOOR CONCERT
IN ESTHER SHORT PARK
Free Concert is Part of Vancouver’s “Six to Sunset” Series
Vancouver, WA – June 21, 2018 – The Vancouver Symphony begins its 2018-2019 season with a family-friendly, free outdoor concert in downtown Vancouver’s famed Esther Short Park band shell on Thursday, July 26 from 6-8 pm. The concert features the Vancouver Symphony’s 70+ member orchestra and singers from Opera Quest Northwest. Presenting familiar and lively music, the VSO will be led by Award-Winning Conductor and Music Director of the Portland State University Orchestra — Ken Selden. The master of ceremonies will be OPB’s Molly Solomon.
This is the sixth consecutive summer that The VSO has presented a free concert in Esther Short Park as part of the “Six to Sunset” Series. It is one of six summer offerings in the park by the City of Vancouver on Thursday nights, starting July 12, and features a wide variety of concerts from pop and soul to rock and classical. The entire summer series is underwritten once again by Riverview Community Bank. Learn more at cityofvancouver.us.
The VSO will perform selections that include audience favorites such as Festive Overture by Shostakovich, Dvorak’s Slavonic Dances, Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever, Copland’s Hoe Down as well as legendary films scores from “Sleeping Beauty” and “Star Wars.”
Returning this year will the Beacock Music instrument “Petting Zoo” where kids can play a wide variety of musical instruments under expert supervision from 5-6 pm.
“We look forward to this fantastic family event in Esther Short Park every year,” said VSO Board Chair Kathy McDonald. “It’s a wonderful thing to be able to perform and experience the love for classical music with a community that has supported us for 40 memorable years.”
Major sponsorship for this concert is provided by Loti and Paul Christensen. Other sponsors include Ann Bardacke and David Wolf, Riverview Community Bank and the City of Vancouver. Major support comes from Oregon Public Broadcasting and Beacock Music.
About Ken Selden
Ken Selden is currently conductor and music director of the Portland State University Orchestra, a position he has held since 2006. Selden made his professional debut with the National Arts Center Orchestra (Canada) at the invitation of Pinchas Zuckerman, and subsequently appeared with orchestras of Denver, Baltimore, Minnesota and North Carolina, and at music festivals in the United States, Israel, Japan, Romania and Switzerland. Additionally, he has performed with the Moscow Chamber Orchestra at the David Oistrakh Festival and conducted orchestras in Finland, Italy and Belgium. Since arriving in Portland, Selden has appeared as guest conductor of the Oregon Symphony, Third Angle New Music Ensemble, Portland Youth Philharmonic and the Newport Symphony. Most recently, his recordings of Mahler and Debussy arrangements with the newly established Martingale Ensemble were released on MSR Classics. An advocate for new music, Selden has worked with composers Pierre Boulez, John Cage and Tan Dun, and has conducted recent world premieres of music by Peter Lieberson, Michael Nyman and Stephen Paulus. Prior to his appointment at PSU, Selden led a series of performances as assistant conductor of two innovative ensembles – the Brooklyn Philharmonic and the Eos Orchestra. Under his direction, the PSU Orchestra has received three awards in Adventurous Programming from ASCAP and the League of American Orchestras.
About Molly Solomon
Molly Solomon is a reporter and producer covering Southwest Washington for Oregon Public Broadcasting. She was previously a general assignment reporter for Hawaii Public Radio in Honolulu where she produced award-winning stories on a variety of topics, including homelessness, native Hawaiian issues and even an active lava flow. Her work has appeared on “Marketplace,” NPR’s “Morning Edition,” “All Things Considered,” “Here and Now” and “Science Friday.” Molly has won three national Edward R. Murrow awards for her work along with awards from the Associated Press, the Society of Professional Journalists and PRNDI. Most recently, a series on the closure of Hawaii’s final sugar plantation won her a 2017 national award from the Asian American Journalists Association.
About Six to Sunset Series
The Riverview Community Bank sponsors the annual “Six to Sunset” Series, drawing the community to the heart of downtown Vancouver. With weekly concerts spanning six summer weeks, Esther Short Park has become a staple in Vancouver’s summertime entertainment. July 12 marks the beginning of this year’s “Six to Sunset” Series, featuring artists Johnny Limbo & the Lugnuts, Kalimba, FlexorT, Patrick Lamb, Hit Machine, and the Vancouver Symphony. Concerts take place 6-8pm with a variety of vendors available for beverages and food to accompany the live music.
About Opera Quest Northwest
The mission of the non-profit Opera Quest Northwest is “to educate, enrich and instill a love of music in the children of our region by introducing them to opera through a lively production that blends classic opera excerpts with a humorous, interactive script.” The performers—five young professional singers and a pianist—are also educators by nature and training. They have performed their show “Opera the Great” for thousands of elementary school students in several SW Washington districts, at little or no cost to the school. (For details, visit www.operaquestnw.org.)

Soprano Christina Kowalski Joins VSO Musicians To Bring The Magic Of Opera to Kiggins Theatre: Chamber Concert Series
2018-06-17 15:00 - 17:00 | Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main Street, Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
One of Northwest’s favorite sopranos – Christina Kowalski – will headline VSO Chamber Music Series’ thrilling season finale. In what will be a long-awaited return to Vancouver, Ms. Kowalski will perform some of audience’s most favorite and familiar masterworks. Joined by pianist Dr. Michael Liu, the program will include famous arias and duets by Mozart, Rossini, Offenbach, Delibes, and Lehar, as well as works by Tomasi and Barah. This will be Ms. Kowalski’s third appearance with VSO Chamber Music Series. The renowned soprano dazzled the audience in her critically acclaimed debut with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and Maestro Brotons in January 2014.
Kiggins Theatre offers a unique concert environment that is intimate and informal, with a fully staffed concession stand offering beer, wine, soft drinks, popcorn and candy.
Grand piano is generously provided by Michelle’s Piano Company in Portland.
DETAILS
Now in its seventh season, the series was co-created by Dr. Michael C. Liu, the VSO pianist and board member, and Dr. Igor Shakhman, VSO Executive Director and Principal Clarinet, to present great musicians playing in a very intimate setting. The content of each concert is unique, and most of the participating musicians are members of The Vancouver Symphony.
Prices are $25 for adults and $10 for students. Save money with one of the ticket packages!
ABOUT THE VENUE
Primarily known as a movie theater, the Kiggins Theatre was designed in the Art Deco style by architect Day Walter Hilborn and named for former Vancouver mayor and businessman John P. Kiggins. Opened in 1936, the theater was renovated and reopened in September 2011. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012. The theatre is owned and operated by Dan Wyatt.

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Classical Concert – Young Artists' Performance
2018-06-02 - 2018-06-03 | Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th St., Vancouver, WA, 98685, United States
DETAILS

The Vancouver Symphony concludes its 39th season with a concert that features the three gold medalists of the 24th Annual Young Artists Competition along with the Gustav Holst’s legendary “The Planets” on Saturday, June 2nd at 3 pm and Sunday, June 3rd at 7 pm. Each performance is at Skyview Concert Hall. Violinist Evan Llafet, violist Shania Watts and pianist Christopher Yoon will perform. Maestro Salvador Brotons conducts.

Take a journey through space to visit the planets up close in our award winning real-time Animation for Holst’s “The Planets”. This Voyage of Discovery 2 edition adds the latest breathtaking NASA animations and stills in a new High Definition presentation that will stimulate your imagination.
Watch as the Mars Rover travels through space, soft lands on Mars and begins its’ exploration and documentation. Watch as a tornado appears on the Mars surface and view real NASA satellite photos of an actual Mars tornado. See animations of solar flares from the sun hitting Venus, the surface of Mercury, Jupiter’s Big Red Spot, comets hitting Jupiter’s surface, Saturn’s rings close-up and much more.

Evan Llafet, violin
Grade 11
Mountain View High School ~ Vancouver, WA
Selection: Walton Violin Concerto, 1st Movement
Teacher: Carol Sindell
Evan Llafet, 17, is a senior at Mountain View High School Vancouver. He studies violin with Carol Sindell and voice with Linda Appert. He has performed/studied at the Castleman Quartet Program, Montecito International Music Festival, and as a fellow at the National Symphony’s Summer Music Institute. He was a winner in the 2015 OPAYCO concerto competition and has performed with the Portland Columbia Symphony. As a singer, he has placed 2nd at the Oregon NATS festival and was selected as a national YoungArts winner in voice, performing at the New World Center in Miami. He has won regional Solo and Ensemble on both instruments.

Shania Watts, viola
Running Start Program
Clark College ~ Vancouver, WA
Selection: Walton Viola Concerto, 1st Movement
Teacher: Brian Quincey
Shania Watts, age 17, from Woodland, WA, a student in the Running Start program at Clark College,began her studies on viola at age 13 with Brian Quincey of Portland Oregon.Shania was a concerto winner in the 2015 Oregon Pro Arte Youth Chamber Orchestra competition and a semi-finalist in the Sphinx Competition in 2015, 2017, and 2018.Shania has worked with Peter Slowik, of Oberlin Conservatory, Steve Tenenbaum, Csaba Erdelyi, Brett Duebner, Ada Meinich, Carla Trynchuk, Philippe Quint, and Dimitri Murrath. Shania also enjoys performing with her siblings in their string trio, “300 Watts Trio”.

Christopher Yoon, piano
Grade 12
Westview High School ~ Portland, OR
Selection: Franz Liszt Piano Concerto #1
Teacher: Dr. Renato Fabbro
Christopher Yoon, a senior at Westview High School, began studying piano at age 5 under former teacher Paula Watt and currently studies with Dr. Renato Fabbro since 2014. He performed with the Central Oregon Symphony and Beaverton Symphony Orchestra in 2016; won 2nd Prize in the 2017 MTNA State Senior Piano Competition; 2nd Prize in the 2016 Lillian Pettibone Scholarship Competition; and 3rd prize in the 2015 Suzanne Raines Scholarship Competition. Christopher will be performing with the Central Oregon Symphony in February 2018. Christopher is a current member of the Portland Youth Philharmonic.

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The VSO "Goes Back To The Movies!" With Live Musical Accompaniment: Chamber Concert Series
2018-05-20 15:00 - 17:00 | Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main Street, Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
DETAILS
LADY WINDERMERE’S FAN
Ernst Lubitsch was one of the greatest comedy directors from the 1910s through the 1940s. His films are infused with whimsy and witty use of off-screen space and symbolic objects, and he always brings the audience in on the joke.

For one of Lubitsch’s most charming silent comedies, a play by Oscar Wilde was transformed into a silent film. It may seem impossible to adapt Wilde’s verbal wit into a non-verbal medium, but Lubitsch rises to the task; expanding the play’s restricted timeline and settings to cinematic proportions, and replacing verbal witicisms with visual witicisms. In fact, only two lines from the play make it into the film. The result is a supremely subtle and well-acted comedy, especially with Irene Rich as Mrs. Erlynne, the woman with a mysterious past, and Ronald Colman, as the morally corrupt but charming Lord Darlington.

This new score was premiered at the San Francisco Silent Film Festival in December 2017, and this is only the second performance. It is full of sparkling dance music, and some of the finest “photoplay music” available for silent film orchestras at the time the film was first seen.

3rd Annual Evening of Jazz
2018-04-28 17:30 | Clark College, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
Live Benefit Concert
World-Renown Jazz Clarinetist Ken Peplowski
Clark College Jazz Band

Classical Concert – VSO Pops Series: Adventures in Film & Fantasy
2018-04-14 - 2018-04-15 | Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th St., Vancouver, WA, 98685, United States
CONCERT PROGRAM
Featuring legendary film and symphonic video game music for all generations. Including selections from Lord of the Rings, Back to the Future, Magnificent Seven, Legend of Zelda and more!
Additional information will be announced at a later date.

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A Celtic Celebration (Bagpipes, Green Beer, And Celtic Inspired Music): Chamber Concert Series
2018-03-18 15:00 - 17:00 | Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main Street, Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
DETAILS
Now in its seventh season, the series was co-created by Dr. Michael C. Liu, the VSO pianist and board member, and Dr. Igor Shakhman, VSO Executive Director and Principal Clarinet, to present great musicians playing in a very intimate setting. The content of each concert is unique, and most of the participating musicians are members of The Vancouver Symphony.
Prices are $25 for adults and $10 for students. Save money with one of the ticket packages!
ABOUT THE VENUE
Primarily known as a movie theater, the Kiggins Theatre was designed in the Art Deco style by architect Day Walter Hilborn and named for former Vancouver mayor and businessman John P. Kiggins. Opened in 1936, the theater was renovated and reopened in September 2011. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012. The theatre is owned and operated by Dan Wyatt.

PURCHASE TICKETS
