INCLUDES FULL CONCERT VIDEOS | In addition to learning about their last ‘sold out’ concert in outer East Portland, discover what’s coming up in their free concert scheduled for March 15 …
In the Hazelwood neighborhood, hundreds of fine music aficionados find their seats for the first 2026 concert by the Oregon Sinfonietta.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As the concert’s starting time of 3 p.m. drew near on Sunday, January 18, some 475 people were taking seats at the Sunnyside Seventh-day Adventist Church’s auditorium. The Oregon Sinfonietta’s first concert of 2026 was about to begin.
“A quick thanks to all the good people here at the Sunnyside Seventh-day Adventist Church; we’re glad they like us, because we really enjoy performing here,” Oregon Sinfonietta Conductor Dr. Donald L. Appert said as he prepared to conduct the first selection of the afternoon.
Oregon Sinfonietta Conductor Dr. Donald L. Appert welcomes concertgoers to the performance.
But before he appeared onstage, Dr. Appert spoke backstage with East Portland News, highlighting the music that the Oregon Sinfonietta would be performing that afternoon.
“Today, as I am here, my 25th season with the orchestra, we continue our signature mixture of both familiar and unusual repertoire,” Appert began.
This concert begins with the Romeo and Juliet Overture.
“Everyone should know our first one – the Romeo and Juliet Overture by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The piece is designed as a symphonic poem, in a Sonata form, with both an introduction and an epilogue. This ‘Overture-Fantasy’ is based on Shakespeare’s play of the same name.”
Watch and listen as the Oregon Sinfonietta presents the Romeo and Juliet Overture by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky:
Donald Appert conducts the Sinfonietta orchestra.
“The second piece is less known: Capriccio for Oboe and Orchestra, Op. 80 by Amilcare Ponchielli,” Appert continued. “This Italian opera composer arranged and composed more than 200 works for wind band, like this capriccio.
“This showcases the soloist’s mastery of the instrument’s ‘emotional range’ as well as technical ability,” he explained.
About to perform, oboist Mia Hale walks to the stage.
Concerto Competition winner Mia Hale performs with the Oregon Sinfonietta.
And that soloist, oboist Mia Hale, was one of the organization’s ‘Concerto Competition’ winners. She graduated from Parkrose High School in 2024, and has been participating in the Metropolitan Youth Symphony for seven years – as well as performing a concerto with them in 2024. Ms. Hale is attending University of Oregon, where she is studying General Music and Music Technology.
At the end of her performance, the soloist was rewarded with a prolonged standing ovation.
Now enjoy watching and hearing the Oregon Sinfonietta presenting Amilcare Ponchielli’s Capriccio for Oboe and Orchestra, Op. 80, featuring solo oboist Mia Hale:
Intermission!
During intermission, guests are treated to cookies and beverages, catered by the organization’s volunteers, as they mingle with the musicians.
“The last half of our program is Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Symphony No. 3 “Pastoral” – written just after World War One,” the conductor informed. “It’s a rather sober piece, but it’s really beautiful – and in many way it kind of reminds me of the music of Debussy.”
A well-respected soprano soloist in the Pacific Northwest, Linda Appert, performs during the Symphony No. 3 “Pastoral”.
“One of the most striking features is that the last movement starts with a soprano singing tones, without words,” Appert pointed out. “And, the whole Symphony ends with the soprano coming back and singing again that same cadenza melody – again, without words – a requiem, in a way, offered as the composer’s remembrance of all who died in World War I.”
And here it is, to watch, listen to, and enjoy: The Oregon Sinfonietta presents Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Symphony No. 3 “Pastoral”:
March 15: Oregon Sinfonietta’s Winter Concert
At 3 p.m. on the Ides of March, this full symphony orchestra of about 70 members – now in its 53rd season – presents a FREE live concert of fine music. Why not be in the audience?
The orchestra will perform Sibelius’ Violin Concerto with Oregon Sinfonietta Concerto Competition Winner Amir Avsker; and Dvorak’s Symphony No. 7 in d minor, op. 70.
Come hear the fine music in person this month – performed expertly at the March 15 Oregon Sinfonietta concert.
Everyone is welcome; there is no charge to attend – yes, FREE – although donations are graciously accepted! The concert will again be held at the Sunnyside Seventh-day Adventist Church, at 10501 SE Market Street. For more information about the orchestra, see their official website: CLICK HERE.
The audio and video recorder for Oregon Sinfonietta is Amer Isse.
© 2026 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
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