‘Sinfonietta’ kicks off 46th season

Find out where to enjoy live and professional classic music performances in outer East Portland! The next concert is January 20 …

In the Mill Park neighborhood, crowds fill the Sunnyside Seventh-day Adventist Church, as an “Oregon Sinfonietta” concert gets underway, inside.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Although musicians of the “Oregon Sinfonietta” come from all over the region, this volunteer organization kicked off their 46^th season on November 4 at the Sunnyside Seventh-day Adventist Church.

While the players readied their instruments and began to take their seats, Conductor Dr. Donald L Appert remarked that they all enjoy the “superb acoustics” of the church, and were glad to be returning to it.

Preparing for the concert is Portland State University music student, and First Section violinist, Lauren Grant.

“I enjoy working with this orchestra so much. I’m starting my 17th season with it,” Appert told East Portland News. “As a volunteer organization, it continues because of our people, who love to make music; and, as well, we have audiences that love to hear good music, making it a great pleasure for us to play for the community.”

In addition, Appert pointed out that all the concerts are free to the public – “for anyone who wants to hear great music,” he said.

Conductor Dr. Donald Appert greets the audience before the concert begins.

Over the years, the orchestra has developed a solid reputation for presenting high quality programs, the conductor observed. “The music we select is, I would describe, as a little off the beaten path.

“I’ve seen the great progression of this orchestra during the time I’ve had the pleasure of working with these great musicians, from learning and performing simple music, up to doing complex pieces – we can do it all well,” reflected Appert.

At 3:00 p.m., this full symphony orchestra of 75+ members was on stage as Appert took the podium, to welcome the audience.

The new season of the “Oregon Sinfonietta” gets underway.

During his introduction, Dr. Appert recommended that people use the restroom because there was to be no intermission in the afternoon’s program – the “Symphony No. 4 in G major” by Gustav Mahler. “You’ll note there were no parts written for trombonists and tuba players – but this work does require a larger percussion section – so, please, notice that there are no parts for cell phones. Please silence them!” he quipped.

The audience listens as the orchestra performs the “Symphony No. 4 in G major” by Gustav Mahler.

Experience, live, the “Oregon Sinfonietta” in concert on January 20
At 3:00 p.m., this free concert presents music by Mozart, Overture to Don Giovanni, K. 527; Première Rhapsodie for Clarinet and Orchestra in B-flat Major by Debussy with Esther Kwak, CMSO Concerto Competition winner; Two English Idylls by George Butterworth; and Ethel Smyth’s Serenade in D Major.

Everyone is welcome; the concert performed at the Sunnyside Seventh-day Adventist Church, at 10501 SE Market Street.

Another great performance of classical music is underway.

For more information about the “Oregon Sinfonietta”, see their official website: CLICK HERE.

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