Thrilling performances at Hazelwood classical music concert

INCLUDES GREAT PERFORMANCE VIDEO | Find out why great classical music is drawing more and more folks to ‘Oregon Sinfonietta’ concerts — like the one in January. They’re playing again March 17 …

nside the Sunnyside Seventh-day Adventist Church, in the Hazelwood neighborhood, the audience settles in for another great concert by the Oregon Sinfonietta.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Now in its 51st season, the Oregon Sinfonietta again took to the stage on Sunday afternoon, January 21, for their Winter Concert.

Before the music began, while those attending were being seated, members of the orchestra were getting ready backstage.

Dr. Donald L. Appert conducts the Oregon Sinfonietta.

“The best thing about the program today is that we get to do it!” exclaimed Oregon Sinfonietta conductor Dr. Donald L. Appert, as the musicians were warming up.

“Because of the wintery weather, we weren’t sure whether we’d be able to hold this afternoon’s performance; but here we are!” Appert told East Portland News.

In this video, you’ll see the complete performance of soloist Ziqi He performing Georg Christoph Wagenseil’s Concerto for Trombone in E-flat Major.

“Musically, this is an exciting concert, because we get to showcase a young artist who’s playing an unusual instrument – an alto trombone,” Appert pointed out.

Ziqi He, a “Concerto Competition” winner, performs the Concerto for Trombone in E-flat Major.

That soloist was one of Oregon Sinfonietta “Concerto Competition” winners, Ziqi (Kevin) He, a senior at Lake Oswego High School, performing Georg Christoph Wagenseil’s Concerto for Trombone in E-flat Major.

“This is the very first concerto written for a trombone, back in 1763,” commented Appert. “The alto trombone is pitched a little higher, so it’ll sound a little different in terms of a brighter and higher timbre than the ordinary trombone.”

Harpist Denise Fujikawa performs during Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin.

After that, the orchestra performed Maurice Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin – featuring Harpist Denise Fujikawa.

“I’m always excited to work with these musicians, because they continue ‘step up’ to do a wonderful job, especially with challenging pieces – like the work we’re presenting after intermission, Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4 in A Major (“Italian”). I’m happy to say the concerts are always very high quality!”

If you enjoy great music, well played, make plans to attend the upcoming Oregon Sinfonietta concert.

Next concert is on March 17
The next performance during this season for the Oregon Sinfonietta will begin on March 17 at 3:00 p.m.

The orchestra will perform Debussy’s “Cortège et Air de Danse” from L’Enfant Prodigue, and Milhaud’s Second Symphonic Suite.

In addition, one of this season’s young Concerto Competition winners, Erica Yang, will perform Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy for Violin in E-flat Major.

Everyone is welcome to this FREE concert performed at the Sunnyside Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at 10501 SE Market Street. For more information about the orchestra, see their official website: CLICK HERE.

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