On today's KBOO News in Depth, we preview Portland Youth Philharmonic's upcoming Russian Winter concert with guests David Hattner, PYP's Musical Director, and Michael Gu, winner of the Portland Piano International 2021 Piano Concerto Competition. David programmed the concert over a year ago, with works by Russian composers Sergei Prokofiev and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, along with an opening piece from African-American composer William Grant Still. The Russian invasion of Ukraine casts the concert theme in a different light than David intended. But the music itself transcends politics and national borders. We'll talk about the concert in view of recent events, the program and why David chose these works, and Michael's attraction to and mastery of Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 1. It's great music that can move us, and offer a little comfort, in troubled times.
The concert takes place this Saturday, March 5th at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in Portland. The performance starts at 7:30 PM. You can find out more about the concert, including how to purchase tickets for the in-person event and livestream, online at https://portlandyouthphil.org/concerts-tickets/schnitzer-series/russianw...
- KBOO