In November the Portland Baroque Orchestra (PBO) offers the conclusion of a fierce showdown by some of the world’s most gifted early music maestros as they vie for the coveted position of PBO’s next Artistic Director. The Festival of Candidates performances culminates a multi-year search, bringing worthy contenders from around the globe that represent a cross-section of the next generation’s most innovative talent. The Festival is an especially exciting time for arts enthusiasts to experience the diversity and magic of early music and help shape the future of Portland’s cultural landscape.
Finalist Peter Whelan (conductor, keyboardist and solo bassoonist) performed in October and is followed by performances from Aisslinn Nosky and Julian Perkins this month. Nosky, a violin soloist, director and conductor, leads the PBO on a musical jaunt Sunday, November 13, 2 pm. “Bach: Family & Friends” is a program of works by members of the Bach family and their friends beginning with J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3.
Conductor and keyboard player Perkins brings his experience as a leading performer on historical instruments to his extensive scope of work with period ensembles, modern orchestras and to singers of varied performing backgrounds. The Sunday, November 20, 3 pm performance, “New Horizons: Locke to Bach to Locatelli,” offers daring dissonances, compelling rhetoric and angst-ridden effects.
Tickets, general admission ($35-66) and Arts for All ($5, subject to availability), available at pbo.org and 503.222.6000. Student Rush tickets ($5) will be sold at the door 30 minutes before showtime, subject to availability.