The Pearl Chamber Orchestra is a newly formed OMF ensemble specializing in virtuosic and rarely heard masterworks dating from the 18th to the 21st century. Making up the core of the Oregon Festival Orchestra, this group was created to further spotlight the talented musicians of this region. The ensemble played its debut concert last season, featuring work by Britten, Vasks and Grieg, to an enthusiastic approval of the audience.​

PEARL CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Saturday, July 25, 8:00 p.m.
First Baptist Church, Portland
Alexander String Quartet
Pearl Chamber Orchestra
Travis Hatton, conductor

Elgar: Introduction and Allegro
                for string quartet and string orchestra
Bloch: Concerto Grosso No. 1
                for strings with piano obbligato
Bartók: Divertimento for Strings

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The music of this concert is overtly or inspired by the Baroque form of “Concerto Grosso” but used in 20th century ways. The music is passed between a small group of soloists and the full ensemble. Elgar’s contribution to this idea is a charming original tribute to Handel. Ernest Bloch, founding director of the Cleveland Institute of Music , found himself challenged by students who were skeptical that old forms and tonality had any value in the 20th century. His answer to them was a Concerto Grosso for strings and piano that proved music with roots in the past could be exciting. As the flames of war in Europe were being ignited, Béla Bartók found himself secluded in a tranquil Swiss town in creating his Divertimento for Strings.