Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Angie Zhang: A Girl to Watch!



Music Director & Conductor Huw Edwards told the members of the orchestra that Angie Zhang was something special! And after Friday night everybody in the audience knew it too.

Ms. Zhang's complete love for the instrument and the music showed as she "played with intelligence and instinct, letting the lyricism of Chopin’s music sing from the keyboard. Zhang also had plenty of power in the passages that required forte and above. In her hands the Chopin sounded natural, unforced, and completely alive." James Bash, Oregonmusicnews.com

Congratulations on a beautiful performance and best wishes for her continuing success!

Monday, February 1, 2010

A Midwinter Night's Dream - Gala 2010


We come together once a season for a festive Gala Dinner Concert & Auction. Saturday, January 30 was no exception!

With the theme of things inspired by Shakespeare, over 175 guests joined forces at the Portland Marriott to raise funds to keep Portland Columbia Symphony on the stage for the rest of 2009-2010 season. It's always amazing and heartwarming to see the community come together with such generosity to support the arts. Thanks to Tom Fletcher of the Portland Trailblazers for helping us out.

We also honored our favorite Maestro, Huw Edwards, for his ten years at the podium. Under Huw's leadership, the Orchestra has flourished and matured and inspires musicians and audiences alike. Thank you Huw!

During the Paddle Raise portion of our auction, we were able to offer a dollar-for-dollar match from the Community Fund of Southwest Washington. If you can contribute cash (and take a 100% donation) so we can take full advantage of our Matching Grant by February 15, 2010, please click here:

To view more photos from our event (Barb Parker Photography), click here and select the CSO 2010 Slideshow.

Jennifer Pittsley Honored at Golden Note Award


Portland Columbia Symphony was proud to honor Jennifer Pittsley as our Volunteer of the Year at the Golden Note Awards on Tuesday, January 26. Jennifer has served CSO in various capacities for the past eleven years, most recently as Board President for three seasons.

The Awards Luncheon is presented by the Gresham Chamber of Commerce as they honor 30 volunteers from area non-profit agencies in the community.

Thank you Jennifer---we love ya!