“SOME OF THE BEST DANCERS YOU WILL EVER SEE” -CALGARY HERALD
CARMEN MAR 16 -18 / 7:30 PM
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Portland Center Stage at
ANNOUNCING OUR 30TH SEASON!
FUN HOME
An An Evening Evening of of Holiday Holiday Story Story and and Song Song
Music by Jeanine Tesori Book and Lyrics by Lisa Kron Based on the graphic novel by Alison Bechdel Directed by Chris Coleman On the U.S. Bank Main Stage
September 16 – October 22, 2017 The 2015 Tony Award-winning musical Fun Home ushers us inside Alison’s head at three different ages. Looking back on her uniquely dysfunctional family, and remembering all the loving, silly, and even shameful moments, she learns to see her parents — and herself — for who they really are.
EVERY BRILLIANT THING By Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe Directed by George Perrin
In In the the Ellyn Ellyn Bye Bye Studio Studio
November November 18 18 –– December December 31, 31, 2017 2017 -- featuring featuring --
A CHRISTMAS MEMORY By By Truman Truman Capote Capote Directed Directed by by Brandon Brandon Woolley Woolley An An autobiographical autobiographical recollection recollection of of Truman Truman Capote’s Capote’s rural rural Alabama Alabama boyhood, boyhood, A A Christmas Christmas Memory Memory is is aa tiny tiny gem gem of of aa holiday holiday story, story, offering offering an an unforgettable unforgettable portrait portrait of of an an odd odd but but enduring enduring friendship friendship between between two two innocent innocent souls souls — — one one young young and and one one old old — — and and the the memories memories they they share share of of beloved beloved holiday holiday rituals. rituals.
-- paired paired with with --
In the Ellyn Bye Studio
WINTER SONG
September 23 – November 5, 2017
Created Created by by Merideth Merideth Kaye Kaye Clark Clark and and Brandon Brandon Woolley Woolley Directed Directed by by Brandon Brandon Woolley Woolley
A kid makes a list for his mom. A list of everything worth living for in the world. As the kid grows up and experiences more of life’s beautiful moments, his list of every brilliant thing gets longer and more vital. Macmillan’s play shines hilarious and compassionate light in dark corners of the human condition, reminding us that hope is never truly lost.
The The brilliant brilliant singer singer Merideth Merideth Kaye Kaye Clark Clark (Fiddler (Fiddler on on the the Roof Roof and and The The Last Last Five Five Years Years at at The The Armory, Armory, Wicked Wicked national national tour) tour) and and our our own own producing producing associate associate Brandon Brandon Woolley Woolley are are creating creating an an original original presentation presentation of of songs songs that that celebrate celebrate winter winter holidays holidays and and all all they they represent: represent: love, love, loss, loss, family, family, solitude, solitude, renewal renewal and and friendship. friendship.
MOJADA:
The The Second Second City’s City’s A A Christmas Christmas Carol: Carol:
A Medea in Los Angeles By Luis Alfaro Directed by Juliette Carrillo
TWIST YOUR DICKENS* By By Peter Peter Gwinn Gwinn & & Bobby Bobby Mort Mort Directed Directed by by Ron Ron West West
On the U.S. Bank Main Stage
November 4 – November 26, 2017 In this retelling of Medea, playwright Luis Alfaro blends tragedy, wry humor, Mexican folklore and a bracingly modern setting to unleash the power of Euripides’ ancient tale, seen through the lens of immigrants in the United States. The Armory partners with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival to bring this production to Portland.
On On the the U.S. U.S. Bank Bank Main Main Stage Stage
December December 55 –– December December 31, 31, 2017 2017 A A complete complete send-up send-up of of the the holiday holiday classic, classic, this this adult adult comedy comedy is is adorned adorned with with the the improvisational improvisational genius genius of of the the legendary legendary comedy comedy troupe troupe The The Second Second City, City, and and includes includes zany zany holiday holiday sketches, sketches, an an ever-changing ever-changing list list of of drop-in drop-in local local celebrities celebrities and and uproarious uproarious improv improv based based on on audience audience participation participation — — it’s it’s never never the the same same show show twice! twice!
Visit www.pcs.org or call 503.445.3700 for tickets! All titles, artists and dates subject to change.
Northwest Northwest Stories Stories
ASTORIA: Part Part Two Two Adapted Adapted and and Directed Directed by by Chris Chris Coleman Coleman Based Based on on the the book book ASTORIA: ASTORIA: John John Jacob Jacob Astor Astor and and Thomas Thomas Jefferson’s Jefferson’s Lost Lost Pacific Pacific Empire, Empire, A A Story Story of of Wealth, Wealth, Ambition, Ambition, and and Survival Survival by by Peter Peter Stark Stark On On the the U.S. U.S. Bank Bank Main Main Stage Stage
January January 20 20 –– February February 18, 18, 2018 2018 A A World World Premiere! Premiere! Continuing Continuing the the adventure adventure of of the the Astor Astor expeditions expeditions by by land land and and sea sea to to establish establish trade trade routes routes to to the the Pacific Pacific Northwest, Northwest, Part Part Two Two is is about about the the extraordinary extraordinary and and ambitious ambitious endeavors endeavors leading leading to to the the establishment establishment of of Astoria, Astoria, the the first first permanent permanent United United States States settlement settlement on on the the West West Coast. Coast.
KODACHROME By By Adam Adam Szymkowicz Szymkowicz Directed Directed by by Rose Rose Riordan Riordan In In the the Ellyn Ellyn Bye Bye Studio Studio
February February 33 –– March March 18, 18, 2018 2018 A A World World Premiere! Premiere! Welcome Welcome to to Colchester, Colchester, aa small small town town where where everybody everybody knows knows each each other. other. Our Our tour tour guide guide is is Suzanne, Suzanne, the the town town photographer, photographer, who who lets lets us us peek peek into into her her neighbors’ neighbors’ lives lives to to catch catch glimpses glimpses of of romance romance in in all all its its stages stages of of development. development. A A play play about about love, love, nostalgia, nostalgia, the the seasons seasons and and how how we we learn learn to to say say goodbye. goodbye.
THE MAGIC PLAY By By Andrew Andrew Hinderaker Hinderaker Directed Directed by by Halena Halena Kays Kays On On the the U.S. U.S. Bank Bank Main Main Stage Stage
March March 33 –– April April 1,1, 2018 2018 Playwright Playwright Hinderaker Hinderaker mashes mashes the the spectacle spectacle of of aa magic magic show show with with the the intimacy intimacy of of theater. theater. The The Magic Magic Play Play follows follows aa young young magician magician trying trying to to get get through through aa live live show show just just hours hours after after his his partner partner has has left left him. him. As As the the performance performance progresses, progresses, he he realizes realizes the the spectacular spectacular magic magic tricks tricks that that impress impress people people on on stage stage don’t don’t help help him him build build truthful truthful personal personal relationships. relationships.
AND SO WE WALKED Written and Performed by DeLanna Studi Directed by Corey B. Madden In the Ellyn Bye Studio
March 31 – May 13, 2018 A frank, funny and sometimes misguided story of a contemporary Cherokee woman who goes on a six-week, 900-mile journey with her father along the Trail of Tears in search of her heroic self. Through this personal odyssey, her sense of identity — both as a contemporary Cherokee and as a woman — is tested by the people and places she encounters.
MAJOR BARBARA By George Bernard Shaw Directed by Chris Coleman On the U.S. Bank Main Stage
April 14 – May 13, 2018 Recently engaged Barbara, a Major in the Salvation Army, agrees to let her estranged industrialist father visit her mission in the East End of London. In exchange, she promises to visit his munitions factory. The clash between Barbara’s philanthropic idealism and her father’s hardheaded capitalism are at the heart of Shaw’s witty and timely appraisal of capitalism, war, religion and politics.
LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR AND GRILL By Lanie Robertson Directed by Bill Fennelly On the U.S. Bank Main Stage
May 26 – July 1, 2018 Featuring iconic songs like “Strange Fruit,” “God Bless the Child” and “What a Little Moonlight Can Do,” this is an allaccess pass to Billie Holiday’s final concert. With humor and hopefulness, the legendary singer takes us on a journey through the highs and lows of her tumultuous life, interspersed with exuberant renditions of her beloved repertoire.
NEW! Reserved seating in the Ellyn Bye Studio! Buy season tickets to get priority selection. * Special Holiday Engagement. The Second City’s A Christmas Carol: Twist Your Dickens is not part of a season ticket package, but season ticket holders can order tickets at special pricing!
PRESENTS
CARMEN ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Sarah Slipper
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Scott Lewis
DANCERS Tatiana Barber Kody Jauron Franco Nieto Charbel Rohayem
Samantha Campbell Elijah Labay Andrea Parson Ching Ching Wong
William Couture Lindsey McGill Julia Radick
MAJOR SUPPORT FOR CARMEN PROVIDED BY
MEDIA SPONSORS
The use of photography or other recording equipment is prohibited. Please silence your cell phones. PLEASE NOTE: Food, beverages, cameras, and recording devices are not permitted in Newmark Theatre.
Smoking is not permitted in the theater or in the building.
NW DANCE PROJECT
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Photo / Blaine Truitt Covert Dancer / Andrea Parson
WELCOME TO CARMEN Thank you so much for joining us tonight for the premiere of our biggest and most ambitious production to-date, Carmen, from Resident Choreographer Ihsan Rustem, as well as a new work from another dear friend (and real-life Knight), Patrick Delcroix. Close friends themselves who have created a total of ten stunning works for NW Dance Project, having them back with us these past weeks feels like our family is complete again. These works are milestones for both of these gifted and giving artists.
ENVISIONED, CREATED, AND LED BY SARAH SLIPPER, WE REMAIN DEDICATED TO PROVIDING CHOREOGRAPHERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO BRING THEIR ARTISTIC DRIVES AND DREAMS TO FRUITION FROM THE STUDIO TO THE STAGE AND CHARTING THE FUTURE OF CONTEMPORARY DANCE.
“... ONE OF THE HOTTEST DANCE COMPANIES IN AMERICA.” –Portland Stage Reviews
Carmen represents the first time Ihsan has turned to an established classical story — opera’s most revered tale, Carmen — as inspiration, and the first full-length work for both he and the company. Always willing to jump in with both feet, we hired acclaimed Spanish Set Designer Luis Crespo to create Carmen’s new world, and Portland’s fashion star Michelle Lesniak (winner of Project Runway Season 11) to create Carmen’s fabulous costumes. As always, we are so thankful to have the amazing Lighting Designer Jeff Forbes and our Production Manager Thyra Hartshorn at our side again. While working on his home in The Hague nearly two years ago, Patrick fell off a ladder and was found unconscious days later. He suffered a severe brain injury (in addition to a broken nose and more), requiring a lengthy hospital stay and difficult rehabilitation process. Visible Darkness is Patrick’s first creation since his accident, and we are deeply honored and touched that he chose to make his re-entry into choreography with us. Now more than ever, the safety, security, and comfort that comes from family — however you define or envision that word — is critically needed. And you are part of our family. Your support, encouragement, kindness, and appreciation keeps us going, even when it is anything but easy to persevere and continue making significant new works of art. We hope to make you proud as we hit the road to make new friends and extended family members. Next month we will hold our first performance in Corvallis, our fourth in Medford, and our second visit to the Luckman Fine Arts Center in Los Angeles. In late June and early July, we will travel to Massachusetts for six performances at the country’s most prestigious dance festival, Jacob’s Pillow, and we already know a few P-Town fans will be there cheering us on. Thank you for again being here and thank you for being such a special part of the NW Dance Project family. Enjoy the show and we’ll see you in the lobby and downstairs at the Art Bar after the show!
Sarah Slipper | Artistic Director 8
NW DANCE PROJECT • CARMEN
Scott Lewis | Executive Director
NW DANCE PROJECT
Photo / Blaine Truitt Covert Dancers / Franco Nieto, Charbel Rohayem, Kody Jauron, William Couture
2016–17 SEASON
NW DANCE PROJECT WAS FOUNDED IN PORTLAND IN 2004 BY PRINCIPAL DANCER, AWARD-WINNING CHOREOGRAPHER, AND ACCLAIMED DANCE MENTOR SARAH SLIPPER, AND IMMEDIATELY BEGAN MAKING A SPLASH AND A NAME FOR ITSELF BY DOING THINGS A BIT DIFFERENTLY IN DANCE.
We are so proud that four of our talented company dancers have been awarded the most prestigious award in dance — The Princess Grace Award: Andrea Parson in 2010; Franco Nieto in 2012; Viktor Usov in 2014; and most recently Ching Ching Wong in 2015.
Our dedication to providing dancers and dance makers the resources and artistic freedom needed to create and take new, inspired dance works to the stage led Dance International Magazine to proclaim that we are “changing the way dance is created” and established NW Dance Project as “a laboratory, factory and repository for risk-taking new works from the next generation of choreographers from Europe, and North America.”
Audiences in Oregon, New York, Seattle, Arizona, St. Louis, Salt Lake City, Colorado, Los Angeles, Houston, London, throughout Canada and Germany, and even Mongolia have been similarly wowed by the company’s touring performances. NW Dance Project is proud to represent Portland and further our city’s glowing and growing reputation as a destination for dance and inspired new works of art.
NW Dance Project has grown into a world-class contemporary dance company and an international leader in the creation and premiere of significant new contemporary dance works. We commission gifted choreographers from around the world to create on our classically trained yet daring and fearless professional company, giving them full artistic freedom and all the resources needed to bring their artistic drives, inspirations and dreams to fruition and to the stage. With over 200 new dance works created and premiered in Portland to date — more than any other company in the country — NW Dance Project truly is “the ‘it’ company…one of the most dynamic dance troupes in the country” (Oregon Public Broadcasting) and “an essential part of the city’s arts scene” (The Oregonian), with “some of the best dancers you will ever see.” (Calgary Herald)
We are equally proud of the work we do in our cherished local community that occurs off the theater stage.
And while Portland gets to experience our works first, the world is watching. NW Dance Project took the Audience Award at the prestigious 25th annual Hannover Choreographic Competition in Germany in April 2011. Later the same year, we were picked the winner, out of nearly 200 entrants from around the world, of the 2011 Sadler’s Wells Global Dance Contest, and as the winner, enjoyed two sold-out, standing ovation London performances in June 2012 as part of the Cultural Olympiad.
Our innovative and interactive Dance Moves outreach program brings free dance classes and workshops to thousands of at-risk and low-income young members of our community each season. Our Arts Access initiative provides numerous fully accessible, professional dance performances locally each season, even drawing a record breaking, 4000-strong crowd to the Washington Park Rose Garden Amphitheater to experience the company perform select works from our all-original-repertoire. NW Dance Project is also an extraordinary and comprehensive training center for all dancers. We hold open community classes for adults and youth seven days a week in our beautiful Creative Center at 211 NE 10 th Avenue, as well as special opportunities for professional and pre-professional dancers such as our signature LAUNCH project and our esteemed Summer Dance Intensive. NW Dance Project believes in dance. We believe everyone can dance and anyone can appreciate the beauty and power of human movement. We believe that dance can, and should, touch and enrich each and every person’s life. And with tonight’s special performance, we believe you’ll agree.
CARMEN • NW DANCE PROJECT
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“SARAH SLIPPER IS TRULY GIFTED. THIS IS WHAT DANCE SHOULD BE ... SHE FOUND THE POINT AT WHICH THE FORM OF DANCE (STEPS, TECHNIQUE, FEET, PERFORMANCE) COMBINE TO CREATE A WORK OF ART.” —The News Record
Photo / Christopher Peddecord Dancers / Franco Nieto + Andrea Parson
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR / SARAH SLIPPER Sarah Slipper was born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, and received her professional training at the Royal Ballet School in London, England and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School. In 1980, she made her professional debut with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet as a corps de ballet member, and became one of the company’s leading dramatic ballerinas. Sarah worked closely with many internationally renowned directors, choreographers and teachers, including Arnold Spohr, Rudi van Dantzig, Hans van Manen, Jirí Kylián, Agnes de Mille, Galina Yordanova, and Alla Savchenko. Sarah was noted for her classical line and dramatic abilities, dancing the principal roles in classical ballets such as Swan Lake, Les Sylphides, Giselle, and The Nutcracker. In addition to the classical repertoire, she received worldwide acclaim for her performances of contemporary ballets, most notably Nobert Vesak’s The Ecstasy of Rita Joe and the award winning Belong pas de deux. After Sarah left the stage, she continued her passion for music and drama, studying theatre at the honours level at
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NW DANCE PROJECT • CARMEN
the University of Winnipeg, and in Oxford, England. During the 1996/97 season, she served as ballet mistress of Alberta Ballet, and from 1997/99 as ballet mistress of Oregon Ballet Theatre. Sarah’s command of classical and contemporary styles is demonstrated in her active role of teaching and coaching younger dancers. As a guest master teacher, Sarah has worked with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Washington Ballet, Ballet Austin, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, The Jefferson Dancers and the Dance Departments of the University of Utah, Cornish College of the Arts, and the University of Iowa. An award winning independent choreographer, Sarah is presently based in Portland, Oregon, creating dance worldwide. She has worked with prominent dance companies including the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, Oregon Ballet Theatre, Nashville Ballet, Washington Ballet, Ballet Jorgen, Louisville Ballet, BalletNY, Alberta Ballet, Ballet Pacifica, Cornish Dance Theater, NW Dance Project and The Jefferson Dancers. She was awarded the Grand Prize for Choreography at the International Choreographic
Competition Saint Sauveur 2000 for her ballet Shattered Night, which was created on the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. During her choreographic residency at Festival des Arts in Quebec, Canada, her ballet A River In A Dry Land, was described by the Montreal Gazette as “one of the finest choreographies produced in residency.” Sarah’s works have been described as “absolutely remarkable... grippingly pits breezy romanticism against a sinister undercurrent.” (The Oregonian) and “...a complete, enclosed world, a somber yet hopeful winter landscape across which the three couples thread in a long, smoothly unfolding skein of dance” (The New York Times). A Fine Balance, her pas de deux created during NW Dance Project’s inaugural season, was a finalist for the prestigious Benois de la Danse award in 2006 and was performed at the Bolshoi Theatre as part of the award’s gala celebration. Sarah is currently working on several new creations and serves as the Artistic Director of NW Dance Project.
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GUEST CHOREOGRAPHER BIOGRAPHIES RESIDENT CHOREOGRAPHER IHSAN RUSTEM
Ihsan Rustem was born in London and studied from 1998–2000 at the Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance, during in which time he was a member of the National Youth Dance Company. His professional performance career began in the UK with Matthew Bourne’s Adventures in Motion Pictures; in Germany at Ballet Theater Munich (Staatstheater am Gärtnerplatz); Introdans in the Netherlands; and in Switzerland as a founding member of both the Stadt Theater Bern Ballett (Cathy Marston) and the Tanz Luzerner Theater. Ihsan has worked with many of today’s leading choreographers including Mats Ek, Jirˇí Kylián, Hans van Manen and Paul Lightfoot and Sol León; has originated roles in works by Hofesh Shechter, Alexander Ekman, Wayne McGregor, Matthew Bourne, Stijn Celis, Cayetano Soto, Felix Landerer; and has performed further works by William Forsythe & Twyla Tharp, amongst others. He works extensively with and regularly assists choreographer Patrick Delcroix. In 2010, Sarah Slipper invited Ihsan to Portland to create his first commission for a company. The resulting work, State of Matter, went on to receive international success, winning both the Sadler’s Wells Global Dance Contest in 2011 and the Audience Choice Award at the 25th International Competition for Choreographers in Hannover, Germany. Rustem has since gone on to choreograph for Hubbard Street Dance Chicago 2, Istanbul State Ballet MDT, Lucerne Dance Theater Switzerland, BYU Contemporary Dance Theater & Theater Ballet Utah USA, Würzburg Ballet Germany, DSC Company Italy, Akbank Sanat Istanbul, Interdans Festival Belgium, Palucca Schule Dresden and Holland’s ArtEz Dansacademie. He has choreographed four original for works for NW Dance Project to date, his first work State of Matter in 2010, and in 2012 he returned to Portland to create Mother Tongue. In March 2015 he premiered his third work for NW Dance Project Yidam, and was also appointed NW Dance Project’s Resident Choreographer. Most recently, in March 2016, Ihsan premiered his fourth original creation, Le Fil Rouge, and his fifth original creation, Bolero, in October 2016, for NW Dance Project, which will be toured nationally and internationally.
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NW DANCE PROJECT • CARMEN
PATRICK DELCROIX
Choreographer Patrick Delcroix was educated in at the Centre International de Danse Rosella Hightower in Cannes and the Ecole de Danse Colette Soriano in Orthez, France. In 1982 he joined the Iwanson Dance Company in Munich (director Jessica Iwanson), followed by the Scapino Ballet Amsterdam in 1985 (director Armando Navarro). It was here that he first met Jirˇí Kylián, when the choreographer came to create Picolo Mondo and cast the young Delcroix. He was subsequently invited by Kylián to join the Nederlands Dans Theater 1, where he danced from 1986 to 2003. In these 17 years with NDT he worked with many celebrated figures, namely William Forsythe, Mats Ek, Ohad Naharin, Edouard Lock, Nacho Duato, Hans van Manen and of course Jirˇí Kylián. As a choreographer, Patrick has created 40 works and re-staged numerous others for a variety of companies, including Nederlands Dans Theater 1, 2 & 3, Royal Danish Ballet, Basel Ballet, Ballet du Capitole Toulouse, Cape Town City Ballet, Ballet of the Croatian National Theater, Vienna Staatsoper Ballet, Aalto Ballett Theater Essen, Cisne Negro Sao Paolo, Ballet Jazz de Montreal, Introdans, Prague Chamber Ballet, Northwest Dance Project, Junior Ballet Genève, It Danza Barcelona, Artscape, New English Contemporary Ballet, Tanztheater am Staatstheater Braunschweig, Companhia Portuguesa de Bailado Contemporâneo, Royal Conservatory Den Haag, Royal Conservatory Antwerp, Nationale Ballet Academie —Amsterdam and ArtEZ in Arnhem, Netherlands. His relationship with Jirˇí Kylián continues to this day as a repetior for the Kylian Foundation. He has re-staged ballets on such companies as the Paris Opéra Ballet, Boston Ballet, Royal Danish Ballet, Ballet de l’Opéra du Rhin, Norwegian National Ballet, Bern Ballet, National Theater Ballet Prague, Aalto Ballett Theater Essen, Kobe Ballet, Dresden Semperoper Ballet, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet and the Georgian National Ballet. In 2001, he was knighted by the French government for services to the arts, being made “Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres”. Patrick’s first creation for Northwest Dance Project in 2011, Harmonie Défigurée, is a rich exploration of human relationships filled with inventive, breathtaking partnering The Oregonian reviewed as “mesmerizing… gave the dancers the kind of space-eating, temposhifting movement— from fast, aggressive unison to lyrical duets — that makes this company such a pleasure to watch.”
DANCER BIOGRAPHIES TATIANA BARBER is from Los
Angeles, California. She began studying dance at age five in the styles of ballet, tap, and jazz techniques and received her training at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA) until she graduated in 2012. Tatiana graduated from Alonzo King Lines Ballet BFA program at Dominican University in May 2016 where she was awarded two Dizzy Feet Foundation scholarships for her 2014– 2015 and 2015–2016 years of college. Tatiana has performed works by acclaimed artist such as Ohad Naharin, Aszure Barton, Debbie Allen, Desmond Richardson, Maurya Kerr, and Sidra Bell. She has also performed with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. In July 2016 she participated in NW Dance Project’s LAUNCH: 11 project where she worked with choreographers Luca Signoretti and Anton Rudakov.
SAMANTHA CAMPBELL
is from Salt Lake City, Utah. She attended the University of Utah as a Ballet major and graduated with a B.F.A. in May 2007. She was a member of Utah Ballet for three years while at the University, danced with Alabama Ballet and danced on scholarship at the Lou Conte Dance Studio (Hubbard Street Dance Chicago). Samantha has danced original roles in NW Dance Project works by Didy Veldman, Lucas Crandall, Sarah Slipper, Donald McKayle, James Canfield, Patrick Delcroix, Wen Wei Wang, Andrea Miller, Pedro Dias, Loni Landon, Benoit-Swan Pouffer, Noam Gagnon, Edgar Zendejas, Maurice Causey, Lauren Edson, Carla Mann and Minh Tran.
WILLIAM COUTURE
was born and raised in St. Paul Minnesota, where he attended the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Arts, and from there went to San Francisco to study at Dominican University of California with LINES ballet. While in college Will traveled as a guest artist to perform with the Southern California Ballet, Santa Rosa Ballet, and LINES ballet. In 2013 Will received a scholarship with the Dizzy Feet Foundation and was invited to perform a solo at their gala event. After graduating in 2015 Will returned to Minnesota to dance with Shapiro and Smith Dance and teach.
KODY JAURON hails from
Phoenix, Arizona where he began his formal dance instruction at age 15 with Andrew Needhammer. Shortly after, Kody furthered his preprofessional studies with the Miami City Ballet School and Ballet Austin’s
DANCER BIOGRAPHIES Professional Division Trainee Program where he was honored to become a recipient of the Sarah & Ernest Butler Scholarship. After one year at Ballet Austin, Kody was promoted to an apprentice to the company where he danced for two additional seasons. Kody has supplemented his training at Lou Conte Dance Studio’s scholarship program, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, The School at Jacob’s Pillow, Springboard Danse Montréal, and most recently at NW Dance Project’s LAUNCH:10. Prior to joining NW Dance Project, Kody danced with DanceWorks Chicago under the tutelage of Julie Nakagawa and has been a featured guest artist with the Ruth Page Civic Ballet, Evansville Ballet, and Salt Creek Ballet. He has had the opportunity to perform works by Aszure Barton, Nelly van Bommel, Thang Dao, James Gregg, Felix Landerer, Joshua Manculich, Jirˇí Pokorný, Ihsan Rustem, and Yin Yue.
ELIJAH LABAY was born in
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, and started training at Ballet Arts Academy in Spokane, Washington. In 2004, Elijah joined Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet Professional Division and then attended the Fellowship Program at The Ailey School on full scholarship. He received a Professional Advancement Award at Jacob’s Pillow to work with Aszure Barton, Helen Pickett, and Tero Saarinen. In 2009, Elijah joined Florida Dance Theatre directed by Carol Erkes and had the opportunity to choreograph Kaos in Wonderland. Elijah attended NW Dance Project’s LAUNCH:4 project where he worked with choreographers Loni Landon and James Gregg. He was featured in NW Dance Project’s premiere of André Mesquita’s duet, A Short History of Walking, and in other original NW Dance Project works created by Patrick Delcroix, Ihsan Rustem, Lucas Crandall, Pedro Dias, Loni Landon, Sarah Slipper, Noam Gagnon, Olivier Wevers, Carla Mann and Minh Tran.
LINDSEY MCGILL was born
in Houston, Texas. She began her formal dance training under Elizabeth and Rosemary Molak in Orange County, California and continued training at the Houston Ballet Academy under the direction of Ben Stevenson, Clara Cravey and Priscilla Nathan Murphy. Since graduating from Houston Ballet Academy, Lindsey has worked with Jane Weiner’s Hope Stone Dance, Michele Brangwen Dance Ensemble, iMEE, Dominic Walsh Dance Theater, O Dance, NobleMotion Dance, The Next Stage Project, KDNY and Dayton Contemporary Dance Company 2.
She has also had opportunities to dance in projects by a number of independent artists including Jhon R. Stronks, Paola Georgudis, Teresa Chapman, Amy Ell’s Vault and Freneticore. Lindsey participated in NW Dance Project’s LAUNCH:5 project.
FRANCO NIETO — 2012 PRINCESS GRACE AWARD WINNER was born and raised
in Vancouver, Washington. Franco was an athlete playing football for seven years before making his choice to dance. Franco began his training at Vancouver School of Arts and Academics, and Columbia Dance, later studying under Tracey Durbin as a student and an assistant in Portland. Franco graduated from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with a B.F.A. in Jazz in 2009. Franco has danced original roles in NW Dance Project works by Didy Veldman, James Canfield, Sarah Slipper, Luca Veggetti, Pedro Dias, Maurice Causey, Wen Wei Wang, Andrea Miller, Noam Gagnon, Loni Landon and Lauren Edson. In August 2012, Franco was one of only six dancers in the U.S. to win a Princess Grace Award for Dance. Franco received a full page feature in the February 2014 issue of Dance Magazine.
ANDREA PARSON — 2010 PRINCESS GRACE AWARD WINNER began her early
dance training in Hillsboro, Oregon, at NW Conservatory of Dance under the direction of Anita Mitchell. She received her B.A. from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles in 2008. Andrea has taught dance throughout Oregon and Washington and has participated in workshops with the Joffrey Ballet, San Francisco Conservatory of Dance, anoukvandijk dc and the NW Dance Project. She has danced original roles in NW Dance Project works by Patrick Delcroix, Sarah Slipper, James Canfield, Luca Veggetti, Pedro Dias, Ihsan Rustem, Andrea Miller, Aszure Barton, Noam Gagnon, Benoit-Swan Pouffer, Maurice Causey, Lucas Crandall, Wen Wei Wang, Alejandro Cerrudo, Cayetano Soto, Loni Landon, Edgar Zendejas, Carla Mann and Minh Tran. In June 2010, Dance Magazine named Andrea their dancer “On the Rise.” The following month, Andrea received her biggest career honor to date, winning a 2010 Princess Grace Award for Dance and she appeared on the cover of Dance Spirit Magazine in February 2011, which did a feature on her and another on the company.
JULIA RADICK was born and
raised in New York City. She graduated from LaGuardia Arts High School and earned her BFA in Dance from the Tisch School of the Arts at
New York University. She has also trained at North Carolina School of the Arts, Boston Ballet, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, and with Batsheva. Julia has danced original works by Nathan Trice, Brunilda Ruiz, James Sutton, Cherylyn Lavagnino, Aszure Barton, and Kate Weare. She was a member of the Yomoco and has performed with Classical Contemporary Ballet Theatre. Julia is a certified Mind Body Dancer™ yoga instructor. Julia took part in NW Dance Project’s LAUNCH:7 project.
CHARBEL ROHAYEM began his
training at the age of 16 under the direction of Teresa Felix and Trina Araby in Hercules, California. He has participated in summer programs and workshops with the California State Summer School for the Arts, The San Francisco Conservatory of Dance, BODYTRAFFIC, Sidra Bell Dance New York’s winter|module, Springboard Danse Montreal (2015–2016), and NW Dance Project’s LAUNCH:11. Charbel attended the Lines Ballet BFA program, where he graduated with a BFA in Dance and a minor in Arts Management in the Spring of 2016. He is a 2011 Herb Alpert Emerging Young Artist, as well as a 2015–2016 Dizzy Feet Foundation scholarship recipient. Charbel has had the privilege of performing the works of Gregory Dawson, Alex Ketley, Ohad Naharin, Sidra Bell, Anton Rudakov, Arturo Fernandez, Maurya Kerr, Roy Assaf, Luca Signoretti, and Fernando Melo.
CHING CHING WONG — 2015 PRINCESS GRACE AWARD WINNER was born in Manila,
Philippines, but since the age of three calls southern California her home. She began her dance training at Allegria Dance Theater under the direction of Alia Harlan. She received her B.F.A. in Dance Performance and minor in Education and Psychology & Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine. During her UCI days, she was a member of Donald McKayle’s Etude Ensemble and also performed works by Jodie Gates, Molly Lynch, Lisa Naugle, Rennie Harris and William Forsythe’s Artifact Suite. Ching Ching participated in NW Dance Project’s LAUNCH:3 & LAUNCH:4 projects, and has danced original roles in new NW Dance Project works by Didy Veldman, Patrick Delcroix, Wen Wei Wang, Ihsan Rustem, Pedro Dias, Lucas Crandall, Loni Landon, Noam Gagnon, James Gregg, Lauren Edson, Tracey Durbin and Minh Tran. Ching Ching has been awarded a 2015 Princess Grace Award in Dance, making her the fourth member in NW Dance Project to receive this coveted honor. Company Portraits / Paul Thacker ©
CARMEN • NW DANCE PROJECT
13
EVERYONE CAN DANCE PORTLAND’S “BEST DANCE STUDIO” - Willamette Week Reader’s Poll 2015 + 2016
ADULT DANCE CLASSES 7 DAYS A WEEK / ALL LEVELS BALLET | JAZZ | CORE BALANCE | HIP HOP | CONTEMPORARY STRETCH | ROCK YOUR BODY | BROADWAY JAZZ | YOGA
YOUTH DANCE PROGRAM SPRING SESSION APR 3 TO JUN 10 STUDENT ARTIST SHOWCASE JUN 11
INFO + REGISTER
NW DANCE PROJECT CREATIVE CENTER
503.421.7434 / nwdanceproject.org NW Dance Project is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization
THANK YOU PATRON $10,000+
Fred W. Fields Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation Alan & Sharon Jones – North Country Productions James F. & Marion L. Miller Foundation M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust Nike Community Impact Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation The Regional Arts & Culture Council, including support from the City of Portland and Multnomah County The Shubert Foundation West Portland Physical Therapy Associates Work for Art, including contributions from more than 75 companies and 2,000 employees
BENEFACTOR $5,000–$9,999
Craig Aalseth Peter Blundell & Anna Brook The Boeing Company Gregory & Betsy Hatton The Jackson Foundation Gary S. Leavitt Missy & Mark MacDonald Prographics Al Solheim The Herbert A. Templeton Foundation Peter & Ann van Bever Juan Young Trust Serena Zilliacus & Pierre-Laurent Baudey
CHAMPION $2,500–$4,999
The Autzen Foundation Jacqueline R. Cape & Arnie Perlstein Frank Hilton & A. Davey Coogan Patti Koehler & Kate Krider Scott Lewis Mark Spencer Hotel Steven Neighorn George Rowbottom & Marilyn Crilley Sarah Slipper The Rose E. Tucker Charitable Trust Jane & Steven Tighe
PRODUCER $1,000–$2,499
Scott & Rachael Anderson Chris Balo James & Kris Campbell Ms. Anne E. Carr Beth Caruso & Patrick Clancy Destin Ferdun Charles & Kyle Fuchs Sloane Elman & Barry Radick Meredith English & Jim Thompson Roger Griffith Intel Corporation Mr. Paul T. Jones & Dr. Charles A. Murphy
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NW DANCE PROJECT
Gary LeClair & Janice Friend Bill & Jenny-Lyn Marais Brad & Nancy Miller Carole Montarou Michael Nicklin Nel Centro Kaelin & Frank Nieto Lesley Otto & Alexander Nicoloff Dennis Nolan & Lucinda Welch Reynolds Potter & Sharon Mueller Dean Richardson Sarah & Stephen Schwarz Richard Schmitz Jaymi & Francis Sladen George & Nancy Thorn John Tracy Travel Portland The Valspar Corporation Richard Wasserman & Ann CoskeyWasserman
DIRECTOR $500–$999
Anonymous Albina Community Bank Bob & Kathy Block-Brown Nita Brueggeman & Kevin Hoover Rosalie & Amador Bustos Joan S. Childs & Jerry Zaret Reed Coleman & Scooter Sutterer Ken deLaski & Sarah Goracke David Hill & Katherine Zeller Robert Hopkins Mark Huey & Wayne Wiegand Norm Kalbfleisch & Neil Matteuci Tracy Julias & Michael Shields David & Bamboo Kanekoa Tom Kilbane & Lauren Holden Kilbane Carole & Richard Lewis Mary Meyer Ed Reid Ihsan Rustem Ronald Seymour Jenny & Sam Shiley Kyle Smoot & Win Hall Frank & Leslie Warren
PARTNER $250–$499
Bergström Wines Peter J. Billotta & Shannon M. Bromenschenkel Barbara & Jeff Couture Christine D’Arcy Matt Darcy Diana Dutton & Martin Eichinger Mark Erickson Nick Fish & Patricia Schechter Rebecca Fleischman Michael L. Glover G. Randolph Grout Sunny Guo Paul & Julie Hansen Kate Holland Robert Holub Ava & Charlie Hoover Walter Jaffe & Paul King
NW DANCE PROJECT DONATIONS: NW Dance Project would like to thank the following individuals, foundations, corporations and government agencies for their generous support. Listing reflects gifts received from February 1, 2016 through February 23, 2017. If you have a question or a correction to the listing, or would like to add or deepen your support, please contact Executive Director Scott Lewis at 503.756.1912 or info@nwdanceproject.org.
James Kalvelage & Barbara Lamack John & Linda Koser John Light & Happy Barnes-Light The McCall House Bed & Breakfast Maria McCandless MINI of Portland Martin C. Muller Robert J. Nystrom Gabrielle & Greg Parson Persephone Farms Minh Tran & Gary Nelson Renee & Brad Ramey Greg Saliba John Shipley Mark Schubauer Coni Lloyd & Ray Stangeland Sam & Shannon Swartley Mary & Jacques Vaillancourt Tara Vargas Barbara Wexler WillaKenzie Estate David Willis
FRIEND $100–$249
Altabira City Tavern Ancient Heritage Dairy Tomas Ancona & Laura Tarrish ArborBrook Vineryards Alyse Baker, in honor of Mark Huey Nicole & Matthew Bangs Bar Avignon David Barenberg & Rachel Shimshak Kyle Bolger Rene Breier Bud’s Lites Mary Carr Julie Chapman Cynthia Chilton & Ed Abrahamson Marcela Cinta Anne Clark Cynthia & Gary Crose Ralph & Cheryl Davis Marvin & Abby Dawson Leslie Dolence Domaine Serene Winery Valarie Edwards & Richard Langdon Rylen Feeney Jennifer Foster Elephants Delicatessen Michael L. Glover Dave Goldman & Merilee Karr Elinor Gollay Cruz Gomez Helen Goodwin Walter Grebe Beth & Tom Gregory Grey Line Tours Deanna Haley Joanne & Dr. Larry Handelsman Douglas & Regina Hansen Rebecca Harrison & Delaney Skiles John Hoppock & Sarah Dorsey Hotel Modera Ava & Charlie Hoover Caroline Hutcherson Seth Hutton Ivan & Jeri Inger Cortney Ivy Pam Jacobson
Jan & Gary Johanns James Jones Frank Kanekoa Key Bank Anneliese Knapp Kramer Vineyards Lee Leighton Dorothy Lemelson Fuchsia Lin Kevin Johnson Demian & William Lucas Dan & Carey MacNaughton Jennifer Mashburn Jim McGinn & Jamie Bluhm Tim McNichol Renee Meiffren Susan Mikota & Arthur Glasfeld Carrie Mitchell & Matt Larson Cassie & Andrew Morgan Martin Moore John Morrison Mary Naman Nicole Nelson David Nijhawan Oregon Shakespeare Festival Dennis & Suzie Ott Vicki Perrett Laura & Lee Phillips Brandy Poirier Popina Swimwear ¿Por Que No? Portland Center Stage Portland Opera Debbie & Gary Rischitelli John & Jill Rissi David Ritchie & LaJean Humphries David Row Kristen M. Seitz Teote Tim Sercomb Michelle Slayton Jesse Smith & Maryann Yelnosky Marti Smith Sokol Blosser Winery Marci Stafford Michael & Sydney Stocks Judy & Michael Stoner David Tillett Marie Tripp Mary Vander Linden Laura Van Houten Peter Vennewitz Veritable Quandary Melanie & Halle Vogelpohl Pat & Norma Weathersby Cheri Wicks & John Shaw Richard Winkel, CPA Robert Woods & Jeff Pittman Cynthia Yee Pat & John Zagelow Jeanie Zamarripa-Lee
HELPING HAND UP TO $99
Ryan Azorr Linda Austin Phillip Baca Sukari Badaei Raymond Becich Tom Berend & Amber Turner Amelia Blakeman Kerry & Vince Blaney
Joe Blount Mary Blue Sheri Boone Emily Bottjen Lori Brown Cathleen Buckon Stephanie Camfield Kelly Cannard Tessa Carter Monika Cassel & Ewen Harrison Bianca Chakiryan Nancy Childs Lisa Cline Nicole Cordan Tom Creamer & April Snow Eliza Crockett Tom Cull & Julia Epstein Colby Damon Joseph Davids Hannah Davidson Barbara Drinka Domaine Drouhin Elm Movement Erin Flasher Friends of Chamber Music Ann Garrett & Tom Gerharter Kay Gill Laraine Gladstone Robert Grossnickle Johnathan Grumbles & Tiffani LeClair Jennifer & Ronald Hapke Alia Harlan Brooke Harrison Helen Hatch Hearst Castle Marsha Hall Deanna Haley Roy Hemmingway Rachel Hettinger Kamali Hill Suzanne Hockley Kay Hutchinson Donald Jans Sysko Kiggins Jay Kim Eryn Kirshbaum Andrea & Robert Klein Teresa Koberstein Tammie Krisciunas Jennifer & Zach Laney Nettie Letgers & Daniel Pearson Henry Louderbough Magnum Opus Maia McCarthy & Maxwell Rush Ralph Makar Joshua Manculich Carla Mann Market of Choice Lucia A. Markovic Stephanie Martinez Kyristine McCants Patrick McDonough Matt Meskill Kathleen Millett Linda Milne Monique’s Boutique Lindsey Morrow Micheline Mosher Robert Moyer Sharon Mueller OMSI E. P. Hoang Phan Portland General Electric Judy Posey Kimberly Ross Charles Sax SLO Swim Shannon Smith
Vicki Smith & Joan Harman The Standard Elizabeth & Les Stoessl Misty Thomas Eileen & David Threefoot Ashley & Dwayne Trimble Carol Turtle Barbara Walton Amy Werner What’s the Scoop? Charles Williams Karen & Bob Williams Levi Winkler Sara Wiseman Gwendolyn Wong Nick & Karen Wutzke Yin Yue Lisa Zaharoni Venus & Ed Zaron
VERY SPECIAL THANKS TO
Frank Blanchard / La Vie Flowers Boora Architects Cat Benatar Nita Brueggeman Anna Burnette James Canfield Mona Cordell Blaine Truitt Covert Lucas Crandall Tom Creamer / ProGraphics Michelle & Jason Davis Ralph Davis / Action Video Dobbes Family Estate Wines Tracey Durbin Nick Fish Marco Frattaroli John Gardner Sunny Guo Hank the Dog Bob Hicks HostBaby Hoyt & LuLu Barry Johnson Tracy Julias James Kalvelage Tom Kilbane & Lauren Holden Kilbane Alexis Kurland Patricia Koehler Lagunitas Brewing Matthew Larson Dick & Carole Lewis Jim Lykins David Machado Carla Mann Carole Montarou Adam Mourehouse Cassie Morgan Nel Centro Restaurant Opsis Architecture Christopher Peddecord PSU College of the Arts Ihsan Rustem Aaron Scott Al Solheim Tony Starlight Lisa Stringfield Paul Thacker George Thorn Minh Tran & Gary Nelson Don Vallaster Julie Vigeland Jason Vondersmith Caitlin Warren & Zach Pickens Jamie Watson Scott & Ann Weaver White Bird Richard Winkel, CPA Dr. Katharine Zeller
JOIN US in applauding the following corporations, foundations, agencies and government institutions for their commitment to enriching the cultural fabric of our community by supporting the arts and NW Dance Project.
MEDIA SPONSORS
ACTION VIDEO
PLEASE SUPPORT NW DANCE PROJECT WITH YOUR TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION DONATE AT nwdanceproject.org or send your gift to: PO Box 42488 | Portland, OR 97242
The Autzen Foundation, Rose E. Tucker Charitable Trust, The Jackson Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, Virginia Wellington Cabot Foundation
P/503.421.7434 info@nwdanceproject.org www.nwdanceproject.org NW Dance Project is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization
NW DANCE PROJECT
17
NW DANCE PROJECT
STAFF ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Sarah Slipper EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Scott Lewis COMPANY MANAGER Katie Holliday EDUCATION & OUTREACH COORDINATOR Caitlin Warren STUDIO STAFF Kasandra Martinez + Laura Faye Smith + Lindsay Spoonmore LIGHTING DESIGNER & TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Jeff Forbes STAGE MANAGER Thyra Hartshorn COSTUME & WARDROBE MANAGEMENT Michelle Lesniak + Cassie Ridgway ACCOMPANISTS Tiffany Barclay + Ray McKean + Jon Roberts + Susan Schroeder
Pierre-Laurent Baudey Jacqueline Cape Alan Jones Gary Leavitt Scott Lewis Mark MacDonald Missy MacDonald Steven C. Neighorn Sarah Slipper Jane Tighe John Tracy Peter van Bever Serena Zilliacus
GRAPHIC & WEB DESIGN Rachel Beckwith + Christopher Peddecord
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
WEB SUPPORT Christopher Peddecord
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PHOTOGRAPHY Blaine Truitt Covert + Christopher Peddecord
COMPANY MEMBERS
VIDEOGRAPHY Ralph Davis, Action Video + Christopher Peddecord HEALTH & WELLNESS Dr. Katharine Zeller PHYSICAL THERAPY West Portland Physical Therapy Clinic ACUPUNCTURE Anna Brook ACCOUNTING Richard Winkel, CPA BOOKKEEPING Susan Matlack Jones & Associates
Sarah Slipper
Scott Lewis
Tatiana Barber Samantha Campbell William Couture Kody Jauron Elijah Labay Lindsey McGill Franco Nieto Andrea Parson Julia Radick Charbel Rohayem Ching Ching Wong
DANCE TEACHERS
Renee Adams IT’S OUR Tatiana Barber Stylish Diana Bustos Sophisticated Samantha Campbell James Canfield Sensational Kim Choeychan William Couture Star-Studded Lucas Crandall Jason Davis Michelle Davis Mariecella Devine Selina Dipronio Tracey Durbin Cora Guerin Izzy Holmes Kody Jauron Tracy Julias Victoria Lauder Lindsey Matheis Lindsey McGill Franco Nieto Andrea Parson Nicholas Petrich Julia Radick Rachel Slater Sarah Slipper Vanessa Thiessen Gerard Theoret Kitty Tibbals Jasmin Trotter Viktor Usov Caitlin Warren Ching Ching Wong
SPRING GALA
CONTACT
PRINTING & MAILING ProGraphics + MetroPresort
Studio
STUDIO SUPPORT Kayla Banks + Madeleine Chow + Caitlin Edwards + Caleb Leitch + Kasandra Martinez + Amelia Roque + Sarah Shoemaker + Raelynn Webb
Ticket Info
Company Portraits Donated By Paul Thacker
info@nwdanceproject.org
Flowers Donated By La Vie Flowers 18
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
503.421.7434 503.828.8285
Website
nwdanceproject.org
NW Dance Project PO Box 42488 Portland, OR 97242
Creative Center
211 NE 10TH Ave Portland, OR 97232
Program Photo / Christopher Peddecord Dancer / Franco Nieto + Andrea Parson + Elijah Labay
9
to the nines MAY 20 / 2017 / 5:30PM SPRING GALA
s
Emceed by Portland’s one and only
tony starlight
Join us for our Spring Gala and exclusive NW Dance Project runway performance in custom couture from MICHELLE LESNIAK ADAM ARNOLD | FOLLY ALTAR HOUSELINE WENDY OHLENDORF | URCHIN MOORE | DUCHESS CLOTHIER Fashion | Art | Cocktails | Dinner | Dance Music | Live + Silent Auctions | Dessert Dash Golden Raffle Ticket
tables + tickets
nwdanceproject.org or 503.828.8285
APR. 15 – MAY 28
TWO ROMANTIC JOURNEYS SEPARATED BY 100 YEARS Portland Center Stage at
Tickets at pcs.org, by phone at 503.445.3700 or drop by at 128 NW Eleventh Avenue.
MAY 13 – JUNE 11
LET’S LET’S NOT NOT COMPLICATE COMPLICATE THINGS. THINGS. LET’S LET’S NOT NOT COMPLICATE COMPLICATE THINGS. THINGS. LET’S NOT COMPLICATE The The all-new all-new Volvo Volvo S90 S90 is the is the result result ofTHINGS. thoughtful of thoughtful TheThe all-new all-new Volvo Volvo S90 S90 is the is the result result of thoughtful of thoughtful Scandinavian Scandinavian design, design, both both inside inside andand out.out. The Sophisticated all-new Volvo S90 isdesign, the result ofwood thoughtful Scandinavian Scandinavian design, both both inside inside and and out.out. Sophisticated curves, curves, natural natural wood detailing, detailing, Scandinavian design, both inside and Sophisticated Sophisticated curves, curves, natural natural wood wood detailing, detailing, andand intuitive intuitive technology technology all all add add up up toout. an to an Sophisticated curves, natural wood detailing, andand intuitive intuitive technology technology all all add add up up to an to an inspired inspired driving driving experience. experience. and intuitive technology all add up to an inspired inspired driving driving experience. experience. inspired driving experience. THETHE ALL-NEW ALL-NEW VOLVO VOLVO S90S90 OUR OUR IDE IDE A OF A VOLVO OF LU LU XUS90 XRY US90 RY THE THE ALL-NEW ALL-NEW VOLVO OUR OUR IDEIDE A OF A VOLVO OF LU LU XUS90 XRY U RY THE ALL-NEW OUR IDE A OF LU XU RY
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PUBLISHER & FOUNDER Misty Tompoles EDITOR-AT-LARGE Barry Johnson COPY EDITOR Kristen Seidman DESIGNERS Megan C. Cutler Lisa Johnston-Smith MEDIA DIRECTOR Chris Porras PUBLISHERS REPRESENTATIVE Lindsey Ferguson PUBLISHING COORDINATOR Bella Showerman SPECIAL PROJECTS Ahnyah Krummenacker CONTRIBUTING WRITERS A.L. Adams Brett Campbell Marty Hughley Barry Johnson PHOTOGRAPHER Will Nielsen
88 ∞
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NW DANCE PROJECT Katie Holliday, Company Manager
ARTSL ANDIA AT THE PERFORMANCE • MARCH | APRIL 2017
art passport pdx
Artslandia at the Performance is published by Rampant Creative, Inc. ©2017 Rampant Creative, Inc. All rights reserved. This magazine or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher. Rampant Creative, Inc. /Artslandia Magazine 6637 SE Milwaukie Ave. #207 | Portland, OR 97202
ARTSLANDIA.COM
PHOTO BY OWEN CAREY
An uprising has begun...
SW 6th between Oak & Pine hours MON–FRI 11:30am–Midnight SAT & SUN 5:00pm–Midnight
reservation 503.688.5952 littlebirdbistro.com 215 SW 6TH AVE. PORTLAND, OR 97204
American Premiere | March 24-April 15, 2017
THE ANGRY BRIGADE by James Graham
Purchase your tickets today at www.thirdrailrep.org or call 503-235-1101. Third Rail at Imago Theatre 17 SE 8th Ave, Portland
MARCH | APRIL 2017 • ARTSL ANDIA AT THE PERFORMANCE
23
OUT & ABOUT MUSIC
DANCE
THEATER
ONE NIGHT ONLY!
HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW
BRONTË
Before becoming a vaudeville sensation, Ethel Waters endured many challenges, including poverty, an absent father, and an abusive husband. This musical biography captures the essence of her story, entailing her success, as well as her fall from fame, her time as a recluse, and her return as a gospel performer. What remained constant throughout her turbulent life, however, was her incredible voice and acting.
The Brontë sisters’ turbulent lives led to some of the most profound literature of all time, such as Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre. This production, aptly titled Brontë, reveals the complexities of these isolated women and considers the possible inspirations for their notoriously passionate writing.
PORTLAND CENTER STAGE
FEBRUARY 4–MARCH 26; ELLYN BYE STUDIO, THE ARMORY
MARJORIE PRIME
ARTISTS REPERTORY THEATRE
What should we remember or forget? In this poignant 2015 Pulitzer Prize finalist for Drama, artificial intelligence modeled after her late husband assists 85-year-old Marjorie by recounting her life story to her. As Marjorie’s memory fails, her family confronts aging, memory, and identity in the age of technology.
Constructing Identity Petrucci Family Foundation Collection of African-American Art
Through June 18
FEBRUARY 7–MARCH 5; ALDER STAGE, ARTISTS REPERTORY THEATRE
PEN/MAN/SHIP
PORTLAND PLAYHOUSE
A ship en route to Africa creates close quarters between a father and his son, a tenacious young woman, and a skeptical crew. When tensions rise, family secrets and hidden intentions are revealed, forever changing the lives of everyone aboard the ship. FEBRUARY 8–MARCH 5; PORTLAND PLAYHOUSE
FLORA & ULYSSES
OREGON CHILDREN’S THEATRE
After getting sucked up by a Ulysses 2000x™ vacuum cleaner, a (now hairless) squirrel is rescued by Flora Belle Buckman, a 10-year-old self-proclaimed cynic. She names him Ulysses and discovers he has been reborn a superhero. Oregon Children’s Theatre brings to the stage this adventure full of quirky characters and bursting with heart. FEBRUARY 25–MARCH 26; WINNINGSTAD THEATRE
7 FINGERS: CUISINE & CONFESSIONS WHITE BIRD
portlandartmuseum.org Dox Thrash (American, 1893–1965), Wandering Boy, ca. 1940, watercolor, 27 x 23 in. © Estate of Dox Thrash.
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ARTSL ANDIA AT THE PERFORMANCE
FAMILY SHOW
The 7 Fingers circus company’s wild and energetic show, featuring acrobats that cook and bake as they perform, will delight food-lovers. Mesmerizing circus skills combined with delicious smells (and maybe even a taste of food) will entertain all your senses. MARCH 2–4; NEWMARK THEATRE
BAG&BAGGAGE
MARCH 3–26; THE HILLSBORO PUBLIC LIBRARY BROOKWOOD BRANCH
FEATHERS AND TEETH
ARTISTS REPERTORY THEATRE
While teenager Chris grieves her mother’s death, she confronts monsters of different forms—some are emotional demons, one is her dad’s pushy new girlfriend, and others are ravenous little creatures. Fairytale, campy horror, drama, and comedy intertwine in this rich exploration of devastating loss and obsession. MARCH 7–APRIL 2; MORRISON STAGE, ARTISTS REPERTORY THEATRE
COMPANHIA URBANA DE DANÇA WHITE BIRD
Through a beautifully expressive and explosive fusion of hip hop, urban, and contemporary dance with an Afro-Brazilian twist, one female and eight male dancers vividly illustrate their experiences growing up in Rio de Janeiro’s favelas (shanty towns) and suburbs. MARCH 9–11; NEWMARK THEATRE
WILD AND RECKLESS: A NEW MUSICAL EVENT FROM BLITZEN TRAPPER PORTLAND CENTER STAGE
A musical event is coming to Center Stage as Portland folk-rock band Blitzen Trapper blurs the lines between theater and rock concert. The production, which asks the question: “What’s the sound of a life falling through the cracks?” will showcase the band’s Oregonian roots and storytelling skill in a concert like no other. Rolling Stone raved about the performance, asserting, “no indie band tells campfire tales better than these flannel-clad Oregonians.” MARCH 16–APRIL 30; U.S. BANK MAIN STAGE, THE ARMORY
CARMEN
NORTHWEST DANCE PROJECT
Dazzling audiences worldwide, resident choreographer Ihsan Rustem was invited by Northwest Dance Project to produce Carmen, an electrifying, awe-inspiring piece. The show will also feature work from French superstar and Northwest Dance Project returnee, Patrick Delcroix. MARCH 16–18; NEWMARK THEATRE
OUT & ABOUT
“SOME OF THE BEST DANCERS YOU WILL EVER SEE” -CALGARY HERALD
LAUREN WEEDMAN DOESN’T LIVE HERE ANYMORE PORTLAND CENTER STAGE
Lauren Weedman has been a correspondent for The Daily Show, appeared on numerous TV shows like New Girl and Arrested Development, and currently stars in a leading role on HBO’s comedy-drama Looking. She also has strong ties to Portland, with past performances Bust and The People’s Republic of Portland presented at Center Stage. Her new one-woman comedy show, Lauren Weedman Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, will include hilarious stories of love gone wrong, accompanied by a live band and her own singing abilities. MARCH 17–APRIL 30; U.S. BANK MAIN STAGE, THE ARMORY
TOMÁS & THE LIBRARY LADY OREGON CHILDREN’S THEATRE
Tomás, the son of migrant workers, works long days in the fields under the hot sun. He soon meets a library lady who shows him an entirely new world, one brimming with imaginative literature. Based on a true story, this tale is full of inspiration and empowerment. APRIL 1–29; WINNINGSTAD THEATRE
RONALD K. BROWN/EVIDENCE
WHITE BIRD
Set to diverse scores including Stevie Wonder and Belgian-Congolese singer Zap Mama, Ronald K. Brown/Evidence seamlessly combines traditional African dance, contemporary techniques, and spoken word to create an energetic and inspiring program.
CARMEN
TICKETS MAR 16 -18 / 7:30 PM
NWDANCEPROJECT.ORG 503.828.8285 PHOTO / CHRISTOPHER PEDDECORD
NEWMARK THEATRE 1111 SW BROADWAY
DANCERS / ANDREA PARSON + ELIJAH LABAY + FRANCO NIETO
“SOME OF THE BEST DANCERS YOU WILL EVER SEE” -CALGARY HERALD
APRIL 6–8; NEWMARK THEATRE
CHE MALAMBO WHITE BIRD
Fourteen powerful male dancers introduce zapeteo (rapid footwork inspired by the rhythm of galloping horses), traditional Argentine bombo drumming, and whirling boleadoras (cord and stone throwing). Malambo dances began in the 17th century as agility and strength competitions between gauchos (Argentine cowboys). APRIL 25–26; ARLENE SCHNITZER CONCERT HALL
TERRA
OREGON BALLET THEATRE
This selection draws from the word of “terra” meaning “of the earth.” These dances are meant to signify a return to earth and nature, and in effect, they are a celebration of life. The performance begins with Helen Pickett’s Petal, the 2014 premiere of which was so well received, OBT have decided to bring back the production for this year’s season. The next two pieces are company premieres: Nacho Duato’s El Naranjo and Jardí Tancat. The Spanish choreographer’s dances are poetic and passionate, embodying the phrase “lust for life.” Terra fittingly ends with a world premiere of Helen Picket’s newest work Picket Creation. APRIL 13–22; NEWMARK THEATRE
SUMMER SPLENDORS
TICKETS JUN 8 – 10 / 7:30 PM
NWDANCEPROJECT.ORG 503.828.8285 PHOTO / CHRISTOPHER PEDDECORD
CHOPIN PROJECT – PIANIST HUNTER NOACK WORLD PREMIERE – SARAH SLIPPER LINCOLN PERFORMANCE HALL
DANCER / SAMANTHA CAMBPELL
MARCH | APRIL 2017 • ARTSL ANDIA AT THE PERFORMANCE
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s Ticketat s t a r t 1 4! jus t $
MAY 6–JUNE 4 NEWMARK THEATRE
www.octc.org
oregon arts commission
MAR 10
I 11 I 12 I 2017
PURCELL & SHAKESPEARE APR 29
I 2017
SPOTLIGHT ON BASSOON MAY 5
I 6 I 7 I 2017
VIVALDI’S WORLD PBO.ORG 503.222.6000 26
ARTSL ANDIA AT THE PERFORMANCE • MARCH | APRIL 2017
Oregon Book Awards Ceremony The Oregon Community Foundation can help your tax-deductible gift pave the way toward a bolder, brighter outlook for Oregon’s future.
Monday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m. Gerding Theater at the Armory Tickets start at just $10, at BrownPaperTickets.com. Celebrate the state’s most accomplished writers in the genres of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, young readers, and drama.
oregoncf.org
More information at literary-arts.org
This event is sponsored in part by:
MARCH | APRIL 2017 • ARTSL ANDIA AT THE PERFORMANCE
27
AN ARTSLANDIA FEATURE
LAUREN WEEDMAN ISN’T WORRRIED ANYMORE BY A.L. ADAMS PHOTOS BY WILL NIELSEN
28
ARMED WITH A NEW FAVORITE BOOK AND A COUNTRY CHANTEUSE CHARACTER, THE VETERAN SOLO PERFORMER CONFRONTS HER DIVORCE.
“T
here’s nothing more boring than people talking about how busy they are,” says Lauren Weedman by way of apology. Finally ensnared in conversation after a spirited round of phone tag, she’s put me on speaker as she drives from Santa Monica to Silver Lake for a writers’ meeting. She’s consulting on a sitcom that stars, of all people, Andrew Dice Clay.
Last night, she went to her second Lucinda Williams concert of the week (she’s a huge fan and is semi-studying the singer), where she drank some whiskey and stayed out until midnight. Once she parks, she’ll put on some makeup to “look less 47 and hungover” for a roomful of dudes who frame each of their story ideas as “pitches.”
doing awkward dance moves and pushups, and soliloquizing wildly about her insecurities. She kept glancing back at the guitarist accompanying her, scrutinizing his blank face for hints of approval. When I tell her I caught this show, she laughs wryly, remarking that I might as well have walked in on her in her bedroom—in fact, she hopes that performance didn’t scare The Armory to death. “I actually overheard someone from their board talking about me,” she confesses. “They were like, ‘It was a complete mess, but I’m sure she’ll pull it together.’” That’s a safe bet for the playwright and performer of nine critically acclaimed solo »»»
In person or onstage, Weedman is used to divulging details from her personal life—used to it, but not comfortable. In fact, when she heard Lucinda Williams reveal in a recent NPR interview that she’s “never been comfortable a day in her life,” Weedman deeply identified. Flash back to a particularly uncomfortable moment for Weedman last summer: At Portland Center Stage at the Armory’s JAW Festival, she performed an early workshop version of a show the company had commissioned for this spring, Lauren Weedman Doesn’t Live Here Anymore. Weedman (as is her custom) played herself, a woman processing a recent, painful divorce from a husband who left her for their baby sitter. The show, which consisted mostly of monologues and a slew of cover tunes, also cameoed Weedman’s country singer alter ego, “Tammy Lisa.” Weedman put it all out there, donning and discarding sparkly costume pieces, MARCH | APRIL 2017 • ARTSL ANDIA AT THE PERFORMANCE
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L AUREN WEEDMAN | CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29
Martina Chavez & Candace Bouchard | Photo by James McGrew
OREGON BALLET THEATRE PRESENTS
April 13 – 22, 2017 Newmark Theatre
Duato | Pickett Tickets start at $29 obt.org | 503-222-5538
SUPPORTED IN PART BY: Rose E. Tucker Charitable Trust
PORTLAND
SATURDAY MARKET From Our Hands To Yours
ARTIST:
Olander Earthworks
Saturdays 10-5 • Sundays 11-4:30 • March - Christmas Eve
2 Sw Naito Parkway • Portlandsaturdaymarket.com 30
ARTSL ANDIA AT THE PERFORMANCE • MARCH | APRIL 2017
shows over the past 16 years who’s appeared on The Daily Show, True Blood, Arrested Development, and more. No stranger to The Armory and skilled in translating her own experiences into theatrical narrative in such works as Bust and The People’s Republic of Portland, Weedman left this particular dry run determined to retool her newest material until it felt right. “Am I just going to sing songs about breaking up and my sad divorced life?” she pondered. “What does it need?” First off, she decided to be alone up there. Musicians will be behind a scrim. Next, she gave the script some distance. “For the first time ever, putting my life onstage felt too personal,” she says. “I needed to script it like it wasn’t actually me—to be a character.” Like Jerry in Seinfeld, Louie in Louie, or indeed Andrew Dice Clay in Dice, Weedman decided to fictionalize some elements of her life to heighten and tighten her storyline, as well as to muster some privacy for her kid. Now, rather than Weedman herself, Tammy Lisa will be the star of Lauren Weedman Doesn’t Live Here Anymore. Here’s the pitch: Tammy Lisa is the host of an old-fashioned TV variety show, a lá Barbara Mandrell or Sonny and Cher. In a special episode, Tammy’s househusband is set to make a guest appearance, slinking out of his famous wife’s shadow after a long hiatus at home to perform a triumphal duet where the pair will share the spotlight. Amid a parade of guests (each impersonated by Weedman), drama ensues when Tammy and hubby stop getting along.
“YOU KNOW WHEN A BOOK CHANGES YOUR INSIDES, OR IT IS YOUR INSIDES? I HAD MY CATCHER IN THE RYE MOMENT WITH THIS BOOK.”
by
Charise Castro Smith STARTS MAR 7 Dámaso Rodríguez
directed by
TIME” W H A T WMAR I L L 7Y O U C “…A H O OGHOULISH S E T O R EGOOD MEMB ER? STARTS DAILY HERALD
A R T I S T S R E P E R T O R Y T H E AT R E
Weedman had already begun researching this format, binging on episodes of Dean Martin shows and mimicking his dancers, when an unexpected new influence emerged: the philosophies of psychiatrist Carl Jung. “I went to Powell’s [Books] to pick up some corny joke book,” she says. “I figured I’d do a Vegas-style act with jokes about, ‘I hate my neck, middle age, blah-dee-blah-blah...’ Then I ran into a whole section on Jung, and a book just called to me: The Middle Passage: From Misery to Meaning in Midlife by James Hollis. Oh my god. You know when a book changes your insides, or it is your insides? I had my Catcher in the Rye moment with this book.” Jung’s ideas didn’t exactly alter Weedman’s vision, but they certainly deepened it, leading her to workshop more experimental versions of her show at CalArts’ REDCAT Theater and helping her feel more secure in her shaken emotional state. She’d begun to worry that she was depressed, but Jung’s theories mercifully re-situated those feelings into the context of her phase of life. She wasn’t alone, and it was going to be OK. “It may be cheesy, but I felt free.” So what will she present onstage at The Armory this spring? A Jungian psychodrama? A winking, slinky lounge routine? Solo slapstick? Intensive rehearsal with director Rose Riordan will shuffle the pieces together into their final form, and she has “some more digging to do,” Weedman says. “But now I know the conversation I want to have.” That conversation may not be comfortable... but it should be fun, and it’s going to be real. . Portland Center Stage premiere’s Lauren Weedman Doesn’t Live Here Anymore March 17 through April 30 at The Armory, 128 NW 11th Avenue, Portland. Tickets are available online at pcs.org/laurenweedman.
by
Yussef El Guindi Jane Unger
directed by
Artslandia: 1/3 (4.65 x 4.75) Runs: Mar–Apr Artist: Persephone
STARTS APR 25 “…A DRAMATIC INTERPRETATION OF THE IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCE IN AMERICA” BROADWAY WORLD
artistsrep.org • 503.241.1278
PERSÉPHONE
MAY 13–15, 7:30 PM
Carlos Kalmar, conductor Portland State Chamber Choir Pacific Youth Choir Paul Groves, tenor Pauline Cheviller, narrator Michael Curry, artistic designer He’s worked with The Walt Disney Company, Cirque du Soleil, and the Olympics, and now Michael Curry brings his exhilarating stage magic to our performance of Stravinsky’s most tender work and the mythic story of the origin of the seasons.
OrSymphony.org | 503-228-1353 A R L E N E
Artslandia_3rd_Persephone.indd 3
S C H N I T Z E R
C O N C E R T
H A L L
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1/26/17 1:13 PM
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ARTSL ANDIA AT THE PERFORMANCE • MARCH | APRIL 2017
901A NW Davis St. | Portland, OR 97209 Next door to our sister store Bella Casa
503.241.2393 2/3/17 9:29 AM
Portland Opera presents
Kristin Chenoweth at the
SEPTEMBER 16, 2017
For information visit portlandopera.org/gala
Photo of Ms. Chenoweth courtesy of ICM.
AN ARTSLANDIA FEATURE
KENJI BUNCH: SEEING THE ELEPHANT BY BRETT CAMPBELL
PHOTO BY MEG NANNA
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THE PORTLAND COMPOSER’S CAREER BLOSSOMS WITH COMMISSIONS FROM THE OREGON SYMPHONY AND EUGENE BALLET
T
he Persian poet Rumi told a version of the ancient story of three blind men encountering an elephant for the first time. In Rumi’s telling, the three men, not blind but each holding a small, dim candle, are in a dark room. Each discovers one section of what turns out be the elephant—tusk, tail, trunk—and decides that one thing is what the elephant is: smooth and hard or thick and long or a hairy worm. They argue over who’s right, and as they move closer together, the combined light of their candles enables them finally to put their pieces together and construct the big picture. Portland composer and violist Kenji Bunch loves that version so much that he made it the basis for Aspects of an Elephant, the substantial new orchestral work that the Oregon Symphony commissioned and premieres this month.
by Portland Youth Philharmonic, 45th Parallel, Chamber Music Northwest, Chintimini Chamber Music Festival, and more. He’s also artistic director of the visionary, veteran new music ensemble Fear No Music (Ohuchi is the executive director). He teaches viola and composition at Reed College and Portland State University, serves as composer in residence for 45th Parallel, and teaches music theory for his old band, the Portland Youth Philharmonic. He’s kept up his recording (his music has been released on a dozen-and-ahalf record labels), performing, arranging, and composing career. Ohuchi’s musical adventures also continue apace.
“In the three-and-a-half years since Monica and I moved back, neither of us could have imagined it could have turned out this well for both of us,” Bunch marvels. “We’ve been incredibly fortunate and grateful. We’ve both been able to be involved in the music commu“On one hand, it seemed timely, with the polarized political climate these days and how everyone’s talking in the dark without consid- nity; people have been so welcoming and embraced us. It’s felt like the right decision for so many reasons. The kids love it here. We’re eration of another perspective,” Bunch explains. “Also an orchestra never going anywhere else!” is a really good metaphor for how diversity can be a strength. You have all these different instruments that seem like they don’t belong NEXT GENERATION together, but when you get them all working together, it makes this amazing music.” It’s also an apt metaphor for Bunch’s own music and career. If you only heard him play and sing in his bluegrass band, you’d peg him as a folkie/Americana musician. If you spotted him in the viola section of the Oregon Symphony or with his Thunder Egg Consort, you’d think of him as a performing classical music violist. And if you heard any of the dozens of original works he’s created over the last quarter century for orchestra, chamber ensemble, solo instrumentalists, and singers, you’d think of him as one of the leading American composers of his generation, best known for amalgamating traditional American musical forms like the blues and European-based classical music. The truth is, Bunch is all those things. He’s also a Portland native (1991 alum of Wilson High), a Juilliard School graduate, a New Yorker for 22 years, and (as of 2013) a Portlander again—and to hear him tell it, a Portlander for good. And why not? Despite initial trepidation that leaving New York, the center of America’s contemporary classical music universe, might limit his burgeoning career, Bunch and his wife, the accomplished classical pianist Monica Ohuchi, quickly became mainstays of Oregon’s contemporary classical music scene. And now with two of the biggest new works of his career about to hit the stage at the same time in Portland and Eugene, Bunch’s career has soared to an even higher summit than he reached in New York—and back then such observers as The New York Times and The New Yorker identified him as one of America’s most promising young composers, his works increasingly performed around the country and beyond. Since their return to their Northwest roots (Ohuchi is from Seattle) to raise their young children, now ages 2 and 5, and be closer to their families, Bunch’s music has been performed in Oregon alone
Now he’s ready to give back to the city that has given him so much. “I’m indebted to so many teachers who got me started here, so I felt an obligation to the next generation to pay that back,” Bunch says. “I’m under no delusions; I’ve been very lucky in my career. A lot of it’s just luck and opportunities; I also had a lot of help from really great people. I think it’s my responsibility to try to help the next generation however I can so that they can have those similar opportunities.” He’s especially devoted to broadening the listening horizons of young instrumentalists and composers so they can avoid the hermeticism that limits so many careers and classical music itself. “Sometimes you get narrow-minded in your listening experiences, and you start thinking some music has more value than others. So I love trying to get students improvising and arranging and composing and trying these different skills,” Bunch says. “I’m completely convinced it all helps you as a musician and can only enhance your playing abilities on whatever instrument you’re playing.” When Oregon ArtsWatch broke the story of Bunch’s impending return, he expressed hope that leaving New York would give him more family time, more composing time, as well time for his hobbies (cooking, running, and playing with Coffee—the family canine). With all of his involvements, though, how’s that working out? “I thought I’d be living this quiet life here in the forest writing music, and it really hasn’t panned out that way,” Bunch admits. “Our kids are at the age when you need a lot of real face time, and I don’t want to miss out on any of that. The juggling is to be present with my family, and to do this work in the community I want to do, and find time to get my work done”—those three aspects of the elephant again. “At the same time, I’ve been so fortunate to have work as a composer. I’ve had a few pretty big projects. They’re things you can’t »»» MARCH | APRIL 2017 • ARTSL ANDIA AT THE PERFORMANCE
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KENJI BUNCH | CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35
turn down. So [composing] usually ends up happening really early in the morning and late at night.” THE SNOW QUEEN AND THE ELEPHANT One of those major opportunities is a major full-length score—100 minutes of orchestral music—commissioned by the Eugene Ballet for its new version of the classic fairy tale The Snow Queen, which will be performed live by Eugene’s Orchestra next in April and recorded for CD release. Since the subject is based on old European legend, Bunch eschewed any of his frequent American vernacular styles.
Cannetille necklace, gold and amethysts, ca.1830
Baroque, Classical, Romantic
The same goes for the Oregon Symphony commission, “a sort of concerto for orchestra, where I could really highlight the different sections because I know all these players,” Bunch explains. “It’s a big deal for me personally because these are my friends. I’ve gotten to play with them quite a bit; I’ve heard them do amazing things onstage, so I thought it was a unique opportunity to custom tailor a piece for their strings.” The music’s various instrumental showcases parallel the different points of views of the three men in the fable. Together, the two big commissions add up to a tremendous creative leap for one of Portland’s most creative musicians. “Maybe someday I’ll look back on this year with these two projects and see it as a turning point in my trajectory,” Bunch muses. “I’ve written orchestra music before [includ-
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Eugene Ballet’s The Snow Queen. Photos by Jeremy Bronson. 36
ARTSL ANDIA AT THE PERFORMANCE • MARCH | APRIL 2017
FOR ALL AGES
ing two symphonies and several concertos], but I hope I’m continuing to grow with each challenge. I feel like a learned a ton from writing the ballet and have tried to set the bar higher for myself. We do that with every piece we write: we take what we learn from the last and apply it to the next. We’re constantly learning on the job.”
Che Malambo 14 POWERFUL ARGENTINE MEN “STOMPING, DRUMMING, ROARING” The New York Times
Photo by Watson Media
“MAYBE SOMEDAY I’LL LOOK BACK ON THIS YEAR WITH THESE TWO PROJECTS AND SEE IT AS A TURNING POINT IN MY TRAJECTORY.”
That elephant just keeps getting bigger, it seems, and Bunch just keeps seeing more and more of it. .
TUE & WED
April 25-26
ARLENE SCHNITZER CONCERT HALL
The Oregon Symphony performs the world premiere of Kenji Bunch’s Aspects of an Elephant, along with fellow American composer Samuel Barber’s Souvenirs and Dvořák’s Cello Concerto, March 11 through 13 at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, Portland. Tickets are available online and by calling 503-228-1353.
7:30 PM SPONSORED BY: GARY NELSON, MINH TRAN & CHRIS GREENAWAY
TICKETS
whitebird.org
Eugene Ballet premieres The Snow Queen April 8 and 9 at Hult Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Eugene Center, Eugene. Tickets are available online.
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