05/31/2026
Symphony Saturday — Percussion & Rhythm
David Danzmyr, Conductor
Sergio Carreno, Percussion
Jonathan Greeney, Percussion
Stephen Kehner, Percussion
Michael Roberts, Percussion
Oregon Symphony
Andy Akiho, Percussion Concerto
Brittany J. Green, “Testify” (OR Symphony Co-Commission)
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36
The night belonged to new classical music! One of the many reasons we enjoy the symphony is the opportunity to hear and experience new orchestral works from the present and future generations of composers.
Andy Akiho’s “Percussion Concerto” is a delicious kaleidoscope of sonic imagination. I’m pretty sure I burned multiple new neural pathways listening to the concerto. Instruments on stage included amplified and tuned rice bowls, a toy piano, a large S.Pellegrino bottle, tubular bells, a xylophone, and, I am pretty sure, a trash can lid being used as well. The Concerto had four movements: Ceramic, Rosewood, Interlude Hammers, and Steel. On their own, they are great - but as a whole, it was spectacular.
Brittany J. Green’s “Testify” is a joyful romp of an orchestration. It is an “unfettered celebration of rhythm, sound, and the basic joy of being alive and human.” A much-welcomed happiness.
Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36, I will fully admit that I was not all that familiar with this composition. However, I was delighted to essentially be reintroduced to it, especially the third movement, “Scherzo: Pizzicato ostinato,” and the “Finale: Allegro con fuoco.” The charm of the third movement lies in a novel orchestration, with plucked strings as the main reprise. The Finale - Allegro it was, it was more like Presto Allegro. I think my hand cramped up just from watching the orchestra. It was jaw-droppingly impressive.
Fortunately, tonight’s performance was recorded, and I can’t wait for it to be released so I can re-experience the music on our reference sound system.
I know Sunday is another beautiful day, but if you have a free afternoon, go hear this magnificent performance.
Musicians of the Oregon Symphony, Andy Akiho ,