Contact: Allison Griffin
Public Relations Associate
503-416-6347
January 3, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Portland, Ore. … The Oregon Symphony, under the baton of Music Director Carlos Kalmar, will celebrate the music of Johann and Josef Strauss in “Fun and Dancing” on Saturday, January 20 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, January 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Monday, January 22 at 8 p.m.
Johann Strauss was known as “The Waltz King,” writing some of the most popular and recognizable tunes of the 19th century. Although his reputation as a composer is eclipsed by his more famous brother, critics of Josef’s time hailed his work and many considered him the most gifted composer of the Strauss family. Johann concurred, saying “Josef is the more gifted of us two; I am merely the more popular.”
Among the pieces performed will be Johann Strauss’ Overture to The Gypsy Baron and Emperor Waltzes. The orchestra will also perform Josef Strauss’ Dynamo Waltzes and The Dragonfly Polka Mazurka.
The orchestra will premiere Igor Stravinsky’s Card Game, A Ballet in 3 Deals. A lighthearted ballet, the piece presents a game of poker in which the dancers represent suits of cards. The mischievous Joker, who wreaks havoc among the cards and players, interrupts their game. The music centers on a waltz that builds and builds to the energetic final.
The classical program will also feature Offenbach’s Overture to Orpheus in the Underworld.
Tickets are $20 to $88 and may be purchased at the Oregon Symphony Ticket Office, located at 923 S.W. Washington. Ticket office hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets can be charged by phone at (503) 228-1353 or (800) 228-7343, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets may also be purchased at Ticketmaster outlets or by calling (503) 224-4400. Discounted tickets for groups of eight or more are available through the group sales hotline at (503) 416-6380. Support provided by Lufthansa and Kuni BMW. Media support is provided by The Oregonian and KINK fm.
Images and guest artist bios are available at www.orsymphony.org/media.