Celebrating 30 years of presenting LIVE music!
Great concerts of classical, jazz, sacred, and contemporary music
Celebrating America
SUN | MAR 15 & 22, 2026 | 3 PM
Maria Manzo | Conductor
Bravo! Northwest Chamber Choir
Northwest Chamber Orchestra
Venues:
St. Mary's Cathedral | Portland
The Madeleine Church | Portland
George Frideric Handel’s MESSIAH is a musical tradition of the Christmas season. Handel composed this music in just 24 days - an astonishing and epic artistic feat. For many people, Handel’s MESSIAH is “Holiday entertainment” – like a Mannheim Steamroller Christmas show. Other people consider it one of the great masterpieces of Western music. And why not? It tells a dramatic story with songs that are memorable for their emotional power and beautiful melodies, like the instantly recognizable Hallelujah Chorus. One thing is true – nearly 300 years after it was composed, Handel’s MESSIAH continues to inspire listeners and musicians with its beauty and genius. Our Bravo! Chamber Choir, soloists and Orchestra are led by conductor Maria Manzo.
Dec 7 @ St. Mary's Cathedral
Dec 14 @ The Madeleine Church
All tickets purchased AFTER November 26th will be held at WILL CALL at the ticket desk for each concert. You can pick up your tickets 1 hour prior to the show time. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the show time. If you have lost your "hard copy" physical tickets, do not panic. We have a list of all subscribers and will replace your ticket at WILL CALL.
Please call us at 360-906-0441 if you have questions!
3-Concert Series
Concert 1
Handel's Messiah
Dec 7 OR 14, 2025
Concert 2
Celebrating America
March 15 OR March 22, 2026
Concert 3
The Sound of Silence
May 3, 2026
Buy the series and you get:
- All 3 concerts
- Handel's Messiah is FREE
- Preferred Seating (BEST seating at each venue)
- Save 33% off the Single Ticket price!
- Choice - use your Series Tickets at either concert venue - YOU choose!
Bravo! Chamber Choir
NW Chamber Orchestra
Jazz Orchestra
Michael Kissinger - Clarinet
Venue:
Old Madeleine Church
On this concert, we perform music by 3 iconic America composers: Duke Ellington, Aaron Copland, and John Williams. Duke Ellington’s The Sacred Concert features the Bravo! Chamber Choir and Jazz Orchestra. Between 1965-1973, Duke Ellington composed what he called The Sacred Concert. Ellington said this music is “the most important thing I have ever done.” While Ellington’s music and lyrics demonstrate his deep religious faith, he said many times that he was not trying to compose a Mass. Rather, Ellington’s music was like bringing the Cotton Club Revue to church!
Aaron Copland composed his Clarinet Concerto for clarinetist Benny Goodman. It blends jazz and classical style and is one of the MOST FUN pieces of 20th century American music. Clarinetist Michael Kissinger is solosit.
Film composer John Williams wrote Simple Gifts Suite for the election ceremony of Barack Obama. Williams uses the famous American hymn tune “Simple Gifts” in this music, using his own unique style.
Mar 15 @ The Madeleine Old Church
Mar 22 @ The Madeleine Old Church
The Sound of Silence
SUN | MAY 3 2026 @ 3 PM
Michael Kissinger, Conductor
Northwest Chamber Orchestra
Venue: Old Madeleine Church
This concert incudes one of the most famous silent films, performed with live music: Buster Keaton’s COPS. An hilarious slapstick comedy, Buster Keaton’s character is on the run, and invariably outwits the entire police force which is tracking him down. Performed with live music, this silent film is GREAT entertainment and fun for all ages.
Next on the concert is the book Jumanji by Chris Van Allsberg. The book will be read, with projected screen images of Van Allsberg’s illustrations, and music by the Elysium Quartet. Jumanji is a beloved classic children’s book and was made into a blockbuster feature film featuring Robin Williams.
If you have never seen a silent film with music – this will be a fun concert for you.
One performance only – popcorn included!
May 3 @ The Madeleine Old Church
Buy All 3 and Handel's Messiah is Free!
Handel's Messiah
SUN | DEC 7 & 14, 2025 | 3 PM