In the tradition of El Sistema, a “Seminario” is an opportunity to gather several orchestras in a city or region for several days of intensive joint musical activity. It’s an opportunity to boost your musicianship while making new friends. BRAVO and YAMA (El Sistema program in Yakima, WA) have spent the past year planning the first El Sistema Seminario in the Pacific Northwest. We’ll spend all day rehearsing in small groups and in full orchestra to prepare for a free community concert with BRAVO and YAMA playing side by side, and featuring guest conductor Maestro Juan Felipe Molano.
In coordination with our 2015 Northwest Seminario, we’re planning a weeklong festival of activities highlighting Oregon’s first El Sistema inspired program. Whether you like films, lectures, concerts, or behind the scenes visits – we’ve got an event for you! Even a chance to conduct our orchestra. If you’ve already heard our young musicians, this is a great chance to get to know BRAVO better and introduce us to your friends and family.
Here’s a summary of the week:
Monday, 5/4, 7pm
“Crescendo: The Power of Music”.
Award-winning documentary by Jamie Bernstein about El Sistema-inspired programs in the US. NW Film Center screening at Whitsell Auditorium in the Portland Art Museum. Buy tickets here.
Tues-Wed, 5/5-5/6, 2:30-4:30pm
“Conduct Us!”
Visit and observe our program in session at Rosa Parks School. 8960 N Woolsey Ave. One lucky visitor will have a chance to conduct our orchestra (lesson included). Pre-register – space is limited! Call 503.686.3124
Thursday, 5/7, 12pm
PSU Seminar with Dr. Adele Diamond
“Child development, executive functioning and the role of the arts and physical activity among marginalized youths”. Portland State University, Smith Memorial Student Union Room 296. Free event, but registration required. Reserve your seat here.
Friday, 5/8, 12pm
Portland City Club Friday Forum, “Music Matters: The Orchestra as a Tool for Social Change.“
Stanford Thompson (President of El Sistema USA), Maestro Juan Felipe Molano (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles), and Dr. Adele Diamond. Sentinel Hotel, 614 SW 11th Ave. Doors open at 11:30, Program at 12:15. Tickets and info here.
Saturday, 5/9, 4pm
BRAVO and YAMA (sister program in Yakima) Community Concert conducted by Maestro Juan Felipe Molano.
George Middle School Auditorium, 10000 N Burr Ave. 100 students in El Sistema programs in Portland and Yakima join forces for the first time. Program includes choral and orchestral selections by Beethoven, Mozart, and others. Free and open to the public.
‘Thank You!’ To Our Sponsors
