Orchestra Nova Northwest recently marked its new identity with a captivating concert featuring works by African-American composers at Reynolds High School on September 14. Under the direction of Music Director Steven Byess, who is celebrating his 10th season with the orchestra, the performance showcased notable pieces by George Walker, Florence Price, and Fred Onovwerosuoke, highlighted by pianist Artina McCain’s impressive playing.
Despite the exceptional quality of the program, attendance suffered due to the rainy weather, which dampened the audience turnout.
The orchestra, formerly known as the Portland Columbia Symphony, rebranded as Orchestra Nova Northwest to better reflect its mission of presenting diverse musical talent across the greater Portland metropolitan area. This concert truly embraced that vision, starting with Onovwerosuoke’s “Dance Tribute for Orchestra and Piano Obbligato.” The acclaimed American composer, who was born in Ghana to Nigerian parents, has extensively researched African musical traditions, contributing to his unique style.
Onovwerosuoke’s piece served as an engaging opener, presented as a mini-piano concerto. With McCain at the piano, the performance featured lively melodic phrases infused with African rhythms, complemented by vibrant improvisations from the flute and dynamic percussion.
George Walker’s “Lyric for Strings” has seen increased performances globally, recognizing his remarkable talent. Written when Walker was just 24 while studying at the Curtis Institute of Music, the piece conveys a profound mix of emotion and timelessness. Byess elegantly captured the essence of the work, highlighting the lower strings’ gravitas and creating a sound that felt both somber and uplifting.
The resurgence of interest in Florence Price’s music, sparked by the discovery of many of her compositions in 2009, continues to grow. Her Piano Concerto in D Minor, performed by McCain, showcased the momentum of her melodies and styles. The first movement’s energetic themes flowed seamlessly into an oboe and piano duet, leading to a spirited conclusion in the “Allegretto.”
After intermission, the orchestra delivered a fine performance of Price’s Symphony No. 1 in E Minor. The woodwinds excelled under Byess’s guidance, and the first movement featured a notable viola solo. The second movement showcased an elegant interplay between brass and woodwinds, while the lively rhythms of the third movement energized the audience. The final movement erupted into a jubilant conclusion.
Despite the concert’s success, the low attendance raises questions about how to attract a larger audience in the east-county area, even as the orchestra continues its efforts to engage the community through performances in Gresham and Troutdale.