Orchestra Nova Northwest recently unveiled its new name with a compelling concert featuring works by African-American composers at Reynolds High School on September 14. Under the leadership of Music Director Steven Byess, who is entering his 10th season, the concert showcased pieces by George Walker, Florence Price, and Fred Onovwerosuoke, highlighted by pianist Artina McCain’s impressive performance.
Unfortunately, the evening’s brilliance was somewhat overshadowed by a disappointing turnout, as the rainy weather limited the audience.
Formerly known as the Portland Columbia Symphony, the rebranded Orchestra Nova Northwest aims to reflect its commitment to presenting diverse musical talent throughout the greater Portland area. The concert opened with Onovwerosuoke’s Dance Tribute for Orchestra and Piano Obbligato. Onovwerosuoke, whose background includes being born in Ghana to Nigerian parents, blends African and Western musical traditions, drawing on his extensive travels across more than thirty African countries.
The evening began with a vibrant orchestral piece that set the tone for the night. McCain’s performance of the Dance Tribute was lively, featuring catchy melodic phrases with African influences, complemented by lively flute riffs and dynamic percussion. The piece concluded on a harmonious note, exuding a sense of rhythmic joy.
George Walker’s Lyric for Strings, gaining recognition worldwide, was performed beautifully by the orchestra. Composed when Walker was just 24, the piece captures a mixture of sorrow, beauty, and hope, delivered under Byess’s direction with a powerful yet prayerful presence.
Florence Price’s music has seen a resurgence since the discovery of many of her previously lost compositions in 2009. McCain took the stage again to perform Price’s Piano Concerto in D Minor in One Movement, impressing the audience with her energetic interpretation of the “Andantino” and a beautifully rendered oboe and piano duet in the “Adagio cantabile.” The concert reached a thrilling conclusion with the lively “Allegretto.”
Following intermission, Price’s Symphony No. 1 in E Minor showcased a stellar performance from the orchestra. Byess encouraged strong contributions from the woodwinds and an outstanding viola solo, while the brass and woodwinds engaged in a stately dialogue. The infectious rhythms of the third movement and a spirited finale left the audience with an uplifting experience.
Despite the orchestra’s efforts to engage local audiences in Gresham and Troutdale, the sparse attendance raises questions about what could attract a larger crowd to their concerts.