Orchestra Nova Northwest recently marked its name change with a vibrant concert showcasing works by African-American composers at Reynolds High School on September 14. Under the direction of Music Director Steven Byess, who is celebrating his tenth season with the orchestra, the event featured compositions by George Walker, Florence Price, and Fred Onovwerosuoke, highlighted by an engaging performance from pianist Artina McCain.
Despite the exceptional program, the evening was somewhat dampened by a modest turnout due to the rainy weather.
Formally known as the Portland Columbia Symphony, Orchestra Nova Northwest chose its new name to better reflect its commitment to diversity in musical talent across the greater Portland area. With this mission in focus, the concert opened with Onovwerosuoke’s “Dance Tribute for Orchestra and Piano Obbligato.” The Ghanaian-American composer, known for his fusion of African and Western musical styles, captivated the audience with this vibrant piece, which featured rhythmic joy and lively interactions among flute and percussion.
George Walker’s “Lyric for Strings” also graced the program, showcasing its emotional depth. Composed when Walker was just 24 while studying at the Curtis Institute of Music, this piece has gained increasing recognition since the composer’s passing in 2018. Under Byess’s guidance, the orchestra skillfully conveyed the work’s mixture of sorrow and hope.
Florence Price’s music, having experienced a revival since the rediscovery of her scores in 2009, was spotlighted in the concert. McCain returned to the stage to perform her “Piano Concerto in D Minor in One Movement,” which is structured in three continuous sections. McCain’s energetic interpretation of the “Andantino,” the duet between oboe and piano in the “Adagio cantabile,” and the lively “Allegretto” culminated in a powerful finale.
After the intermission, the orchestra delivered a compelling rendition of Price’s “Symphony No. 1 in E Minor.” Byess drew exceptional performances from both woodwinds and violas, while the energetic rhythms of the third movement ushered in a festive conclusion.
As the orchestra continues to promote its concerts in the East County area, the question remains as to what strategies might encourage a larger audience turnout in the future.