The Oregon Symphony has appointed composer and singer-songwriter GABRIEL KAHANE to the newly created post of creative chair, through the 2021-22 season. He will write and perform three substantial works, serve as an advisor for contemporary programming on the classical series, and produce two new concert series: Open Music, a composer-driven chamber series to be held in smaller Portland venues, and an indie concert series in which pop artists will collaborate with composers and orchestrators. This season, the Oregon Symphony gives the world premiere of Kahane’s Pattern of the Rail, orchestral settings from his 2018 album Book of Travelers, as well as the premiere of the full orchestral version of a selection from his 2014 album, The Ambassador. Kahane was composer in residence at Orpheus Chamber Orchestra from 2011 to 2013 and has collaborated with Paul Simon, Sufjan Stevens, Andrew Bird, Caroline Shaw, Brooklyn Rider, Blake Mills, and Chris Thile. He has been commissioned by, among others, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, The Crossing, Los Angeles Master Chorale, A Far Cry, The Knights, yMusic, and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. Earlier this year, he appeared with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
Posted September 19, 2019
