Harpsichordist

Artistic Director

Dubbed ‘‘The Indiana Jones of Early Music’’ by BBC Radio 3, Portland Baroque Orchestra artistic director Julian Perkins brings a dynamic and adventurous spirit to all his music-making. He leads Berwick Academy through a program that includes Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24 – the largest orchestra Mozart ever used in a piano concerto – Haydn’s “Lamentatione” Symphony, and Marianna Martinez’s La Tempesta cantata for soprano and orchestra.

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Mozart Piano Concerto No. 24 with Julian Perkins

Beall Concert Hall

Get ready to strike a chord with us at “Afternoon Keys” – an event that promises to be a symphony of delight for your senses, all while supporting your favorite organization!

Afternoon Keys

Nordia House

Georg Muffat’s words are as relevant today as when he wrote them in 1695. Here, musical styles range from his French-infused dances to Andrzej Panufnik’s unique recreation of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century musical fragments from Poland that were almost lost to the ravages of war. Our season culminates with an Italianate symphony by the Ukrainian composer Maxim Berezovsky.

Harmony of Nations

First Baptist Church Portland

Reed College

Experience the harmonious blend of nature and music with the Portland Baroque Orchestra's "Handel & Vivaldi: Autumn Light." This concert opens the 2024-25 season by delving into the elemental forces of nature through the evocative compositions of Vivaldi and Handel. Vivaldi's "Autumn" and "Winter" from "The Four Seasons" capture the vivid transitions from the vibrant colors of fall to the icy stillness of winter. These pieces are followed by Handel's powerful "Silete venti," where soprano Maya Kherani navigates the audience through the tumultuous fall storms into the serene embrace of winter nights. The concert also features Maria Margherita Grimani's "Sinfonia to Pallade e Marte" and Johan Helmich Roman's "Little Drottningholm Music," adding layers of historical richness to the evening. Under the artistic direction of Julian Perkins, with Carla Moore leading on violin and Rob Diggins as principal second violin, this Italian-inspired program promises a seamless intertwining of music and nature, offering a reflective and immersive auditory experience.

Handel & Vivaldi: Autumn Light

Sanctuary Hall at First Congregational UCC

Experience an intimate evening of French-inspired chamber music with the Portland Baroque Orchestra's presentation of "Bach & Telemann: French Finesse." This program showcases the exquisite artistry of two esteemed German composers, Johann Sebastian Bach and Georg Philipp Telemann, who were not only contemporaries but also friends. Their works are infused with the sonic richness and rhythmic nuance of the French style, creating a unique vibrancy that captivates the senses.

The evening features Telemann’s Paris Quartet No. 1 in D Major, a piece that exudes graceful elegance and showcases the intricate interplay between the gamba, violin, flute, and harpsichord. Complementing this is Bach’s Trio Sonata in G Major, BWV 1038, which highlights his mastery of counterpoint and melodic development. The program also includes Jean-Philippe Rameau’s Concerto No. 5 in D Minor from "Pièces de clavecin en concerts," a work that blends the harpsichord with other instruments in a richly textured dialogue. Additionally, the Trio Sonata No. 1 in G Minor by Elisabeth Claude Jacquet de la Guerre offers a glimpse into the innovative spirit of one of the few prominent female composers of the Baroque era.

Under the artistic direction of Julian Perkins, who will also perform on the harpsichord, the ensemble features Toma Iliev on violin and Joanna Blendulf on violoncello. Together, they bring to life the intricate and expressive qualities of these Baroque masterpieces, inviting listeners to embark on a journey through an exotic musical landscape.

Bach & Telemann: French Finesse

Discover the captivating journey of the trumpet in "The Royal Trumpeter: Kris’ Podium," a highlight of the Portland Baroque Orchestra's 2024-25 season. Curated by Principal Trumpet Kris Kwapis, this program explores the trumpet's transformation from a battlefield instrument to a symbol of expressive virtuosity. Set against the vibrant backdrop of late seventeenth-century London, the performance showcases the trumpet's prominence in England's regal courts, accompanied by strings, winds, and voices. The evening features the works of renowned composers such as Henry Purcell, William Croft, and John Eccles, whose compositions reflect the grandeur and sophistication of an era marked by royal patronage. Highlights include Purcell's Act II Symphony from "The Indian Queen," Croft's Overture from "Ode for the Peace of Utrecht," and Eccles' Suite Made for the Queen’s Coronation. Additionally, the program includes Gottfried Finger's Sonata for trumpet, violin, and continuo, further illustrating the instrument's versatility and elegance. This event promises a rich auditory experience, celebrating the trumpet's historical and musical significance.

The Royal Trumpeter: Kris’ Podium

Experience the timeless beauty of Handel's Messiah as it was originally intended, performed as a complete oratorio on period instruments. Under the masterful direction of Artistic Director Julian Perkins, the Portland Baroque Orchestra brings this iconic work to life with an authenticity that resonates deeply. The orchestra, along with distinguished soloists Rebecca Myers (soprano), Dann Coakwell (tenor), and Christian Pursell (bass-baritone), infuses Handel's masterpiece with renewed vitality and emotional depth. Set in the intimate Sanctuary Hall at First Congregational, this performance promises an immersive musical journey through one of the most celebrated compositions in history. The rich, historical sound of period instruments combined with the exceptional talent of the performers creates a profound and moving experience, capturing the essence of Handel's vision.

Handel’s "Messiah"

Experience the evocative sounds of "The Hunting Horn: Handel, Couperin & Bach," a captivating concert by the Portland Baroque Orchestra. This performance features a rich blend of horn, oboe, violin, and harpsichord, taking the audience on a musical journey through the European countryside. The program opens with Stölzel’s Sonata, whose simplicity beautifully captures the essence of the outdoors. As the concert progresses, the complexity of the music intensifies with compositions by Telemann and Fasch, reflecting the excitement and intensity of the hunt. These pieces pay homage to the horn’s crucial role in signaling and guiding the pursuit. The concert also includes Handel’s Suite in D Major, arranged by Andrew Clark, Couperin’s Suite from the Concerts royaux, and Bach’s Sonata for violin and harpsichord in E Minor. Under the artistic direction of Julian Perkins and featuring Andrew Clark on the horn, this performance promises a vivid and dynamic exploration of baroque music, celebrating the spirited chase and the majestic sounds of the hunt.

The Hunting Horn: Handel, Couperin & Bach

Experience the essence of spring through a captivating musical journey with the Portland Baroque Orchestra's Spring: Vivaldi, Guido & Samuel. This event celebrates the themes of rebirth and renewal, featuring the much-loved "Spring" from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. The program also includes the world premiere of Rhian Samuel’s "Gwanwyn," a piece commissioned by the orchestra that offers a fresh, contemporary interpretation of the season, inspired by Vivaldi’s timeless work.

Adding to the richness of the evening, the orchestra will perform Bach’s Harpsichord Concerto in G Minor, a reimagined version of one of his earlier compositions. This piece beautifully captures the organic interplay between the soloist and the orchestra, mirroring the dynamic and ever-changing nature of springtime. The concert will also feature Giovanni Antonio Guido’s "Spring" from The Four Seasons, providing a historical counterpoint to Vivaldi’s interpretation.

Under the artistic direction of Julian Perkins, who will also perform on the harpsichord, and with Toma Iliev on violin, the evening promises a blend of historical and contemporary sounds that evoke the spirit of spring. This thoughtfully curated program not only highlights the beauty of the season but also showcases the versatility and depth of baroque music.

Spring: Vivaldi, Guido & Samuel

The Portland Baroque Orchestra's 2024-25 season culminates with a profound exploration of light, love, and rebirth through a selection of masterful compositions. The program features Giovanni Battista Pergolesi's "Stabat Mater," a poignant work that juxtaposes tender, passionate text with lively rhythms and intricate trills. This final masterpiece by Pergolesi is performed by the acclaimed countertenor Reginald Mobley and soprano Anna Dennis, whose voices bring the emotional depth of the piece to life.

The concert also includes Antonio Vivaldi's "Summer" from "The Four Seasons," where the sounds of the cuckoo, dove, and goldfinch resonate under the blazing sun before the winds begin to stir. Johann Sebastian Bach's "Bekennen will ich seinen Namen," BWV 200, adds a layer of introspective beauty, while Alessandro Scarlatti's "Salve Regina in G Minor" pays homage to the Baroque era's rich musical heritage.

Under the artistic direction of Julian Perkins, who also performs on the harpsichord, and with the skilled violinist Adam LaMotte, the Portland Baroque Orchestra delivers a performance that promises to be both moving and uplifting. This concert not only honors the timeless works of these Baroque masters but also celebrates the enduring power of music to convey profound human emotions.

Julian Perkins

Harpsichordist, Artistic Director

Events

Upcoming events

12 - 13 Oct, 2024

Handel & Vivaldi: Autumn Light · Portland Baroque Orchestra

Oct 18, 2024

Bach & Telemann: French Finesse · Portland Baroque Orchestra

16 - 17 Nov, 2024

The Royal Trumpeter: Kris’ Podium · Portland Baroque Orchestra

6 - 8 Dec, 2024

Handel’s "Messiah" · Portland Baroque Orchestra

Mar 8, 2025

The Hunting Horn: Handel, Couperin & Bach · Portland Baroque Orchestra

Past events

Jul 10, 2024

Mozart Piano Concerto No. 24 with Julian Perkins · Oregon Bach Festival

Apr 20, 2024

Afternoon Keys · Portland Baroque Orchestra

Future and recently performed repertoire

Conductor in Piano Concerto No. 24 by Mozart

Oregon Bach Festival

Conductor in Sinfonia funebre by Paisiello

Oregon Bach Festival

Conductor in No.6 __lamentatione by Haydn

Oregon Bach Festival

Conductor in Cantata: La Tempesta by Martinez

Oregon Bach Festival

About

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