2004 highlights the 45th Anniversary of the Sister City relationship between Sapporo, Japan, and Portland, Oregon.  This significant milestone is being celebrated by a combined concert of the Oregon Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra, the Oregon Pro Arte Youth Chamber Orchestra and the Sapporo Philharmonic Orchestra.  This cultural exchange is symbolic of the goals and objectives that the Portland-Sapporo Sister City Association has worked hard to foster and in furthering the values that both Sapporo and Portland share.

The Portland-Sapporo Sister City Association was pleased to extend an invitation to the Oregon Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra (OPACO) for participation in this gala celebration by hosting the Sapporo Philharmonic Orchestra and providing the foundation for this musical and cultural concert.  “OPACO’s community involvement and outreach programs made it a logical extension of our mission”, as stated by George Mardikes, President of the Association.

OPACO’s sponsorship and mentoring of the first Youth Chamber Orchestra in Oregon that does not charge tuition nor imposes fees has triggered a wellspring of interest and support for this organization.  OPACO has graciously invited members of the Sapporo Philharmonic Orchestra to join them with their season opening concert to share in the promotion and fostering of exchanges between Portland and Sapporo.

Under the batons of Maestros Masaki Nakata and Cindy H. Petty, this unprecedented presentation by members from three orchestras coming together in a Gala celebration of 45 years presents:

100 musicians bridging the cultural and age gaps in performance of: Scheherazade, Fanfare for the Common Man, Ives Variations on America, Barber’s Adagio for Strings, Copeland’s Hoedown, West Side Story Selections and Polevetsian Dances

The concert will be held on Sunday, November 21, 2004 at 3:00pm, at the Heritage Ballroom, Governor Hotel, 610 SW 10th Avenue, Portland Oregon.  Tickets are available at the door.  General admission is $15;  seniors and students are $12. For information, call 503-570-6211 or visit www.oregonproarte.org.
 

For more information please contact the following individuals:

Oregon Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra
Michael O. Shaw, President
PO Box 2868
-----------------Wilsonville, OR 97070
Phone: 503-570-6211 Office
Phone: 503-504-8788 Cell
E-mail:  shaw.michael@verizon.net

Portland-Sapporo Sister City Association
George Mardikes, President
1300 SW 5th Avenue, Suite 2300
Portland, Oregon 97201
503-778-5323
Fax:  503-276-5623
Association phone:  503-778-5229
Association fax:  503-276-5623
E-mail:  georgemardikes@dwt.com