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Contemporary classical music in Oregon abounds in its two largest
cities, Portland and Eugene. Portland is home to a number of
adventurous music groups, many comprised of members of the resident
Oregon Symphony. Eugene's new music activity centers around the
University of Oregon School of Music and its accomplished faculty
composers and musicians.
Below, a selection of Oregonian musicmaking from the past 70 years.
These pieces represent a wide range of musical styles, from
classical forms of string quartet and violin concerto to works
inspired by rock music and folk traditions of Asia and the United
States.
Bryan Johanson
 Open Up Your Ears (1997)
A native of Portland, Oregon, Bryan Johanson chairs the music department at Portland State University.
Third Angle New Music Ensemble
Tibetan Tunes (2007)Directed by violinist and Oregon native Ron Blessinger, Third Angle is the leading contemporary music group in Portland.
Lou Harrison
Harp Suite (1952-1977) Lou Harrison was born and raised for many years in Portland and later
served as resident composer at Reed College.
Ernest Bloch
String Quartet No. 2 (1945)Well-known Swiss-American composer Ernest Bloch spent his later years
at Agate Beach on the Oregon coast.
Music Today Festival
An Idyll for the Misbegotten (Images III) (1986)A live performance at the University of Oregon's Music Today Festival, a biennial concert series presenting new music from around the world.
Gary Noland
Psychonipptions (2003)Gary Noland is based in Portland, where he teaches composition and directs the Seventh Species concert series.
Robert Kyr
Violin Concerto No. 1 -- On the Nature of Love (1996)Robert Kyr is chair of the University of Oregon composition department and director of the Oregon Bach Festival Composers Symposium.
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