Why our solo series is a huge part of Oregon culture

WHEN YOU JOIN US FOR A SOLO SERIES CONCERT, WE WANT IT TO BE MORE THAN JUST A PERFORMANCE. WE WANT IT TO BE AN EXPERIENCE! DID YOU KNOW THAT BEFORE EACH PERFORMANCE, YOU’RE INVITED TO JOIN US FOR A PRE-CONCERT CONVERSATION WITH OUR DIRECTOR OF AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT, BILL CRANE? FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS, PORTLAND PIANO INTERNATIONAL (FORMERLY PSU PIANO RECITAL SERIES) HAS BEEN ENGAGING AND SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY OF PORTLAND — AND BEYOND.

The idea for Portland Piano International was conceived and launched by pianist Harold Gray, with a recital series at Portland State University that presented up to six recitals each season. Although other recital series nationwide were closing their doors, the PSU Piano Recital Series was regularly selling out.

As recitals and summer festivals were added, in 2005, Portland Piano International was formed as an independent non-profit organization, to carry on the tradition established by the PSU Piano Recital Series. The Series was then renamed the SOLO Piano Series in 2014. 

In its lifetime, this Series has presented more than 180 artists — including some of the greatest artists in the world — in recital and through outreach activities. Why? Because the SOLO Series is special! While pianists have many opportunities to play the concerto repertoire, this is one of only a handful of recital series that remains devoted to the solo piano recital.  

The uniqueness of Portland Piano International is what makes all of our work, like Rising Stars, Piano Day, and more, a vital part of Portland’s quality cultural life. But the SOLO Series remains near and dear to our hearts — and to those around us in the community. The SOLO Series has consistently garnered praise from both the local and national media, heralded a “consistently brilliant Piano Recital Series” (Willamette Week) and “one of this city’s musical treasures” (The Oregonian).

We’re looking forward to March, when the dynamic duo Anderson & Roe joins us for a SOLO Series recital! Known for their adrenalized performances, original compositions, and notorious music videos, Greg Anderson and Elizabeth Joy Roe are revolutionizing the piano duo experience for the 21st century. Described as “the most dynamic duo of this generation” (San Francisco Classical Voice), “rock stars of the classical music world” (Miami Herald), and “the very model of complete 21st-century musicians” (The Washington Post), Anderson & Roe Piano Duo aims to make classical music a relevant and powerful force around the world. Get tickets here.