As most of you know, on July 29 & 30, Britt celebrated the Centennial of the National Parks Service, with the world premiere performance of “Natural History,” a composition written by Michael Gordon, and inspired by the beauty and splendor of Crater Lake. Members of the Britt Orchestra, along with members of Steiger Butte Drum, and a 20-voice choir, connected the audience to both sound and setting in a powerful, meaningful way, during two days of free performances.

This ambitious undertaking was unlike anything Britt has ever presented in its 54 years. By bringing together over 100 artists from across the country to collaborate in a setting of unique beauty and cultural significance to the state of Oregon, we garnered national attention to both Britt and the region. Thanks to all of you, it was an extraordinary musical experience.

If you missed Mahler’s Resurrection, you missed one of the best performances ever to take place on the Britt Hill. Mahler said, “It must embrace everything.” It did not disappoint. With over 200 performers, this major Orchestral and choral work, grandly explored the themes of life and death. Maestro Teddy Abrams took us on a gripping and all-encompassing journey not to be forgotten.

It is hard to believe that we still have a quarter of the Britt Season line-up still ahead of us! And what a line-up it is! Shawn Colvin and Steve Earle will grace our stage on September 1. This duo has seen sold-out shows featuring one-of-a-kind evenings of song-swapping, duets and storytelling. Back by popular demand, on September 12, the Tedeschi Trucks Band is just the right combination of rock, blues, and soul, making this collaboration between Susan and Derek a recipe for the perfect night on the Britt Hill. Country fans will be treated to Lee Brice and “I Don’t Dance” on September 14. Later in September, patrons can get down with Nitty Gritty Dirt Band or rock out to The American Led Zeppelin.

Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally Summer of 69, deserve their own paragraph. Did you ever watch “Will and Grace” or “Parks and Recreation?” Comedians Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally may be better known as actors, both having built a reputation for their independently quirky roles on long-running, hit sitcoms. For the last few years, however, Offerman and Mullally have been getting back to their stage-performance roots, crafting an “adults only” variety show based on dramatizations of their marriage and personal lives. The act is hysterical and relatable. Everyone needs a good laugh and you are sure to get that on Saturday, September 17.

In closing, for all of you Orchestra lovers, the Britt team is busy putting together another amazing Britt Orchestra Festival featuring marvelous guest artists and of course, surprises. With Teddy Abrams, we have come to expect nothing less. Stayed tuned for 2017…

Featured image above is of Britt Orchestra at Crater Lake National Park, July 2016. Photo by Jim Teece.