News From Britt Hill – February 2016

2016 is going to be a year of exploration for Britt. Simply put, we are going to try new things. First, we will kick off the New Year with the much-anticipated Valentine’s Gala featuring China Forbes, of Pink Martini, with Music Director Teddy Abrams on Piano, Dave Anderson on bass (Principal Bass, Britt Orchestra and Louisiana Philharmonic) and Theresa McCoy on drums (Principal Timpani, Rogue Valley Symphony and Britt Orchestra extra). This wonderful music-filled evening will take place at The Inn at the Commons, in the hotel’s beautiful newly-remodeled ballroom on Thursday, February 11. Festivities will include a hosted South Stage Cellars wine reception, gourmet dinner by Lark’s and a world-class intimate concert. The all-inclusive ticket price is $125. All proceeds will benefit your Britt Orchestra.

On the same night as the Valentine’s Gala, Teddy Abrams will announce the 2016 Britt Orchestra season. Without divulging too much information, I can promise you that this season will offer up something for everyone—whether you are a traditionalist, or prefer a more modern twist to your orchestral music experience, you should be very pleased with the world-class guest artists and diverse program offerings this year.

In celebration of the National Park Service’s centennial, Britt has commissioned composer Michael Gordon to write a site-specific piece inspired by Crater Lake National Park (CLNP), to be premiered by the Britt Orchestra July 29th and 30th, 2016 at the lake. Crater Lake is a spiritual place for the Klamath Tribes (which include the Klamath, Modoc and Yahooskin); the story of Crater Lake’s origin has been handed down through thousands of generations as it is part of their original lands and is sacred to their people. Members of the tribes’ drumming group will perform a blessing ceremony to honor the occasion and will perform alongside the Britt Orchestra for the main performance. There will be three performances per day in order to connect as many people as possible to the music and landscape; the performances will be free and open to the public. Britt has blocked the Prospect Hotel and a limited number of rooms in the Crater Lake Lodge, for those that would like to make a weekend of it. Call Sky Loos at 541-690-3855 for more information.

In closing, I’d like to give thanks to the Britt Orchestra’s many supporters; donations from individuals saw a strong increase in 2015, with record-breaking contributions to the Sam and Hannelore Enfield Classical Annual Fund. This support is vital to the orchestra’s continued financial stability, and we are extremely appreciative to those who value the impact that the performing arts have in our community.