Oregon ArtsWatch
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Oregon ArtsWatch is a non-profit arts and culture journalism organization that explores the arts and their intersection with the wider culture in Oregon and the Northwest.
The guest conductor got into a mind-meld with the orchestra, creating a spectacular concert that also included works by Beethoven and Lili Boulanger.
Glimmers of light: Oregon Symphony concertmaster Sarah Kwak and guest conductor Markus Stenz tackle Alban Berg’s difficult “Violin Concerto” • Oregon ArtsWatch
The guest conductor got into a mind-meld with the orchestra, creating a spectacular concert that also included works by Beethoven and Lili Boulanger.
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January 21, 2026 at 8:44 PM
The guest conductor got into a mind-meld with the orchestra, creating a spectacular concert that also included works by Beethoven and Lili Boulanger.
Guitar virtuoso Towner has died at 85, following vocalist King's death last year. In the early 1960s they and jazz bassist Moore kicked off their world-class careers together at the University of Oregon.
Ralph Towner, Nancy King, and Glen Moore’s Oregon musical origins • Oregon ArtsWatch
Guitar virtuoso Towner has died at 85, following vocalist King's death last year. In the early 1960s they and jazz bassist Moore kicked off their world-class careers together at the University of Oregon.
www.orartswatch.org
January 21, 2026 at 2:10 PM
Guitar virtuoso Towner has died at 85, following vocalist King's death last year. In the early 1960s they and jazz bassist Moore kicked off their world-class careers together at the University of Oregon.
Chapel Theatre, Corrib Theatre, triangle and Broadway Rose Theatre are presenting new shows. Plus: Stumptown’s “Pippin” revival, other opening and continuing plays, and good news from Oregon Children’s Theatre.
DramaWatch: Busy theaters will have audiences racing to catch all the shows on offer in the next few weeks • Oregon ArtsWatch
Chapel Theatre, Corrib Theatre, triangle and Broadway Rose Theatre are presenting new shows. Plus: Stumptown’s “Pippin” revival, other opening and continuing plays, and good news from Oregon Children’s Theatre.
www.orartswatch.org
January 21, 2026 at 12:02 AM
Chapel Theatre, Corrib Theatre, triangle and Broadway Rose Theatre are presenting new shows. Plus: Stumptown’s “Pippin” revival, other opening and continuing plays, and good news from Oregon Children’s Theatre.
The documentary, which was also nominated for a Critic’s Choice Award, is available to stream for free on the PBS website and app.
‘Classroom 4’: Director Eden Wurmfeld and subject Reiko Hillyer discuss their Oscar-shortlisted doc about a Lewis & Clark class taught in a prison • Oregon ArtsWatch
The documentary, which was also nominated for a Critic’s Choice Award, is available to stream for free on the PBS website and app.
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January 20, 2026 at 10:49 PM
The documentary, which was also nominated for a Critic’s Choice Award, is available to stream for free on the PBS website and app.
Remembering the life and irresistible jazz vocals of Kilgore, the great Portland-based singer and interpreter of the American Songbook, who has died at age 76.
Rebecca Kilgore: Disappearing into the song • Oregon ArtsWatch
Remembering the life and irresistible jazz vocals of Kilgore, the great Portland-based singer and interpreter of the American Songbook, who has died at age 76.
www.orartswatch.org
January 20, 2026 at 3:10 PM
Remembering the life and irresistible jazz vocals of Kilgore, the great Portland-based singer and interpreter of the American Songbook, who has died at age 76.
Review: In a performance and photo exhibit, the dancemaker and visual artist deftly winds up their arts residency at Stelo Arts, talking with the audience afterward about the ideas driving their work.
Hannah Krafcik’s ‘Between Frames’ culminates in a spiraling consideration of frame and time • Oregon ArtsWatch
Review: In a performance and photo exhibit, the dancemaker and visual artist deftly winds up their arts residency at Stelo Arts, talking with the audience afterward about the ideas driving their work.
www.orartswatch.org
January 20, 2026 at 1:03 AM
Review: In a performance and photo exhibit, the dancemaker and visual artist deftly winds up their arts residency at Stelo Arts, talking with the audience afterward about the ideas driving their work.
"Shaping the Soul: Books in Medieval Life" runs through May 6 in the Watzek Library, with an opening reception Jan. 24.
An intimate exhibit at Lewis & Clark College brings medieval manuscripts into the context of community • Oregon ArtsWatch
"Shaping the Soul: Books in Medieval Life" runs through May 6 in the Watzek Library, with an opening reception Jan. 24.
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January 19, 2026 at 7:37 PM
"Shaping the Soul: Books in Medieval Life" runs through May 6 in the Watzek Library, with an opening reception Jan. 24.
The longtime, much admired Portland painter's works straddled the line between realism and the imaginary, often veering into realms of vividly compelling fantasy.
Remembering artist Kevin Kadar • Oregon ArtsWatch
The longtime, much admired Portland painter's works straddled the line between realism and the imaginary, often veering into realms of vividly compelling fantasy.
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January 18, 2026 at 3:11 PM
The longtime, much admired Portland painter's works straddled the line between realism and the imaginary, often veering into realms of vividly compelling fantasy.
A century and a half after his death, the Victorian writer's novels and stories remain as popular as ever. Test your knowledge of Tiny Tim, Miss Havisham, and other characters in this literary crossword puzzle.
PuzzleWatch: What the Dickens • Oregon ArtsWatch
A century and a half after his death, the Victorian writer's novels and stories remain as popular as ever. Test your knowledge of Tiny Tim, Miss Havisham, and other characters in this literary crossword puzzle.
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January 18, 2026 at 2:26 PM
A century and a half after his death, the Victorian writer's novels and stories remain as popular as ever. Test your knowledge of Tiny Tim, Miss Havisham, and other characters in this literary crossword puzzle.
The string trio performed music by Bach and Meyer – without a page of sheet music – at The Reser for Chamber Music Northwest.
Like a prayer: Bassist Edgar Meyer’s trio with violinist Tessa Lark and cellist Joshua Roman • Oregon ArtsWatch
The string trio performed music by Bach and Meyer – without a page of sheet music – at The Reser for Chamber Music Northwest.
www.orartswatch.org
January 16, 2026 at 9:45 PM
The string trio performed music by Bach and Meyer – without a page of sheet music – at The Reser for Chamber Music Northwest.
Plus: "Night Patrol," Ralph Fiennes in "The Choral," and the documentary "Rainier: A Beer Odyssey."
FilmWatch Weekly: ‘The Testament of Ann Lee,’ Gus Van Sant’s ‘Dead Man’s Wire,’ and more • Oregon ArtsWatch
Plus: "Night Patrol," Ralph Fiennes in "The Choral," and the documentary "Rainier: A Beer Odyssey."
www.orartswatch.org
January 15, 2026 at 9:37 PM
Plus: "Night Patrol," Ralph Fiennes in "The Choral," and the documentary "Rainier: A Beer Odyssey."
NSO’s late September concerts featured a hearing-themed program revolving around Gabriela Lena Frank’s “Elegia Andina,” two by Ludwig van Beethoven – Oregon-born pianist Ben Kim performing the “Emperor” concerto and Willamette Master Chorus joining in for the “Choral Fantasy” – plus Jake Runestad an
Hello, friends: Newport Symphony Orchestra opens 37th season with Beethoven, Frank, and Runestad • Oregon ArtsWatch
NSO’s late September concerts featured a hearing-themed program revolving around Gabriela Lena Frank’s “Elegia Andina,” two by Ludwig van Beethoven – Oregon-born pianist Ben Kim performing the “Emperor” concerto and Willamette Master Chorus joining in for the “Choral Fantasy” – plus Jake Runestad and Todd Bass’s interpretation of LvB’s chilling and heroic “Heiligenstad Testament.”
www.orartswatch.org
January 15, 2026 at 7:50 PM
NSO’s late September concerts featured a hearing-themed program revolving around Gabriela Lena Frank’s “Elegia Andina,” two by Ludwig van Beethoven – Oregon-born pianist Ben Kim performing the “Emperor” concerto and Willamette Master Chorus joining in for the “Choral Fantasy” – plus Jake Runestad an
The Oregon Historical Society, Oregon Humanities, Oregon Contemporary and The Immigrant Project are looking beyond 4th of July fireworks to the nation's and state's histories of inequities – and toward a brighter future.
Oregon carves its own path in 2026’s America 250 anniversary celebration • Oregon ArtsWatch
The Oregon Historical Society, Oregon Humanities, Oregon Contemporary and The Immigrant Project are looking beyond 4th of July fireworks to the nation's and state's histories of inequities – and toward a brighter future.
www.orartswatch.org
January 15, 2026 at 2:10 PM
The Oregon Historical Society, Oregon Humanities, Oregon Contemporary and The Immigrant Project are looking beyond 4th of July fireworks to the nation's and state's histories of inequities – and toward a brighter future.
The museum is one of many events in the community reading program, this year focusing on Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s memoir, “Lovely One.”
Multnomah County Library’s Everybody Reads program brings Black History 101 Mobile Museum to libraries • Oregon ArtsWatch
The museum is one of many events in the community reading program, this year focusing on Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s memoir, “Lovely One.”
www.orartswatch.org
January 14, 2026 at 3:24 AM
The museum is one of many events in the community reading program, this year focusing on Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s memoir, “Lovely One.”
The awards go to a quartet of artists who "spark hope, inspiration and connection, and ... raise voices that aren’t always heard." Seven finalists receive $10,000 each.
Fields Artist Fellowships award $150,000 each to four Oregon artists • Oregon ArtsWatch
The awards go to a quartet of artists who "spark hope, inspiration and connection, and ... raise voices that aren’t always heard." Seven finalists receive $10,000 each.
www.orartswatch.org
January 13, 2026 at 4:13 PM
The awards go to a quartet of artists who "spark hope, inspiration and connection, and ... raise voices that aren’t always heard." Seven finalists receive $10,000 each.
The aptly-named “ensemble” (a loose collective) of Eugene musicians making “difficult” (or “experimental”) music hosted their fourth annual gathering in October.
The unfurling of reality: Eugene Difficult Music Ensemble’s annual New Music Festival • Oregon ArtsWatch
The aptly-named “ensemble” (a loose collective) of Eugene musicians making “difficult” (or “experimental”) music hosted their fourth annual gathering in October.
www.orartswatch.org
January 12, 2026 at 9:17 PM
The aptly-named “ensemble” (a loose collective) of Eugene musicians making “difficult” (or “experimental”) music hosted their fourth annual gathering in October.
The lasting impact of the photographer, writer and environmental advocate who died in October 2025, and whose work and life are honored in an exhibit at Astoria's RiverSea Gallery through February 10.
Roger Dorband’s Eco Imagination • Oregon ArtsWatch
The lasting impact of the photographer, writer and environmental advocate who died in October 2025, and whose work and life are honored in an exhibit at Astoria's RiverSea Gallery through February 10.
www.orartswatch.org
January 12, 2026 at 2:11 PM
The lasting impact of the photographer, writer and environmental advocate who died in October 2025, and whose work and life are honored in an exhibit at Astoria's RiverSea Gallery through February 10.
The essay collection explores the migration of a "mystery people" from Europe to the American West, as well as providing thumbnail sketches of novels in which they feature.
‘Basques of the American West’: Richard W. Etulain summarizes Basque history and literature • Oregon ArtsWatch
The essay collection explores the migration of a "mystery people" from Europe to the American West, as well as providing thumbnail sketches of novels in which they feature.
www.orartswatch.org
January 11, 2026 at 2:11 PM
The essay collection explores the migration of a "mystery people" from Europe to the American West, as well as providing thumbnail sketches of novels in which they feature.
Sam Marroquin's vivid paintings at Alexander Gallery of the ongoing horror experienced by Palestinians in Gaza go straight to the heart of both shame and action.
Looking ‘When the World Looks Away’ • Oregon ArtsWatch
Sam Marroquin's vivid paintings at Alexander Gallery of the ongoing horror experienced by Palestinians in Gaza go straight to the heart of both shame and action.
www.orartswatch.org
January 10, 2026 at 2:10 PM
Sam Marroquin's vivid paintings at Alexander Gallery of the ongoing horror experienced by Palestinians in Gaza go straight to the heart of both shame and action.
The bill to fund the national arts and humanities endowments is headed for the Senate, and then must be signed by the president to take effect. But the House approval is a promising first step.
Welcome news: U.S. House approves future NEA, NEH funding • Oregon ArtsWatch
The bill to fund the national arts and humanities endowments is headed for the Senate, and then must be signed by the president to take effect. But the House approval is a promising first step.
www.orartswatch.org
January 9, 2026 at 9:11 PM
The bill to fund the national arts and humanities endowments is headed for the Senate, and then must be signed by the president to take effect. But the House approval is a promising first step.
The 61-year-old building is structurally unsound and the library may soon move. But after two failed bond measures, supporters ask where and how.
At the Coos Bay Public Library, confronting a sinking feeling • Oregon ArtsWatch
The 61-year-old building is structurally unsound and the library may soon move. But after two failed bond measures, supporters ask where and how.
www.orartswatch.org
January 9, 2026 at 2:10 PM
The 61-year-old building is structurally unsound and the library may soon move. But after two failed bond measures, supporters ask where and how.
ChatterPDX shows us how it’s done; Jennifer Wright echolocates; Pyxis Quartet takes Portland to school; New Wave Opera previews Caroline Louise Miller; Orchestra Nova Northwest revives Giancarlo Castro D’Addona’s flute concerto for Adam Eccleston; Jimmie Herrod dominates the Oregon Symphony.
MusicWatch Monthly: Just keep swimming • Oregon ArtsWatch
ChatterPDX shows us how it’s done; Jennifer Wright echolocates; Pyxis Quartet takes Portland to school; New Wave Opera previews Caroline Louise Miller; Orchestra Nova Northwest revives Giancarlo Castro D’Addona’s flute concerto for Adam Eccleston; Jimmie Herrod dominates the Oregon Symphony.
www.orartswatch.org
January 8, 2026 at 10:11 PM
ChatterPDX shows us how it’s done; Jennifer Wright echolocates; Pyxis Quartet takes Portland to school; New Wave Opera previews Caroline Louise Miller; Orchestra Nova Northwest revives Giancarlo Castro D’Addona’s flute concerto for Adam Eccleston; Jimmie Herrod dominates the Oregon Symphony.
Also this week: Lucy Liu in "Rosemead," and the Portland Art Museum's Whitsell Auditorium reopens after a lengthy renovation.
FilmWatch Weekly: Jim Jarmusch’s ‘Father Mother Sister Brother,’ Palestinian drama ‘All That’s Left of You,’ and more • Oregon ArtsWatch
Also this week: Lucy Liu in "Rosemead," and the Portland Art Museum's Whitsell Auditorium reopens after a lengthy renovation.
www.orartswatch.org
January 8, 2026 at 8:55 PM
Also this week: Lucy Liu in "Rosemead," and the Portland Art Museum's Whitsell Auditorium reopens after a lengthy renovation.
Chatter’s ever-changing string quartet, with co-artistic director and clarinetist James Shields, premiered a new work by Osberg, one of three composers in Chatter’s unique residency program.
God in pine tree form: ChatterPDX with composer Kimberly Osberg and poet Adam Falkner • Oregon ArtsWatch
Chatter’s ever-changing string quartet, with co-artistic director and clarinetist James Shields, premiered a new work by Osberg, one of three composers in Chatter’s unique residency program.
www.orartswatch.org
January 8, 2026 at 6:49 PM
Chatter’s ever-changing string quartet, with co-artistic director and clarinetist James Shields, premiered a new work by Osberg, one of three composers in Chatter’s unique residency program.
Amy Bowers Cordalis will talk in Ashland about her memoir "The Water Remembers" and her family’s efforts behind the largest river restoration project in history.
An Oregon tribal attorney’s quest to save the Klamath River • Oregon ArtsWatch
Amy Bowers Cordalis will talk in Ashland about her memoir "The Water Remembers" and her family’s efforts behind the largest river restoration project in history.
www.orartswatch.org
January 8, 2026 at 6:11 PM
Amy Bowers Cordalis will talk in Ashland about her memoir "The Water Remembers" and her family’s efforts behind the largest river restoration project in history.