Listen & Learn - LINEAGE

Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 6:00 PM at First United Methodist Church (1838 SW Jefferson St, Portland)

Orchestra Nova Northwest invites audiences behind the scenes with the launch of Listen & Learn: Your Backstage Pass to ONN, a new educational and performance event offering rare, in-person access to the orchestra’s final dress rehearsals, in advance of ONN’s season-opening symphony LINEAGE: Sound & Fury.

The evening begins with a 45-minute interactive class led by guest speaker Dr. Mark Burford, Music Department Chair at Reed College. A leading music historian, Burford specializes in twentieth-century African American music and European concert music of the long nineteenth century.

Following the talk, attendees are invited to stay for the orchestra’s working rehearsal—a rare opportunity to sit in the hall as the full ensemble refines the program. Music Director Steven Byess will be mic’d throughout, offering real-time commentary, artistic insights, and direct engagement with the audience as the music comes together.

This special event is designed for anyone curious about the music-making process—or anyone who wants to go deeper into the repertoire and themes explored in ONN’s upcoming concerts. With only 20 seats available, this intimate experience is expected to fill quickly.