Classical Up Close is an annual festival of FREE concerts from the world-class musicians of the Oregon Symphony and their friends. Audience experience is friendly and relaxed; allowing for interactions with the musicians in a way no other concert series in Portland offers. There are no tickets for these concerts, and seating is first-come first-seated. Bring your family and friends — and expect the unexpected as you enjoy free world-class classical concerts!
2026 Highlights Include:
Go to our Events page for the complete calendar and programs.
2026 Highlights Include:
- April 21st, soprano Madeline Ross will perform works by Strauss, Jones, Handel, and Mozart with members of the Oregon Symphony string section. Ms. Ross is praised for her “brilliant coloratura voice,” “world class” stage presence, and ability to “elicit beautiful passages with ease.”
- Our concert on April 24th is a collaboration with the Oregon Symphony’s “Bang It” festival, and features the OSO percussion section performing works by Pulitzer Prize finalist and seven-time GRAMMY®-nominated local composer Andy Akiho.
- May 7th, Oregon Symphony Music Director David Danzmayr joins us for a third year from the piano, with a program of works by Schubert and Shostakovich.
Go to our Events page for the complete calendar and programs.
Learn more about our festival
About this video:
"Mary Weisensee (Creative Services Manager at Tualatin Valley Community Television) contacted Classical Up Close in November 2018, and we expressed our interest in doing something with them. She facilitated a meeting with Thaddeus Girard, MACC Administrator and Kevin Howard, production manager, and we talked about Classical Up Close and what kind of production we could do together. Kevin has been the point person ever since. He’s wonderful to work with!" said Nancy Ives, Classical Up Close co-founder and Oregon Symphony principal cello.
We are very grateful to Kevin for his hard work and the beautiful production of this video spotlight on our mission and music. It is currently playing on TVCT, but you can watch it anytime here. We hope you enjoy it!
"Mary Weisensee (Creative Services Manager at Tualatin Valley Community Television) contacted Classical Up Close in November 2018, and we expressed our interest in doing something with them. She facilitated a meeting with Thaddeus Girard, MACC Administrator and Kevin Howard, production manager, and we talked about Classical Up Close and what kind of production we could do together. Kevin has been the point person ever since. He’s wonderful to work with!" said Nancy Ives, Classical Up Close co-founder and Oregon Symphony principal cello.
We are very grateful to Kevin for his hard work and the beautiful production of this video spotlight on our mission and music. It is currently playing on TVCT, but you can watch it anytime here. We hope you enjoy it!
