Celilo Legacy
On Saturday, the Portland Chamber Orchestra’s “All American” performance featured the world premiere of Pullman, Washington native Forrest Pierce’s percussion concerto “Great River of the West.” The piece was designed to convey the rich and varied path of the Columbia River and its tributaries on its powerful push to the ocean. Being from Pullman, Pierce chose to begin the journey with rain falling on the forests of the rugged Rocky Mountains of north central Idaho. This was accomplished through the use of Ponderosa pine branches, which the percussionist strummed, shook, and struck, creating the quiet sound of falling rain and wind in the forest. Innovative items were used all along the journey, with the central movement featuring Celilo Falls. “Where 10,000 years of fishermen greet 10,000 years of returning salmon.” The piece will be performed again by the same percussionist but accompanied by the Walla Walla Symphony. This performance, sponsored by the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute will be on Tuesday, March 6th. For more information, click here. We highly recommend it if you’re in the area!
The rain that falls on the cedar forests of north central Idaho eventually make their way down the Clearwater, then Snake, and finally the Columbia River—connecting tiny brooks with the Pacific Ocean
Monday, January 29, 2007
Great River of the West percussion concerto
