A Different Breed of Street Musicians

This Thursday evening from 5-10PM, the Bus Mall on NW Fifth between Burnside and Glisan will turn into a free concert space. Exploring the relationship between architecture and music, the Music Population Project (MPP) orchestra is presenting an ongoing international concert series called “Can You Hear It?”

The orchestra seeks to, in the words of the press release, challenge “the passive relationship many have with architecture and music,” by playing in prominent ‘city rooms’ throughout Portland. On July 21, the MPP played in South Waterfront. Yesterday they played outside Bridgeport Village (apparently their definition of ‘city’ is a loose one). Their final show will be this one on the Bus Mall.

The intent of the “Can You Hear It?” concert series, which includes performances in Oslo, Norway in addition to Portland is encourage dialogs not just about music, but also the role that architecture plays in our society. "I think we use and surround ourselves with architecture without really considering or thinking about the structures that become the canvas for our society," explains MPP founder Brede Rørstad.

Unfortunately I’m posting this too late for the Bridgeport Village concert, but it might be great fun seeing a chamber music concert on the under-construction MAX tracks. Or at least it might be a step up artistically from the usual amateur musicians playing for a handout.

Come to think of it, I just had an idea – or remembered one somebody else had. What if some cultural organization such as RACC or the Oregon Cultural Trust started handing out grants to applying musicians to serenade the city? It’d be a great way to encourage and support artists, and might help create a nicer environment in the urban core.

Comments

[Jane Jarrett]

This should be fun. And for those who were lucky enough to participate, a great reminder of Third Angle New Music Ensemble's FROZEN MUSIC concerts in May 2005. They played in three venues over the course of a Sunday afternoon -- the old US Bank lobby on SW 6th, the Fox Tower, and the then-unfinished space below the sidewalk on the SE corner of the Hilton Tower -- matching the era of the building with the era of the music performed. Audiences traveled from venue to venue, as each performance was repeated three times, and a culminating talk-back with architect and music experts was held at the Performing Arts Center. Rumblings are that Third Angle will launch a similar event next year featuring the Halprin Fountains.

[Brian Libby]

I went to those Third Angle performances and it was really cool. And I think the Halprin fountain would make an excellent performance space - certainly better than the Fox Tower lobby. :)

[David Price]

Brian - thanks so much for the article. We really appreciate the support. Since the Street Fair covers so much ground and is already offering a plethora of activities, I thought the following might help those interested in joining the mpo:portland tonight:

7:00-7:30pm We'll begin at NW 4th and Flanders (just east of NW 5th) in Oldtown/Chinatown and continue South towards Burnside for a performance near the Chinatown Gateway Arch.

7:30-8:00pm From the arch we'll head West on Burnside and NW Couch until we reach the Park Blocks West of Broadway.

8:00pm-? We'll continue West a bit for as long as our weary legs will hold us, offering more of our "urban guerilla chamber music" along the way.

--
Sincerely,
David Price

music population project
director