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I’ve had some recent Mahler-related changes and additions to my spring concert calendar that I want to share with readers.

I’d like to invite any interested listeners, especially those on the West Coast, to a performance by the Rose City Chamber Orchestra on February 3rd in Portland, Oregon. On the program is the Schoenberg orchestration of Das Lied von der Erde with mezzo Kathryn Alexis Hamilton and tenor Brennen Guillory. Also on the concert is the premiere of a new suite “LA Scenes” by Christopher Thomas. For those of you who don’t know it, this reduction is magical, full of color and completely effective. I’d call it a must-hear for anyone who loves Mahler. Both soloists were my first choices for this- they’re wonderful.

Another recent change/addition to the diary is the Lancashire Chamber Orchestra on March 17. We’ll be performing the Mahler orchestration of the Beethoven “Serioso” Quartet op 95 in F minor. We did the Mahler version of the Schubert “Death and the Maiden” about 18 months back, so this lets us finish the project. That concert is at Christ Church, Lancaster, UK.

Finally, just a reminder that the Oregon East Symphony will be doing Mahler 1 on May 13 in Pendleton- www.oregoneastsymphony.org. I know a few listers are already playing in the orchestra, so come and hear what Mahler sounds like played by what was recently called the “best goddamn redneck orchestra on earth.” I think that just means they’re the only “goddamn redneck orchestra on earth,” but it’s still a point of pride for us.

You can always get updated info about concerts I’m conducting through my website, and the info@kennethwoods.net email address will forward any concert/ticket/directions related questions directly to the relevant orchestra’s office. Just put the name of the orchestra in the subject line followed by “concert info.”

Hope to see some of you at one of these shows.