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Another big influence is the band Pink Martini, which has a strong classically-trained base, uses musicians from the Oregon Symphony in its shows (including Carnegie Hall and David Letterman appearances), and promotes a strong dialog between various genres and styles - as well as promoting Portland as a vibrant place where things are happening.

posted 5 years, 2 months ago
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You should ask Ron Blessinger about the cross-pollination between classical music and the literary scene, which is an essential part of the landscape in cultural portland.

posted 5 years, 2 months ago
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I agree - Portland is not a one-trick pony - there's a lot going on here, a lot of experimentation and cross-pollination, even amongst the largest arts organizations in the region, such as the Oregon Symphony, Chamber Music Northwest, FearNoMusic, Portland Opera, Oregon Ballet Theater, WhiteBird Dance, and others.

posted 5 years, 2 months ago
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I feel the distinctiveness of Portland's sound lies not in what it shares, but in its deliberate, almost defiant individuality. Artists seem not to copy each other, or feed into a local "sound", but rather do their own thing, the seek to collaborate to make something new.

posted 5 years, 2 months ago
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