Portland, OR – April 2025 – Orchestra Nova Northwest (ONN) invites you to experience Testimony—a sweeping and emotionally charged program that honors the enduring power of music to bear witness, speak truth, and inspire resilience.
Led by Music Director Steven Byess, Testimony features two iconic works of the 20th century and the ONN debut of internationally acclaimed pianist Yaron Kohlberg, Steinway Artist and President of the Cleveland International Piano Competition. Kohlberg brings his celebrated brilliance and emotional depth to Sergei Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3, one of the most dazzling and technically demanding concertos in the piano repertoire. Known for its rhythmic vitality, lyricism, and explosive energy, the piece is a fitting centerpiece for a concert dedicated to the fearless expression of the human spirit.
“I first worked with Yaron in 2009 after he won the silver medal in the Cleveland Competition,” says Byess. “His performance of both Ravel piano concerti in a single program was nothing short of breathtaking. Every time we’ve collaborated since, I’ve witnessed artistry of the highest caliber. We are honored to welcome him to his first performance with Orchestra Nova Northwest.”
The concert culminates in Dmitri Shostakovich’s monumental Symphony No. 10—a powerful, haunting response to the death of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. Both tragic and defiant, the symphony is widely interpreted as a coded musical indictment of totalitarianism and a celebration of personal courage. Performed by the full forces of the orchestra, this rarely presented masterwork remains a compelling and relevant “testimony” to resilience and resistance in the face of oppression.
“This concert reflects Orchestra Nova Northwest’s ongoing commitment to musical excellence, accessibility, and diverse storytelling,” says Executive Director Kevin Irving. “Through intentional programming that resonates historically and emotionally, we aim to amplify voices that challenge, connect, and inspire.”
Dedicated to making music accessible across Portland, ONN performs on both east and west sides.
Saturday, May 17, 2025 | 7:30 PM EAST SIDE: Mt. Hood Community College | Gresham, OR
Sunday, May 18, 2025 | 3:00 PM WEST SIDE: Patricia Reser Center for the Arts | Beaverton, OR
Testimony promises to be an unforgettable live performance—an invitation to feel the boldness, beauty, and emotional truth that only music can express.