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“Independent” and “Orchestra” are not two words you often hear in the same breath.
Nevertheless, that’s exactly what The Portland Cello Project is: an “indie cello orchestra”
The somewhat intimidating 8-16 cello ensemble, The Portland Cello Project (or, PCP, as their fans affectionately call them), has had a meteoric rise in the vibrant Portland music scene. The group has a deep-rooted philosophy of building a stronger music community – a belief that collaboration is the ironic cornerstone of independent musicianship -- that has led them to collaborative performances with a veritable “who’s who” list of Portland musicians, from Laura Gibson and Horse Feathers to The Dandy Warhols and The Builders and The Butchers.
PCP performances are unique and eclectic, as likely to mix a Salt N Pepa cover with Bach and follow the medley with something sublime by Arvo Pärt or WEINLAND, as they are to enlist beatbox/comedian/playwright Reggie Watts to collaborate on-stage with them in front of 700 people with no rehearsal to cover a Britney Spears song.
In keeping with this philosophy and the spirit of their eclectic live performances, the group has independently produced an LP available nationally August 12, 2008. Featured on this recording are collaborations with Laura Gibson, WEINLAND, Loch Lomond, 3 Leg Torso, a cover of Toxic, Manuel De Falla’s Ritual Fire Dance, and… a few more surprises.
"From contemporary classical pieces to 80’s hair covers to movie themes to answering many bands’ question, “what would happen if we added cello?” (and really, what band doesn’t ask that question?), this evening had a bit of everything. "--mel.opho.be Live Review
"A compelling listen, the cellos sounding like genius crickets in their organic metronome regularity and alacrity for counter-point harmony. Wonderfully quirky, in both composition and lyrical content.”--Stereo Subversion
“Known for their lush, immaculately-arranged covers, the band is equally adept at bringing classical compositions to life."--Large Hearted Boy
“To say that this is not your father’s cello ensemble is a vast understatement. Though classically trained, members of the Portland Cello Project have managed to stray far beyond their roots, even incorporating a little Outkast into their repertoire. "--Portland Tribune
“The majority of the evening… was filled with many quiet songs, given the extra touch of gushing beauty that only 12 cellos can provide. The performances were on the whole impeccable, and the second half of the show featured some moments of truly breathless wonder, thanks to the surfeit of singer/songwriter talent on display."--Oregon Live reviews The Portland Cello Project's show at the Aladdin Theatre, 8/8/2008
"Tackling Spears' "Toxic" or Outkast's "Hey Ya" with every bit as much ferocity and passion as they use on Beethoven’s 7th Symphony or Strauss' Also Sprach Zarathustra, PCP basically covers all the musical territory one could possibly imagine - and they do it all (mostly) with cellos.”--Everybody Cares, Everybody Understands
A brief excerpt of our repertoire list:
* Beethoven, Ludwig Van. Allegretto From The Seventh Symphony. Arr. Douglas Jenkins (4 or 8 cellos)
* Britney Spears. Toxic. (8 cellos, 1 soloists.)
* Bright Red Paper. One December, D is for Dead Sea, and Cm (4-12 cellos) and Viscount (8 cellos)
* De Falla, Manuel. Danza Del Fuego. Arr. Douglas Jenkins (6 cellos)
* Elgar, Edward. Concerto for Cello and Orchesra (First Movement). Arr. Jenkins (8 celli and soloist)
* Freudmann, Gideon. Robin Hood Changes his Oil (4-6 cellos)
* Fritz, Anna. Stay. (8 celli)
* Laura Gibson. Hands in Pockets. Arr. Jenkins (5 celli)
* Jaina, Nick. Red Queen. (Arr. Ali Ippolito 8 celli)
* Musée Mecanique. Under Glass (Arr. Sean Ogilvie (5 celli, guitar, vibes)
* Nintendo. The Super Mario Brothers Theme Song (3 Cellos, Arr. Jackson)
* Outkast. Hey Ya. (3 cellos)
* Pärt, Arvo. Fratres. (4 celli)
* Ravel, Maurice. Le Jardin Féerique arr. Noah Sykes (4 cellos)
* Rogers, Tony and McIntyre, Amy. Various works by The Ahs. (many cellos, tenor and soprano voice and banjo.)
* Salt N Pepa. Push It. (3 cellos)
* Shearer, Adam (John Weinland). Gold. (Arr. Jenkins)
* Shorter, Wayne. Footprints (Arr. Von Kuske)
* Strauss, Richard. Also Sprach Zarathustra. (4 celli, performed by as a many as 12.)
* Villa Lobos, Heitor. Bachianas Brasilieras Number 5. (8 cellos and soprano)
* Villa Lobos, Heitor. Bachianas Brasilieras Number 1. (8 cellos)
* Von Kuske, Skip. Lament. (Cello Orchestra.)
* Waller, Holcombe. Literally The End of The World. (8 celli)
Or, click here for a more complete repertoire list.
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