Put away the wrapping paper, break out the bubbly, and uncork some sparkling Oregon music as we bid 2014 farewell.

Portland Youth Philharmonic, Friday, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Portland.

Read my Willamette Week preview of the nation’s oldest youth orchestra’s annual holiday concert.

Oregon Renaissance Band performs in Portland.

Oregon Renaissance Band, Friday-Sunday, Community Music Center, Portland.

Read my Willamette Week preview of this truly old fashioned Christmas.

Noah Bernstein Trio, Friday, Wine Up On Williams, Portland.

Portland jazzers convene for a post-Christmas session.

Classical Revolution PDX, Friday, Vie de Boheme, Portland.

Read my Willamette Week preview of the annual Bachxing Day bash.

The Ensemble, Saturday, Central Lutheran Church, Eugene, and Sunday, Saint Stephen’s Catholic Church, Portland.

Read my Willamette Week preview of this enjoyably out-of-the-ordinary choral concert.

Sound Narcissist, Sunday, The Waypost, Portland.

Read my Willamette Week preview of this show featuring the welcome if temporary return of Classical Revolution PDX founder Mattie Kaiser.

VIR, Tuesday, First Christian Church, Portland.

The men’s choir sings music by Eric Whitacre, Alfred Burt (who wrote some wonderful mid–20th century Christmas music), Benjamin Britten, the pioneering medieval composer Perotin, Renaissance master Dufay and a world premiere composed and conducted by Seattle composer/conductor Eric Banks (who leads The Esoterics).

New Year’s rEVElry

Oregon Symphony, Tuesday and Wednesday, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Portland.

The orchestra’s annual NYE party (which needed a second night to hold everyone who wanted to attend) is becoming one of the state’s most valuable holiday traditions. This year’s edition adds Portland teacher and jazz institution Thara Memory and one of his brightest proteges, the brilliant jazz bassist/composer/singer, Esperanza Spalding to Beethoven’s mighty Symphony #9.

Eugene Opera-Elixir of Love 2014 from Attic Media, Inc. on Vimeo.

“The Elixir of Love,” Eugene Opera, Hult Center, Eugene.

Read my Eugene Weekly preview of Donizetti’s bubbly classic.

Randy Porter Trio, The Old Church, Portland.

Read my Willamette Week preview of this Friends of Chamber Music concert.

Melao de Cuba, Mississippi Pizza, Portland.

Read my Willamette Week preview of this party featuring the music of America’s new/old frenemy.

MarchFourth Marching Band, Tuesday and Wednesday, Alberta Rose Theater, Portland.

Brass and percussion unite with electric bass, guitar and even vocals in a funky melange of marching music from around the world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7YTwtCzR40#t=22

DJ Anjali & The Incredible Kid, Bossanova Ballroom, Portland.

Read my Willamette Week preview of the Indian/Pakistani-influenced DJs New Year’s Eve dance party extravaganza.

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