Portland’s arts community thrives on creativity, collaboration, and a willingness to explore new musical territory. Few events embody that spirit as vividly as the Makrokosmos Project, the city’s annual festival dedicated to contemporary classical music and bold, immersive performance experiences. On Friday, June 26, the festival returns with its twelfth installment: Makrokosmos Project 12: In C — a program built around one of the most iconic and influential works of the minimalist movement.
A Festival Rooted in Innovation
Since its founding, Makrokosmos Project has become a cornerstone of Portland’s contemporary music landscape. Each year, the festival brings together an extraordinary lineup of performers who specialize in new and experimental repertoire. The result is a musical experience that feels alive, immediate, and deeply connected to the creative energy of the city.
This year’s focus on In C highlights the festival’s commitment to works that invite both structure and spontaneity. Terry Riley’s groundbreaking composition is known for its open‑ended form, allowing performers to shape the piece in real time. That sense of collective creation — musicians listening, responding, and building something together — is at the heart of what makes Makrokosmos so compelling.
A Gathering Place for Artists and Audiences
Makrokosmos Project has always been more than a concert series. It’s a meeting point for musicians, composers, students, and listeners who share a curiosity for new sounds and new ideas. The festival’s atmosphere is welcoming and adventurous, offering audiences a chance to experience contemporary music in a way that feels accessible, vibrant, and deeply human.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of modern classical music or someone discovering it for the first time, Makrokosmos offers an entry point that is both challenging and inviting. The performances are thoughtfully curated, the artists are exceptional, and the sense of community is unmistakable.
Supporting the Music That Moves Portland
Portland Piano Company is proud to support this year’s festival by providing the pianos used in performance. Our role is simple: to help ensure that the artists have the instruments they need to bring this music to life. Events like Makrokosmos Project remind us why live performance matters — it connects us, inspires us, and strengthens the cultural fabric of our city.
Join the Experience on Friday, June 26
We encourage our community to explore this year’s program and experience one of Portland’s most exciting musical traditions.
🎶 Makrokosmos Project 12: In C
📅 Friday, June 26
🔗 Learn more: makrokosmosproject.org
Makrokosmos Project continues to push the boundaries of what classical music can be — and we’re honored to support an event that brings so much creativity and inspiration to Portland.
