Newport orchestra hits a high note

Acclaimed soprano MeeAe Cecilia Nam returns to the Oregon Coast this Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 17 and 18, to dazzle alongside the Newport Symphony Orchestra.

The performances will include American and French vocal music by composers such as Copland, Still and Cantaloube as well as the premiere a new piece by local composer Glenn Griffith.

Nam has extensive performance experience as soloist in operas, oratorio, sacred music, art songs, chamber music concerts and recitals in the United States, Germany, Austria and her native South Korea. Her artistry encompasses a wide range of vocal repertoire that includes composers from Bach to the avant-gardist Gyorgy Kúrtag.

Her superb musicianship and keen understanding of the music of contemporary composers brought her many opportunities to collaborate with such composers as George Crumb, Josef Dorfman and David Kirtley.

She has appeared as guest artist with numerous ensembles including the Boulder Bach Festival, the DaVinci String Quartet and Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra.

Nam will take to the stage at 7:30 pm on Saturday, Sept. 17, and 2 pm on Sunday, Sept. 18. On Saturday, there will be a pre-concert talk with Maestro Adam Flatt at 6:45 pm.

The concerts will also feature the return of the popular “Wine Downs,” offering the chance to sample local wine from the Flying Dutchman Winery, meet orchestra members and staff, and talk to Maestro Flatt.

Tickets, $30 to $45, are available at coastarts.org. The Newport Performing Arts Center is located at 777 W Olive Street.