Classical house Concerts
Ensemble Boulanger
Coming Next
A Tour of
Eastern
Europe
Music by Polish, Czech,
and Hungarian composers
Emma Mildred Cowell, soprano
Hannah Brewer, piano
Suggested donation: $20
January 25, 2025 | 4:00 P.M.
St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church | 1704 NE 43rd Ave., Portland
January 29, 2025 | 4:0o P.M.
Ascension Episcopal Parish | 1823 SW Spring Street, Portland
In the summer of 2025, EB Co-Directors Hannah Brewer and Emma Cowell are heading to Eastern Europe on a concert tour as members of the Portland-based choir Cantores in Ecclesia. In celebration of this adventure, we present a concert of art songs, piano solos, and piano duets by composers from the countries on Cantores’ summer itinerary: Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.
At our recital you’ll hear music both delightfully familiar and refreshingly new, ranging from the Classical era to the 20th century. From Poland, we have works by Frédéric Chopin and Maria Szymanowska. From Hungary we have composers like Franz Liszt and Dora Pejačević. From Bohemia, or the modern day Czech Republic, we have music by Agnes Tyrrell and Antonín Dvořák. You’ll hear nocturnes, love songs, and several languages in this cosmopolitan program. As always, we’ll be sharing stories about all the music we perform. Come enjoy familiar melodies like Liszt’s Liebestraum no. 3 and Dvořák’s Songs my Mother Taught Me, and discover new favorites too!
Ensemble Boulanger [bulɑ̃ʒe] is a chamber music collaboration based in Portland, Oregon. Co-Artistic Directors Hannah Brewer and Emma Cowell share a passion for music composed and performed by women.
Together, and with musical colleagues, we perform engaging programs of music for piano solo, piano duet, voice, and more, with accessible commentary to bring historical music alive.
Whether in a concert hall or a private house concert, we aim to educate and inspire.
Mila, audience member
“Be sure to check out ensemble boulanger - it is a delightful salon series with super talented women!”
Kit, audience member
“you introduced me to new music and musical figures, with style and grace. Your combination of glorious singing, engaging lecture, solo piano, piano four-hand, and beautifully presented program made for a memorable and lovely concert.”
Recent Concerts
Jane Austen’s Parlour
Music from her Life & Times
Emma Mildred Cowell, soprano & speaker
Hannah Brewer, piano
January 27, 2024 | 4:00 P.M.
Ascension Episcopal Parish’s Salon Series
1823 SW Spring Street, Portland
With special guest Jocelyn Claire Thomas, soprano
February 17, 2024 | 4:00 P.M.
St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church
1704 NE 43rd Ave., Portland
$25 suggested donation
Music plays a pivotal role in the novels of Jane Austen, and it played a pivotal role in her life as well - the author was a dedicated pianist with a large collection of scores, both songs and piano music. This program explores music from the life and times of Jane Austen, including music from the author’s personal score collection, music by women composers of the Classical and early Romantic eras, and even music from some beloved Austen film adaptations. Costumes are welcome, and tea and biscuits will be served.
The program will include music by Ludwig van Beethoven, Juliane Benda, Georgiana Cavendish, Sophie Gail, Christoph Willibald von Gluck, Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Maria Szymanowska, and more.
DETAILS
Ms. Jocelyn Claire Thomas appears at as a special guest at the January 27 performance, to sing duets by Beethoven, Haydn, and Koželuch.
The January 27 performance will be in a small 19th-century Parlor with limited seating. To ensure you have a seat, please arrive early.
The February 17 performance will be in a larger hall with both table seating and audience-style seating.
Admission is donation based, payable by cash or Venmo at the door. All are welcome regardless of ability to donate.
Jane Austen’s Parlour
January 28, 2024 | 2:30 P.M.
The Victorian Belle Mansion
1441 N. McClellan Street, Portland
Tickets $65-$70, including High Tea. For tickets, call The Victorian Belle at (503) 298 6884.
Enjoy our Jane Austen’s Parlour program, performed at a full formal High Tea at the elegant Victorian Belle Mansion. Learn More at The Victorian Belle’s website.