“Independent” and “Orchestra” are not two words you often hear in the same breath.
Nevertheless, that’s exactly what The Portland Cello Project is: and indie cello orchestra.
Independently, the 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. With a philosophy of collaboration and building a stronger music community, the group went from filling small clubs on word of mouth, to selling out 650+ seat halls in less than a year, and has chosen only to perform in bars, clubs and theaters where more contemporary music is found.
Cello Project performances are unique and eclectic, as likely to mix a Salt N Pepa cover with Bach as to feature orchestral support to a veritable “Who’s Who” list of up-and-coming and newly arrived musicians on the Portland scene. (The classically trained group has collaborated with Laura Gibson, The Builders and The Butchers, Horse Feathers, Weinland, Vagabond Opera and many, many others.)
In keeping with this philosophy and the spirit of their eclectic live performances, the group independently released their self-titled LP featuring collaborations with Laura Gibson, Weinland, Loch Lomond, a cover of Toxic in the style of Britney Spears, Manuel De Falla’s Ritual Fire Dance, and… a few more surprises.
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