The International Festival of Holidays

Hana with Yaacov Bergman, conductor of the Portland Chamber Orchestra

“We’re trying to celebrate the spirit of the holidays, the world’s cultures,” said Yaacov Bergman, music director and conductor of the Portland Chamber Orchestra. “There is a great variety of music tonight, and we’re trying to bring the whole world together culturally.”

So began the International Festival of Holidays, which took place at Marylhurst University in Oregon on December 9. The concert featured performances by the Portland Chamber Orchestra, Marylhurst’s Chamber Choir, and the Shabava Ensemble, whose musicians were trained in Iran, Morocco, and the United States.

Members of the Portland Chamber Orchestra perform at Marylhurst University in Oregon.

BRINGING CULTURES TOGETHER

The musical program, which celebrated religious and cultural traditions from around the world, was designed “to celebrate and unite our diverse community,” according to a statement from the Portland Chamber Orchestra. 

“Music is one of the things that we should give more importance to,” said Lamiae Naki, a vocalist for the Shabava Ensemble. “It can open the doors for understanding.”

Nicole Joseph, a soloist for the Portland Chamber Orchestra, agreed. “It’s really beautiful to . . . get a glimpse of what other people listen to and celebrate,” she said.

After the concert, Bergman spoke about the ability of music to unite people. “If we listen to each other’s songs, to each other’s music, we will come to know each other [and] be able to live with each other in harmony,” he said. “Music is the most powerful tool to bring cultures together.”