Show runs from 3:30pm to 5:00pm, followed by a reception from 5:00pm to 6:00pm

Enjoy the world premiere of music inspired by a native bird of Hokkaido at Portland Japanese Garden!
In celebration of the more than 65-year-old sister-city relationship between Portland, Oregon and Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, the duo of Amelia Lukas and Yoko Greeney will perform a specially curated program, Music of the Birds, featuring the debut of “Shima Enga (Snow Fairies)” by composer Kirsten Volness. With a focus on the enduring friendship of Portland and Sapporo, this concert will evoke the special qualities that connect these culturally rich epicenters.
Over the course of 90 minutes, this program highlights the natural world and the commonalities of the aesthetic sensibilities of these two communities through the lush sounds of piano, flute, alto flute, and bass flute. Throughout the performance, the musicians will share insights about the birds that are referenced in the music. The concert includes a conversation featuring a gardener from Portland Japanese Garden’s staff and the Bird Alliance of Oregon. Following the performances and discussion, guests are welcome to attend a reception where they can meet the artists and enjoy light bites.
More Info on the Member Exclusive PreviewProgram Details
- “Vesper Flight.” Composed by Kenji Bunch, performed on flute and piano
- “Snow Egret, January Messenger.” Composed by Deena Grossman, performed on bass flute
- “Gray Heron.” Composed by Kazuko Sugiyama, performed on flute and piano
- “Albatross.” Composed by Lisa Marsh, performed on flute
- “Spring and Asura.” Composed by Dai Fujikura, performed on piano
- “Shima Enaga, (Snow Fairies).” Composed by Kirsten Volness, performed on piccolo, flute, alto flute, piano, and electronics
“Shima Enaga” was produced with the support from Regional Arts and Culture Council
This concert is hosted in partnership with the Bird Alliance of Oregon.
About the Artists
Amelia Lukas
Flutist

“Known for her especially pure tone, flexible technique, and passionate performances,” (Artslandia) flutist Amelia Lukas performs with “a fine balance of virtuosity and poetry.” (The New York Times) A Powell Flutes Artist and resident of Portland, Oregon, she “builds community when she performs… [and] excels at bringing drama and fire” (Oregon ArtsWatch)
In addition to her solo show “Natural Homeland: Honoring Ukraine” throughout the West Coast, recent engagements include solo appearances for Chamber Music Northwest, United for Ukraine, World Beat Festival, New Music Gathering, Chehalem Cultural Center, Siletz Bay Music Festival, Fear No Music, Makrokosmos Project, Kenny Endo Ensemble, Portland Taiko, the Astoria Music Festival, and more. She is the Principal Flautist with the Portland Chamber Orchestra and a board member for Chamber Music Northwest. With degrees from the Royal Academy of Music (London) and Manhattan School of Music, she’s the Principal and Founder of Aligned Artistry. amelialukas.com
Yoko Greeney
Pianist
Pianist and chamber music visionary Yoko Greeney contributes excellence and depth through a multifaceted career of directing, performing, teaching, and engagement. Celebrated for her sensitivity, style, and “fantastic attack” (Portland Tribune) Greeney is a passionate collaborator, having enjoyed the role of accompanist in the Aspen Music Festival, Bard Music Festival, California State University Summer Arts, and as a guest artist with the Alexander String Quartet.
She performs with the Oregon Symphony, Oregon Ballet Theater, BodyVox, Portland Piano International, and 45th Parallel Universe, with additional live radio broadcasts on All Classical Portland. Originally from Osaka, Japan, Greeney received a Master’s Degree from the Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins University. Greeney is the Director and co-founder of SoundsTruck NW, an innovative mobile stage that empowers and celebrates communities by delivering live outdoor musical performances.
About the Speaker
BRODIE CASS TALBOTT
Brodie Cass Talbott serves as the Adult Engagement Manager at Bird Alliance of Oregon, where he has been educating adults and children about birds since 2018. Before joining Bird Alliance, he spent several years teaching and birding in Taiwan, Bhutan, and India, while managing a river tour company in central Oregon in the summers. He currently teaches classes on bird identification, vocalization, and evolution, leads trips locally and internationally.
He also writes about birding for Bird Alliance of Oregon and Oregon Birds, the journal of the Oregon Birding Association, where he serves on the board.
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