The Portland Cello Project has made it their mission to prove that their string instrument of choice is equally at home interpreting indie rock and the latest top-40 hit as it is taking on the classical music of their grandparents. So it’s with a touch of irony that the group’s holiday special at the Schnitz, called the “Winter Sweater Spectacular,” takes every grandparent’s favorite holiday accessory as its theme. It’s the perfect marriage, really: after all, PCP is celebrated as exemplifying the eccentricity of the music scene in a town that also has no shortage of eccentrically oversized woolens.

“Oversized” might also be an apt adjective to describe some of the Project’s shows, albeit in the best way possible. Performances sometimes include up to 12 cellos on stage, plus wind and percussion instruments, and plenty of guest vocalists. Guests this outing will span the musical spectrum, including Oregon Symphony principal cellist Nancy Ives, songwriter Howe Gelb, and like-named local songwriters Laura Gibson and Laura Veirs, who will perform together.

Portland Cello Project's Sweater Spectacular
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
December 20

This no-holds-barred cello blowout serves as the release party for PCP’s new winter-themed EP, the locally appropriate Winter (The Best Nine Months of the Year). As if this wasn’t enough reason to be there, we’ve got two tickets to give away! Ugly sweater sadly not included.

This contest is now closed.