Author's Entries

• Ariel Rubstein (1899–1997)

  Ariel Rubstein—classical pianist, composer, music educator, conductor, and impresario—was prominent in twentieth-century Oregon’s musical life. He led the Portland School of Music, performed in concerts, and conducted and produced operas. The founder of Celebrity Attractions, he brought notable classical musicians and ballet companies to perform in Oregon. Aron Alter-Solomonovich Rubshteyn …

  Oregon Encyclopedia

• Boris Sirpo (1893–1967)

  Violinist, teacher, composer, and conductor Boris Sirpo was best known as the founder of the Portland Chamber Orchestra, which he directed for twenty years. He also taught stringed instruments at Marylhurst College and Lewis & Clark College, inspired and directed the Hood River Music Festival, led The Little Chamber …

  Oregon Encyclopedia

• C. Robert Zimmerman (1918–2001)

  Musician, teacher, conductor, and soloist C. Robert Zimmerman inspired a generation of singers and Portland audiences in the years following World War II. Born in the Philippines, Zimmerman grew up in rural Saskatchewan and eastern Washington. He earned a bachelor's degree from Washington State College in 1940 and taught high …

  Oregon Encyclopedia

• Portland Symphonic Choir

  Struck by Portland's lack of a civic chorus, C. Robert Zimmerman decided to start one at the end of World War II. Of the 150 singers who auditioned in August 1945, he selected 80. They met to rehearse on September 5, and at the next rehearsal the singers chose …

  Oregon Encyclopedia

• William H. Kinross (1846-1913)

  William H. Kinross conducted Oregon’s earliest performances of symphonic choral music, skillfully leading local talent in great oratorios and classical orchestral works. Born on December 21, 1846, in Stirling, Scotland, he visited Canada as a teenager and soon crossed into New York. After serving in the Union Army in the …

  Oregon Encyclopedia