About The Classical Northwest
The Classical Northwest is a new, community‑centered classical music festival debuting this August in the Portland area. Founded on the belief that great music thrives through collaboration and shared experience, the festival brings together more than 60 musicians spanning generations and backgrounds—youth ensembles, community orchestras, and some of the region’s most respected professional artists—performing side by side in a unique celebration of classical music.
In proud partnership with organizations such as Fear No Music, All Classical Radio, and the Metropolitan Youth Symphony, The Classical Northwest highlights the richness of the region’s musical ecosystem while fostering mentorship, artistic exchange, and access to live classical performance. Through orchestral and chamber concerts that honor tradition while embracing community, the festival aims to create an inclusive space where musicians and audiences alike can connect through timeless music.
“The Classical Northwest is a wonderful opportunity for local young musicians to rehearse and perform alongside world-class local professionals. At MYS, we are proud of recent graduate Amir Avsker for launching and directing this initiative. I personally look forward to participating as a violist in the orchestra."
— Raúl Gómez-Rojas, Principal Viola, The Classical Northwest Festival Orchestra | Music Director, Metropolitan Youth Symphony
“I’m delighted to be part of the launch concert of The Classical Northwest Festival Orchestra. It’s really meaningful to bring professional and young musicians together to make music, learn from each other, and build bonds. For students, it’s a great opportunity to experience a professional musical environment, and for professional musicians, it’s rewarding to support and guide the next generation. I believe this festival will help encourage young musicians and contribute to the future of our musical community. I’m looking forward to seeing how it grows in the years to come.”
— Aromi Park, Concertmaster, The Classical Northwest Festival Orchestra | Concertmaster, Vancouver Symphony
Amir Avsker
Founder and Music Director
Israeli-born Amir Avsker is one of the most promising young artists and musical entrepreneurs of the Pacific Northwest. He currently studies piano with Professor Brian Hsu at the University of Oregon with a full tuition scholarship. As a student, he has won numerous competitions in performance, including the 2023 Cognizart Young Artists Debut! Competition, the 2023 Metropolitan Youth Symphony Concerto Competition, and the 2025 Oregon Sinfonietta competition.
Amir was named the 2023 Young Artist in Residence of Portland’s All Classical Radio Station. Also a violinist, he has served as the concertmaster of the Metropolitan Youth Symphony and the Pacific Rose Ensemble, the latter of which he founded and directed from 2023-2025. He has conducted the Metropolitan Youth Symphony on several occasions, including on tour in Spain and Portugal in 2024.
As a composer, his work has been showcased on All Classical Radio and performed by various orchestras. Amir also plays guitar, and in August 2025, in collaboration with the Neveh Shalom Congregation in Southwest Portland, he founded Songs from Home, an annual concert series bringing popular Hebrew songs to Portland audiences.