About The Classical NorthwestThe 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.

Our MissionThe Classical Northwest empowers young musicians through side-by-side collaboration with professional artists in orchestral and chamber music settings, fostering artistic growth for emerging artists while creating exceptional concert experiences for Portland audiences.

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.