PENDLETON, Ore. – Sue Nelson, a renowned local keyboardist was honored at the second annual Sue Nelson Festival at Pendleton First Presbyterian Church on October 12. Nelson was involved with the Oregon East Symphony, music education, musical accompaniment and providing keyboard accompaniment to PFPC.
According to an email statement from Rev. Jonathan Mitchell of Pendleton First Presbyterian Church, “Sue Nelson has been part of the Pendleton music community for decades. She served on the board of the OES, taught many students piano lessons and accompanied numerous musicians throughout her career … Sue was the organist/pianist for many years [at PFPC]. Her talent elevated every worship service. She knew exactly what to play and how to play it. She chose beautiful pieces appropriate for the season. Sue was good friends with world renowned organist Bill Crane [and invited him] to play in Pendleton numerous times and he eagerly shared his knowledge and talent with us. Sue is greatly missed. Her memory lives with us through the many ways she contributed to the community through music.”
The first piece of the evening was Prelude and Allegro in the Style of Gaetano Pugnani by Fritz Kreisler, performed by OES Assistant Concertmaster and First Violinist Viet Block with Portland resident and pianist Bill Crane.
Prelude and Allegro was followed by Femmes de Légende by Mel Boris, performed by Portland resident and pianist Kristy Moore. “I don’t trust myself with the cowboy boots on so I’m going to take them off” she announced before she started the piece.
Fantasy in F minor for piano, four hands, D. 940 by Franz Schubert was a duet by Crane and Moore.
Clarinet Trio in A minor, opus 114 by Johannes Brahms ended the evening, performed by former Oregon Public Broadcasting CEO and OES Principal Clarinet Steve Bass, OES Principal cello Zach Banks and Crane on piano.
According to OES Executive Director JD Kindle, Pendleton Red Lion donated rooms for the musicians that came from across the state. Kindle collected donations for OES in the lobby after the performance.
OES supports the local community through Playing for Keeps, a music education program that was started in 2001 by the OES Board of Directors. The program provides group and private music instruction and performance opportunities for rural youth from fourth grade through High School.