Since its beginnings in 2007, the Portland Cello Project continues to revitalize the cello and awe audiences throughout America with its electrifying originality. The PCP finds its spirit in individuality, brings the cello to places it would not normally be played and plays music on the cello uncharacteristic of the instrument’s typical classical sound.
The PCP’s repertoire ranges from Beethoven pieces to Kanye West’s “All of the Lights.” This varied song selection results in genre-hopping shows that draw a diverse fan base. The PCP is known for its unique live experience, which has at times included full choirs, percussion and horns.
Tuesday night, students have the opportunity to experience PCP’s performance as part of Mississippi State University’s Lyceum Series, which is a way for MSU to display its commitment to the arts.
Amelia Treptow, director of the Lyceum series, said the series attempts to bring a breadth of musicians and performances to MSU.
“This performing arts series is a great way to expose students, faculty, staff and the community to the art of performance. The annual Lyceum Series offers exposure to the talents of national artists in a variety of performance areas, ranging from music to drama to dance,” she said. “Our intent is to entertain our audience while providing them with artists and performers that they might not typically have a chance to experience.”
The PCP accomplishes its goals to play many types of music, as its repertoire spans over 800 pieces. No two concerts are the same, and audiences can always expect an unexpected performance.
MTV.com describes the PCP as all-encompassing and notes that “it doesn’t get much more genre-crossing than this.
“The Strad,” a magazine dedicated to stringed instruments, said “PCP has come to epitomize Portland’s offbeat music scene, one where boundaries are blurred and cellos are in abundance.”
This blurring of boundaries heightens the accessibility of the cello and challenges connotations often associated with the classical instrument. Fans can feel cultured, both historically and contemporarily, while they enjoy the PCP. Attendees can glean a greater appreciation for classical music and also enjoy original arrangements of modern songs they already know.
Mahongoni Smith, sophomore special education major and cellist in the MSU Orchestra, said the cello provides a sound unlike other instruments.
“The cello is just such a rich sounding instrument, and going to the concert will give them such a warm feeling,” she said.
Smith said there is no time like the present for students to begin playing an instrument of their own.
“Some people think they’re too old or don’t have the time, but it’s never too late to try something new,” she said.
The PCP performs Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in Lee Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium. Tickets are $18 for adults and free for students with a valid MSU ID.
