Hunter Noack Concerts: Oregon & California Tour Dates
- Hunter Noack’s “In a Landscape: Classical Music in the Wild” is expanding its footprint across the West and Canada, bringing a unique concert experience to a diverse range...
- The series, founded in 2016 by Portland-based pianist Noack, has become known for presenting classical performances – delivered through wireless headphones – in locations ranging from parks and...
- The 2026 season, which began with concerts in Big Sky, Montana on January 31 and February 1, will feature a 9-foot Steinway grand piano transported to dozens of...
Hunter Noack’s “In a Landscape: Classical Music in the Wild” is expanding its footprint across the West and Canada, bringing a unique concert experience to a diverse range of natural settings. Tickets for the general public sale follow a tiered access period for donors, beginning .
The series, founded in by Portland-based pianist Noack, has become known for presenting classical performances – delivered through wireless headphones – in locations ranging from parks and gardens to deserts and vineyards. This allows audiences to fully immerse themselves in the surrounding environment while enjoying the music. The concept originated from Noack’s desire to make classical music more accessible and connect it with the natural world.
The season, which began with concerts in Big Sky, Montana on and , will feature a 9-foot Steinway grand piano transported to dozens of venues throughout Oregon, the West Coast, the Mountain West, and Canada. Oregon stops are particularly numerous, including Applegate Lake, Summer Lake Hot Springs, Fort Rock State Natural Area, the Alvord Desert, Drake Park, Silver Falls State Park, Shore Acres State Park, Dunes Meadow Park, and Stoller Family Estate. The series will also bring performances to Portland’s Laurelhurst Park on and the Rose Garden Amphitheater on .
Noack, who serves as the series’ founder and artistic director, curates programs that span centuries of classical music, from Bach and Chopin to contemporary composers. He also engages directly with the audience between pieces, providing context about both the music and the landscape in which it is being performed. This conversational element aims to deepen the connection between the art form, the environment, and the listeners themselves.
The origins of “In a Landscape” reflect Noack’s long-standing interest in theatricalizing the piano recital. His background, detailed by the Oregon Symphony, reveals a consistent effort to move beyond traditional concert formats. While studying at the University of Southern California and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, he experimented with incorporating elements like poetry readings, curated menus, and dynamic lighting design into his performances. This experimentation culminated in immersive theatrical projects in San Francisco and London before he returned to Oregon and received a grant from Portland’s Regional Arts and Culture Council to launch the initial series of concerts in .
The project’s growth into a non-profit organization in involved collaboration with Lori Noack, Craig Compiano, and Thomas Lauderdale. Since its inception, “In a Landscape” has presented over 355 concerts in eight states and Canada, reaching an audience exceeding 95,000 people. This expansion demonstrates a clear appetite for accessible classical music experiences that prioritize connection with nature.
The success of “In a Landscape” speaks to a broader trend of seeking out unique and immersive cultural experiences. In a landscape increasingly dominated by digital entertainment, the series offers a tangible, shared experience that encourages audiences to disconnect from technology and reconnect with their surroundings. The use of wireless headphones is key to this, allowing for both focused listening and continued engagement with the natural environment.
The series’ commitment to accessibility is also noteworthy. By staging concerts in public parks, gardens, and other open spaces, “In a Landscape” removes many of the traditional barriers to classical music attendance, such as expensive ticket prices and formal concert hall settings. This approach aligns with a growing desire for more inclusive and democratic cultural offerings.
As “In a Landscape” enters its second decade, it continues to evolve and expand its reach. The season promises to be its most ambitious yet, with a wider geographic scope and a continued commitment to bringing the beauty of classical music to audiences in unexpected and inspiring locations. Further information about the tour dates and ticket sales can be found at inalandscape.org/events.