Founded in 2014 by Portland violinist and composer Mike Hsu, ARCO-PDX seeks to draw new listeners to classical music by performing in informal settings, such as night clubs, where audience members can talk, laugh, dance, drink, and enjoy themselves. ARCO players perform with amplification, attitude, and effect lighting—like a seasoned rock band—while keeping true to the composer’s intent. ARCO-PDX believes that anyone can appreciate classical music as long as it’s produced for today’s consumer
