Porchello to Perform June 29 at Historic Chapel in The Dalles
The Dalles, Ore., June 27, 2025 — Classical meets contemporary this weekend as Porchello – a unique ensemble of three cellists and a contrabass – brings its eclectic sound to the historic St. Paul’s Chapel in downtown The Dalles.
The group, led by Vancouver Symphony principal cellist Dieter Ratzlaf, will perform Sunday, June 29, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the 1850s-era chapel located at 601 Union St. Doors open at 1 p.m.
Porchello was born during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Dieter and his wife, Erin Ratzlaf, began playing porch concerts after all public performances were canceled. As the concerts gained traction, they were livestreamed and eventually expanded to include cellist Jonah Thomas and contrabassist Clint O’Brien.
Today, the ensemble performs a wide-ranging repertoire of classical pieces, pop hits, movie soundtracks, and rock arrangements. Collectively, the musicians bring nearly 100 years of performing experience to the stage.
The setting for Sunday’s concert offers more than just music — the wooden walls of the historic chapel provide warm acoustics that complement the ensemble’s stringed harmonies. A portion of all ticket sales will go toward supporting the chapel.
Tickets are available online for $21 (including a $1 service fee) at https://porchello.tickespice.com/porchello-band-of-cellos-saint-paul-the-dalles. If space remains, tickets will be available at the door for $20, cash only.
For this performance, Dieter Ratzlaf will be playing a cello built by Brian Englebardt, a luthier who trained under master craftsman Paul Schuback. Englebardt returned to cello-making in 2019 after reconnecting with Schuback, and his latest instrument will be featured during the concert.
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