The Oregon Symphony (503/228-1353 or 800/228-1353, www.orsympony.org) is the oldest orchestra west of the Mississippi, and it performs in a historic jewel-box of an auditorium, the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.

Portland Opera (503/241-1802 or 866/739-6737, www.portlandopera.org) stages five operas per year and hosts traveling Broadway shows, mounted at the 3,000-seat Keller Auditorium (222 SW Clay St.).

Other classical music organizations include the Portland Baroque Orchestra (503/222-6000, www.pbo.org), led by Monica Huggett and presenting 18th-century music on period instruments; Portland Piano International (503/228-1388, www.portlandpiano.org), which presents world-renowned pianists in recital; and the Third Angle New Music Ensemble (503/331-0301, www.thirdangle.org), presenting contemporary classical music.

Oregon Ballet Theatre (503/222-5538 or 888/922-5538, www.obt.org) is the city’s classical dance troupe, usually performing at Keller Auditorium.

White Bird Dance (503/245-1600, www.whitebird.org) brings an impressive number of world-class modern dance troupes to Portland. White Bird sponsors two different series each year, one at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall that features established troupes such as Paul Taylor or Mark Morris, the other featuring edgier and more intimate dance pieces held at various venues in Portland.