Thursday, October 16, 2025

COSA and COMS!

 

Central Oregon
Music and Theater News


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This Week's Headlines
Read on below for more details!

  • October 25th: COSA's last season with Maestro Gesme kicks off with a new Rush Ticket Program
  • October 29th: The Mastersingers presents Rooted in Song with Moira Smiley at the Tower Theatre
  • October 31st - November 8th: It's SHOWTIME for BEAT Children's Theatre's production of Beetlejuice, Jr.
  • November 2nd: Sunriver Music Festival presents violinist Tess Clark
  • November 6th: Taizé service with the Taizé Choir of Central Oregon
  • November 7th: HDCM concert-goers special event at Mountain Burger
  • November 15th: Music in Public Places with the Dove String Quartet
  • November 16th: Lindsay and Jason presented by the Redmond Community Concert Association
  • November 22nd - 23rd: Bend Pops Orchestra Fall Concert
  • December 6th - 7th: The Cascade Chorale presents Holiday Magic at the Tower Theatre
  • December 10th: Sunriver Music Festival presents ROCK THE HOLIDAYS

 

For Sale | Seeking Help | In the News

  • Through October 31st: Grace First Lutheran Church is seeking a Director of Music and Worship Ministry
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Have news to share? Check out the deadline and rates at the bottom!

Central Oregon Symphony
Rush Tickets!



Announcing our new Rush Ticket Line
In past seasons, we have had the luxury of a huge space in which to perform our concerts, and we made a significant number of complimentary tickets available for anyone interested in attending COS performances. With our move to the much smaller Mountain View High School Auditorium, we have had to temporarily suspend our complimentary ticket policy.
However, in order to provide the opportunity for as many people as possible to attend our concerts, this season we are implementing a practice known as a rush line. The idea is simple: there is always a set of ticket holders who are not able to attend a given performance, and we want to fill those seats on concert day.
The process:

  1. If you don't have a ticket, come to the hall prior to the concert and get in the rush line.
  2. Approximately 10-15 minutes before the show begins, ushers will count empty seats.
  3. Individuals in the rush line will be allowed into the show until the hall is at capacity.

 
The 2025–2026 Season Begins
Maestro Michael Gesme opens his final season with violinist Linda Wang, performing Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D Major. A former child prodigy who debuted with Zubin Mehta and the New York Philharmonic at age nine, Wang is celebrated for her radiant tone and expressive artistry.
 
The program continues with Dvořák’s beloved “New World” Symphony—a stirring blend of European tradition and American spirit.

Our Fall concert series takes place on:

  • Saturday, October 25th | 2 PM
  • Saturday, October 25th | 7:30 PM
  • Sunday, October 26th | 2 PM

All concerts will take place at the Mountain View High School Auditorium.
 
Parking
We encourage all concertgoers to arrive early, as seating is general admission.
Doors for the Rush Line will open 10-15 minutes before the performance.
 
The concerts are in the Mountain View High School Auditorium, located at 2755 NE 27th Street. The entrance to the auditorium is located on the back, west side of campus.

Contact Info: info@cosymphony.com
Website: cosymphony.com

Fall Concert Series Launches Maestro Gesme’s Farewell Season!



The Celebrations Start October 25th!

As autumn settles over Central Oregon, the Symphony proudly opens its Fall Series—launching Maestro Michael Gesme’s final season on the podium. Join us for an unforgettable year of music and celebration as we honor his remarkable legacy.

We’re reaching out to invite you to be part of this milestone season. Your Central Oregon Symphony membership keeps concerts free and supports the music education and outreach programs that inspire our community year-round. By joining or renewing today, you help sustain the music that connects us all.

The 2025–2026 season begins with violinist Linda Wang, performing Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D Major. A former child prodigy who debuted with Zubin Mehta and the New York Philharmonic at age nine, Wang has since performed with more than 75 orchestras worldwide. Renowned for her radiant tone and expressive artistry, she performs on a 1767 Guadagnini violin.

The concert continues with Dvořák’s beloved “New World” Symphony—a stirring fusion of European tradition and American spirit. Composed in 1893 during his stay in the U.S., its sweeping melodies and heartfelt themes evoke discovery, longing, and hope.

Our Fall concert series takes place on:

  • Saturday, October 25th | 2 PM
  • Saturday, October 25th | 7:30 PM
  • Sunday, October26th | 2 PM

All concerts will take place at the Mountain View High School Auditorium.

Due to limited space in our current performance venues and to prioritize our valued members, we will not be offering complimentary tickets this year. This ensures that our members receive the best possible experience and access to seating.

Contact Info: info@cosymphony.com
Website: cosymphony.com

Rooted in Song One Night Only!



 

Experience an unforgettable evening of music and connection as Central Oregon Mastersingers presents Rooted in Song with acclaimed vocalist and composer Moira Smiley.

Get ready to experience an extraordinary range of music!
From Smiley’s original compositions and rousing shape-note songs, to arrangements of folk treasures from artists such as Jean Ritchie, and traditional songs from England and Sweden—these vibrant pieces weave together past and present, carrying the spirit of community and connection. As a special highlight, you’ll be the first to hear the world premiere of Northern Flicker, a piece commissioned by Central Oregon Mastersingers to celebrate our 20th anniversary—a joyful milestone we’re thrilled to share with you!

Renowned for her expressive voice and genre-blending artistry, Moira Smiley has captivated audiences worldwide with music that bridges folk traditions and contemporary choral innovation. Known to Central Oregon audiences from her performances at the Sisters Folk Festival, Moira now brings her distinctive artistry, woven with warmth, narrative depth, and global perspective, to the Tower Theatre.

Join the Mastersingers, the Dove String Quartet, and talented local high school singers as we create an inspiring, intergenerational celebration of music.

October 29 @ 7:00 pm
Adult: $24 - $44, Students (18 & under): 1/2 Price! (plus $8 Historic Preservation Fee)

Ticket Link Here

Mark Your Calendars for Beetlejuice Jr!

 

IT’S SHOWTIME!

BEAT Children’s Theater invites you to the Netherworld (and back!) in its spookily spectacular fall production of Beetlejuice JR — a ghoulishly funny, high-energy musical about life, death, and the journey of letting go.

Based on Tim Burton’s cult classic film and the Tony-nominated Broadway musical, Beetlejuice JR follows Lydia Deetz, a teenager with a taste for all things strange and unusual, who summons the loud-mouthed ghost with the most: Beetlejuice. What follows is a laugh-out-loud adventure full of heart, hijinks, and hauntingly good fun.

Directed by Bree Beal and Addy Johnson
Music & Lyrics by Eddie Perfect
Book by Scott Brown & Anthony King
Originally directed on Broadway by Alex Timbers
Based on the 1988 film written by Michael McDowell & Larry Wilson

Performance Details:

Location:  Open Space Event Studios
220 NE Lafayette Ave, Bend, OR 97701

Showtimes:

  • Thursday, October 30 at 6:30 p.m.
  • Friday, October 31 at 6:30 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 1 at 1:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, November 6 at 6:30 p.m.
  • Friday, November 7 at 6:30 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 8 at 1:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.

Tickets:
Available at www.beatchildrenstheater.org
$20 Adults | $15 Youths, Seniors & Veterans

Why You Should Attend:

  • Celebrate the Halloween season with a spooky and hilarious musical adventure
  • Support the talented youth of Deschutes County as they take the stage
  • Enjoy unforgettable characters, catchy songs, and a heartwarming story

About BEAT:

Founded in 2006, BEAT Children’s Theater is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to empowering youth through the transformative power of theater. BEAT fosters creativity, confidence, and collaboration by offering young performers a chance to shine and grow on stage.

Questions? Reach out to Lauren at admin@beatchildrenstheatre.org.

Bluegrass + Classical + Rock Violin!


Acclaimed violinist Tessa Lark to perform
at Sunriver Christian Fellowship
Sunday, November 2, 3 pm

Violinist Tessa Lark is one of the most captivating artistic voices of our time, consistently praised by critics and audiences for her astounding range of sounds, technical agility, and musical elegance. She is also a highly acclaimed fiddler in the tradition of her native Kentucky, delighting audiences with programming that includes Appalachian and bluegrass music. Lark performs in Central Oregon November 2 as a special fundraiser for the missions of Sunriver Music Festival.

Lark’s debut commercial recording was the GRAMMY-nominated SKY, a bluegrass-inspired violin concerto written for her by Michael Torke and performed with the Albany Symphony Orchestra. In addition to the uniquely virtuosic Stradgrass Sessions, her discography also includes Fantasy on First Hand Records: fantasias by Schubert, Telemann and Fritz Kreisler; Ravel’s Tzigane; and Lark’s own composition Appalachian Fantasy.

Lark performs with orchestras around the world and was recently named Moab Music Festival’s Artistic Director. She returns to Sunriver November 2nd to perform an eclectic solo recital of classical and bluegrass music. Tickets on sale now at sunrivermusic.org.

VIP Experience – Be one of only 40 exclusive ticket holders to attend the Artist Meet & Greet immediately following the concert.

Tickets are $80 for the VIP Experience, $25 for ages 25 and under, $50 all others.

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Sunriver Music Festival presents world-class orchestral performances and supports music education throughout Central Oregon. Through a commitment to excellence, collaboration and innovation, the Festival seeks to foster a lifelong love of classical music in its many diverse forms. Visit sunrivermusic.org for more information.

Next Taizé Session Nov. 6th!


A meditative interfaith service of music, prayer, silence

2025-2026 SEASON
7-8 pm on the first Thursday
October through May*
Trinity Episcopal Church, St. Helen’s Hall
(across the street from Trinity sanctuary)
231 NW Idaho St, Bend
Families Welcome!

* January and April services to be 2nd Thursday, Jan. 8 and April 9

May service to be at Shalom Bayit
21555 Modoc Lane, Bend (off Ward Road, east of Bend)

Both locations are wheelchair accessible

Sponsored by
Taizé Choir of Central Oregon

taizebend@gmail.com 541-815-5574
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071919285548

High Desert Chamber Music Introduces
NWX Prelude: A Dining & Music Experience!




 

Next NWX Prelude November 7th!

High Desert Chamber Music is excited to introduce NWX Prelude: A Dining & Music Experience! HDCM has partnered with Washington Bend and Mountain Burger to offer an exclusive opportunity for our concert-goers. On HDCM concert evenings, guests can dine before or after the performance and show your ticket to receive a 10% discount at either restaurant. Guests will also be entered into a season-end raffle to win two $50 gift cards - one to each restaurant! It’s our way of bringing the community together—supporting local businesses while treating you to a perfect pairing of great food and exceptional music.

Enjoy an evening out in Northwest Crossing with us! Dine at one of the participating restaurants, then head across the street to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship for an unforgettable concert. This offer is valid for this season’s HDCM concert dates:

  • November 7, 2025
  • March 29, 2026
  • May 15, 2026
  • June 14, 2026

The HDCM Concert Series launches this month with its most ambitious year yet. The 18th season features an entirely new roster of ensembles making their Central Oregon debuts — from Jordan, France, the Czech Republic, and New York.

Tickets are available through HDCM online, by phone, or in person at their office in Downtown Bend. HDCM 2025-2026 title sponsors include Washington Trust Bank and Lynch Murphy McLane LLP, Pahlisch Homes, Miller Lumber, German Master Tech, Pine Tavern Restaurant, Drew Family Dentistry, Cascade School of Music, Cascade A&E, Central Oregon Daily, and Newstalk KBND and 107.7 Radio.

High Desert Chamber Music’s mission is to bring world-class chamber music and musicians to Central Oregon. HDCM presents an acclaimed series of classical chamber music concerts featuring an exciting roster of professional performing artists. Join us in our eighteenth season and experience the impact that live musical excellence can bring to our community! Come hear the music!

Further information:
Washington Bend – 900 Mt. Washington Dr. Bend, OR 97703 
Mountain Burger – 2747 NW Crossing Dr. Bend, OR 97703
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon – 61980 Skyline Ranch Rd. Bend, OR 97703
Contact: 541.306.3988 / info@HighDesertChamberMusic.com / 961 NW Brooks St. (Downtown Bend)

Music in Public Places: 
Dove String Quartet!




Saturday, November 15, 2025
2:00 PM  3:00 PM
Sister's Public Library
110 North Cedar Street Sisters

Next up is Lindsay and Jason on November 16!



This powerhouse duo takes the crowd on a whirlwind journey through the hits of the centuries, expressing a variety of musical styles from classical to jazz to the popular hits of today. Trained at the world’s top conservatories, Lindsay Deutsch and Jason Stoll, showcase their dazzling technique as they perform masterpieces by the rockstars of yesteryear such as Bach and Beethoven and draw parallels to the entertainers that audiences grew up with including Frank Sinatra, Elton John, and Billy Joel. Spiced with humor and laughs and a bit of history, audiences everywhere rave about these unique artists and their diverse and entertaining programming.

 JUST $85 PER ADULT 2025-26 SEASON PASS
Family subscriptions - $175


Coming up!

Bend Pops Orchestra Fall Concert!


Same great concert, two choices of venues!

 

Saturday, November 22nd - 2 PM
Ridgeview High School Auditorium 
4555 SW Elkhorn Ave, Redmond

Sunday, November 23rd - 2 PM
Mountain View High School Auditorium
2755 NE 27th St, Bend
 

Admission, as always, is FREE! 

For more information about this and future performances, please visit our website www.bendpops.org or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

 

HOLIDAY MAGIC - A SEASON’S JOURNEY!


Join us at the Tower Theatre December 6 and 7, for an extraordinary evening of song and seasonal joy as the Cascade Chorale returns with its beloved Holiday Magic concert. This cherished tradition brings together heartwarming classics and vibrant new works that celebrate the themes of mystery, wonder, joy, and community — the very essence of the holiday season.

Under the inspired direction of James W. Knox, Central Oregon’s flagship community chorus will showcase its rich vocal artistry through original arrangements and compositions, alongside timeless carols and choral gems. More than a concert, Holiday Magic 2025 offers a meditative musical journey that invites reflection, connection, and celebration.

Come share in the joy — and let the music of the season lift your spirit!

Hilltop Home Loans is the title sponsor of the 2025 Holiday Magic concert, which promises to be a moving and memorable evening for audiences of all ages. 

Discover the Joy of Music with the Cascade Chorale Association

Visit cascadechorale.org

Explore our exciting 2025–2026 Concert Season
Learn how to get involved
Support us through Sponsorship Opportunities, and our 
Give the Gift of Song contribution program

Thanks to your voice, your involvement, and your generosity 
you help keep our community singing!

ROCK THE HOLIDAYS with SUNRIVER MUSIC FESTIVAL!

Concert Rock Violinist Aaron Meyer and band to perform
at the Tower Theatre in downtown Bend
December 10, 7:30 p.m.

Violinist Aaron Meyer’s “Concert Rock” style of performance blends his classical training with a passion for rock music. Inspired by this fusion, Aaron’s music features arrangements from Vivaldi to Led Zeppelin; Aerosmith to Rossini; and Mozart to Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody.

While in Central Oregon, Aaron will also conduct music workshops for every single class at Sunriver’s Three Rivers School. Along with Sunriver Music Festival, Aaron is committed to benefiting the lives of students, families, musicians, and teachers through music education opportunities and performances. See one outcome of this passion as Meyer welcomes students to join him on stage in performances, too. Watch for local young musicians on stage with Aaron December 10 at the Tower!

A student of the violin since age 5, Meyer debuted with the Philadelphia Orchestra by age 11. He later soloed with the Oregon Symphony, the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra in Thailand and many other symphony orchestras. Over the last two decades, Aaron has released 11 albums and is in constant demand on stage.

A Central Oregon fan favorite, Sunriver Music Festival has been presenting Concert Rock Violinist Aaron Meyer and band in concert since the mid 1990s. Tickets on sale now at sunrivermusic.org or call 541-593-9310. Tickets range $40-65; $25 for ages 25 and under. Join the tradition to ROCK THE HOLIDAYSexperiencing Meyer’s original material and hits of the season, combining contemporary and classical styles with his dynamic rock band.

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Sunriver Music Festival presents world-class orchestral performances and supports music education throughout Central Oregon. Through a commitment to excellence, collaboration and innovation, the Festival seeks to foster a lifelong love of classical music in its many diverse forms. Visit sunrivermusic.org for more information.

Seeking!
Director of Music and Worship Ministry
Grace First Lutheran Church

Grace First Lutheran Church (ELCA), located in Bend, Oregon, is a welcoming, multi-generational faith community of around 150 people. We are seeking a part-time Director of Music and Worship Ministry who shares our love for the beauty and importance of congregational song and music. If you are someone who wants to build connection through music, values both tradition and creativity, and feels called to use your gifts in a vibrant church community, we invite you to consider joining us.

Duties

  • Plan, coordinate, and lead all aspects of GFLC’s Music Ministry

  • Serve as pianist and vocalist during regular Sunday services (Note: applicants who cannot play piano will be responsible for hiring and coordinating piano players.)

  • Direct, encourage, and grow the GFLC Praise Team

  • Add a voice to relevant staff and committee meetings

  • Collaborate with the pastor and song team in choosing music that reflects the church seasons and enriches congregational worship

  • Input music and lyrics into the weekly bulletin via Google Docs

  • Plan and lead special seasonal services, such as Wednesday evening Advent, Lenten Wednesdays, Holy Week, Christmas Eve, etc.

  • Invite and coordinate additional musicians from the congregation and community as needed

  • Maintain the church’s musical equipment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Proficiency as a pianist and/or guitarist 

  • Understanding of the church calendar and seasons and ability to integrate with the music selection

  • Comfort using online song databases and planning tools such as CCLI and Sundays and Seasons

  • Ability to lead a congregation of all ages in worship with confidence and a heart for ministry

  • Familiarity with different worship styles, including but not limited to:

    • Evangelical Lutheran Worship

    • All Creation Sings

    • Newer hymns 

    • Current praise songs

    • Contemplative music (instrumental, Taize, etc.)

  • Skill in introducing new songs, proactively teaching them to the congregation, and building familiarity over time

  • Openness to hosting concerts or musical events that connect the church with the surrounding community

  • Familiarity with audio-visual equipment and the ability to troubleshoot technical problems

  • Ability to direct larger choirs as needed for Easter and other special occasions

  • A team-oriented, outgoing spirit, with a heart for ministry rather than performance

Grace First Lutheran Church (ELCA)

Mission statement: Jesus calls us to seek, celebrate, and share God’s grace. Learn more at https://www.gracefirstlutheran.org/our-mission Past services can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/GFLCBend 

Compensation

  • Hourly (currently $25/hr.)

  • Approximately 15 hours per week (flexible, depending on the applicant’s gifts and availability)

To Apply 

  • Please provide a resume and answer the question, “What is congregational worship, and what role does a music and worship director play in it?” Submit resume to gracefirstlutheranmusic@gmail.com. The posting will be live until the end of October.

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Central Oregon Music and Theater News