Celebrate America's 250th with Sound Fourth!

 

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This Week's Headlines Read on below for more details! July 4th: Sound Fourth! July 18: Sunriver Music Festival Raise the Baton Fundraising Party August 7-16: BEAT Celebrate's Winnie the Pooh's 100th Birthday Aug 10-20: Sunriver Music Festival: America@250, Tickets on Sale now! For Sale / Seeking Help / In the News CO Youth Orchestra is Hiring! HDCM Celebrates an Extraordinary Season Exciting News from OperaBend! HDCM Spotlight Chamber Players Available for Private Events Have news to share? Check out the services and deadline at the bottom!

Sound Fourth on America's 250th! Join us as we celebrate America's 250th birthday on the 4th of July. This annual event combines the Cascade Horizon Community Band and the Festival Choir. Sing along and celebrate our honored veterans and service members! Be a part of what makes us such a wonderful community. Caldera High School* July 4th, 3:00 PM This concert is free. Donations are welcomed. *Plan ahead and check detours along 15th as you come to Caldera High School*

Raise the Baton! Have you saved your seats for Raise the Baton yet? Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 5 PM Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon in Bend  Raise the Baton on July 18 is Sunriver Music Festival's premier fundraising party of the year! This lively event raises vital funds for Young Artists Scholarships and the Festival's world-class concerts. Hosted by Maestro Brett Mitchell and illustrious auctioneer Molly May, the event features a plated dinner, complimentary beverages, performances by advanced Young Artists Scholarship recipients, plus lively auctions and fun — all to support the future of music.   Young Artist Scholarship performers are Aaron Goyal, guitar; Spencer Holliday, piano; Malia Larson, saxophone; Matthias Santucci, piano; and Megan Nave, violin. $150 per person Tickets Available Here   NEW THIS YEAR: A premium raffle! You do not need to be present to win. Tickets are $50 and only 100 will be sold. Win the “Friends of the Festival Ticket Package” – Valued at over $1000! Sunriver Music Festival – $100 gift certificate Tower Theatre – $100 gift certificate Central Oregon Mastersingers – 4 tickets to each of Fall, Holiday & Spring Concerts Ellipse Theatre Community – 4 tickets to any show OperaBend – 2 tickets to April/May 2027 Production Sunriver Stars – 2 front row tickets High Desert Chamber Music – 2 tickets to one concert in 2026-27 Concert Series Cascades Theatrical Company – 2 flex pass tickets to any show in the 2026-27 season Thoroughly Modern Productions – 4 tickets to “Frozen” the musical at the Tower Theatre Feb 2027 Purchase Raffle Tickets Here ----------------------------------------------- Sunriver Music Festival is a year-round nonprofit presenting world-class orchestral performances and supporting 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.

Celebrate Winnie the Pooh's 100th Birthday! With this classic, heartwarming production, BEAT joins audiences around the world in celebrating 100 years of Winnie-the-Pooh, Christopher Robin, and all their beloved friends from the Hundred Acre Wood. Filled with friendship, adventure, imagination, and plenty of honey-filled fun, this charming youth production brings A.A. Milne’s timeless characters to life through the creativity, energy, and talent of young performers. Join us as Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, and friends embark on whimsical adventures that remind audiences of all ages about the joy of friendship, kindness, and the magic of childhood. This delightful production is sure to entertain longtime fans and introduce a new generation to the stories that have captured hearts for a century. Tickets for Open Space August 7, 8, 9, 14, 16 Tickets for Drake Park August 15 only BEAT's Mission Statement: To empower youth by fostering creativity, collaboration and self-confidence, and to enrich the quality of life and culture of our community, through Theatre Arts.

Make Your Plans for the Sunriver Music Festival! August 10-20 - “America@250” Summer Festival We're excited to welcome you to the 49th summer of Sunriver Music Festival August 10-20, 2026 in Bend & Sunriver, Oregon!   As America celebrates 250 years in 2026, we honor one of its greatest gifts to the world: music. The 49th season programming, curated by Artistic Director & Conductor Brett Mitchell, will feature eclectic works by American composers - Aaron Copland, Samuel Barber, William Grant Still, Joan Tower, Kevin Puts, Edgar Meyer and John Williams - alongside favorites by Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, Haydn, Schumann, Mendelssohn and more.     The Summer Festival opens August 10 at Sunriver Resort's historic Great Hall and closes August 20 at the iconic Tower Theatre in downtown Bend. Four classical concerts, a pops concert and a family concert will be presented. Featured artists include pianist Michelle Cann, violinists William Hagen and Tessa Lark, bass-baritone Timothy Jones, and the Central Oregon Mastersingers. Full details at sunrivermusic.org. ----------------------------------------------- Sunriver Music Festival is a year-round nonprofit presenting world-class orchestral performances and supporting 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.

Central Oregon Youth Orchestra is Hiring! COYO Job Opening - Operations Manager (Part-Time) The Central Oregon Youth Orchestra is seeking a motivated Operations Manager with outstanding communication and project management skills who will contribute to a positive, youth centered, music education environment. The Operations Manager supports students and families in the program, secures venues for rehearsals and performances, and collaborates with other regional youth programs to enhance COYO’s mission and outreach. For more information, please visit our website: coyomusic.org/jobs.html Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume (PDF’s only) to Emily Moxley, COYO Board Secretary at coyosecretary@gmail.com Deadline for Applications is July 1, 2026 COYO Job Opening - Conductor The Central Oregon Youth Orchestra is seeking a conductor to conduct the Youth Philharmonic ensemble. An ideal conducting candidate will lead our young musicians to develop orchestral skills, sound technique, artistry, and teamwork. They are responsible for artistic direction, selecting appropriate repertoire, running rehearsals, conducting performances, and coordinating additional opportunities for enrichment. They will also assist with student auditions, coach sectional rehearsals, and act as a community advocate. For more information, please visit our website: coyomusic.org/jobs.html Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume (PDF’s only) to Emily Moxley, COYO Board Secretary at coyosecretary@gmail.com Deadline for Applications is July 15, 2026

High Desert Chamber Music Celebrates an Extraordinary Season! High Desert Chamber Music (HDCM) has concluded one of the most successful seasons in the organization's history, welcoming record audiences while presenting six exceptional performances and expanding educational opportunities for students throughout Central Oregon. The 2025–26 season was marked by a series of significant artistic milestones - Audiences experienced acclaimed Jordanian pianist Karim Said in his first Central Oregon appearance, followed by the U.S. debut of the French ensemble Quatuor Agate. The Tesla Quartet made its Central Oregon debut with a Valentine's Day performance that became the highest-attended concert in HDCM history. Additional season highlights included Central Oregon debuts by the internationally acclaimed Trio Bohémo and Tekalli Duo, while celebrated cellist Peter Wiley returned to Bend alongside pianist Anna Polonsky for a special Celebrity Recital. Beyond the concert stage, HDCM continued its commitment to educational outreach. HDCM’s Annual Gala set new records for attendance and fundraising, directly supporting our Educational Outreach programs, which remain entirely free for Central Oregon students, teachers, and schools. Thanks to Educational Outreach Sponsor Brooks Resources Corporation, this year’s outreach included a co-presented masterclass with the Cascade School of Music led by acclaimed cellist Peter Wiley, offering aspiring musicians a rare opportunity to learn from one of the leading cellists of our time. School visits included the members of Quatuor Agate visiting students at High Lakes Elementary School, while the Tesla Quartet performed for students at Sisters High School.    The Spotlight Chamber Players program continued to provide advanced chamber music training for talented local students. This season's participants performed throughout the year, gaining valuable coaching, ensemble experience, and performance opportunities. "This season demonstrated the growing enthusiasm for chamber music in Central Oregon," said Executive Director Isabelle Senger. "The support from our audiences, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners has positioned us for an exciting future as we look ahead to our landmark 20th season." Founded in 2008, and with another record-setting season complete, the organization now turns its attention toward its highly anticipated 19th season, with full details to be announced in August. High Desert Chamber Music’s mission is to bring exceptional 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. Thank you for joining us in our eighteenth season to experience the impact that live musical excellence can bring to our community! Contact:  541.306.3988 / info@HighDesertChamberMusic.com / 961 NW Brooks St. (Downtown Bend)

Exciting Updates from OperaBend! Thank you to everyone who came out this past weekend to see our 2025-26 season finale, Die Fledermaus! In case you missed it, we wanted to share with you some important updates that were announced during the curtain speech: OperaBend is pleased to appoint Zachary Lenox as Executive Director and Jocelyn Claire Thomas as Artistic Director, ushering in an exciting new chapter for the organization. Together, Lenox & Thomas bring complementary strengths, fresh perspectives, and a shared dedication to expanding access to opera and classical music in Central Oregon, while deepening OperaBend's impact within the community. "This is a transition we’ve been planning, and I couldn’t be more confident in them” says Jason Stein, OperaBend’s Founder and outgoing Executive Director. "As for me, I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be staying on as Board President, supporting the company, supporting Zach & Jocelyn, and cheering on the incredible work they will do. This is a moment of continuity, not disruption. OperaBend is in good hands, and I’m genuinely excited for what comes next.” OperaBend looks forward to the opportunities ahead under their leadership, and to continuing its mission of promoting, nurturing, and preserving the Central Oregon tradition of excellence in Opera and Classical Vocal Music.   Announcing OperaBend's 2026-27 Season! The Bend Singer Showcase - November 22nd, 2026 This exciting concert brings together some of the region’s finest singers for an afternoon of unforgettable music spanning the worlds of musical theater and opera. Reservations now open! Rising Voices: Opera’s Next Generation - February 28th, 2027 A captivating concert showcasing the next generation of exceptional vocal talent, this performance features a select group of emerging singers from across the Pacific Northwest who are preparing to launch their professional careers in opera. Reservations now open! Le nozze di Figaro - April/May, 2027 OperaBend's 2026-27 MainStage production: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s beloved masterpiece, Le nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro). A fully staged production with the OperaBend orchestra and chorus. Filled with unforgettable melodies, a whirlwind of romance, and mistaken identities, this timeless comic opera remains one of the most celebrated works in the operatic repertoire. OperaBend in the Park: Tosca - June 2027 Join OperaBend for a magical summer evening with Tosca. Presented in concert and FREE to the public, this special outdoor event brings the passion, drama, and soaring music of Giacomo Puccini’s beloved opera to the heart of Bend (location soon to be announced!)

High Desert Chamber Music Spotlight Chamber Players Available for Private Events!     High Desert Chamber Music (HDCM) is pleased to announce that its Spotlight Chamber Players are now available for hire for private and community events throughout Central Oregon.   Formed as part of HDCM’s educational initiatives, the Spotlight Chamber Players features talented young musicians who study the art of chamber music performance through the year and perform regularly at HDCM events. These select ensembles perform varied chamber music programs and bring the artistry of live classical music to a wide range of settings.   The ensembles are available to perform at receptions, corporate gatherings, community celebrations, and other special events, offering elegant background music or featured performances that highlight the beauty and intimacy of chamber music.   Those interested in hearing the ensembles can catch the Spotlight Chamber Players performing during April’s First Friday Art Walk at Mockingbird Gallery, offering the public a chance to experience these talented young musicians.   “This program gives our young musicians valuable performance opportunities while sharing live music with the broader community,” says Executive Director Isabelle Senger. “It’s a meaningful way to support emerging artists while enhancing special occasions with live chamber music.”   Hiring the Spotlight Chamber Players not only adds a unique musical element to events but also helps support HDCM’s educational programs for young musicians in Central Oregon.   For more information about hiring the Spotlight Chamber Players, visit HighDesertChamberMusic.com or contact High Desert Chamber Music at info@highdesertchambermusic.com.   Photos Attached: HDCM 2025-26 Spotlight Chamber Players   Further information: Contact:  541.306.3988 / info@highdesertchambermusic.com / 961 NW Brooks St. (Downtown Bend)

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