Thursday, February 12, 2026

😱 How to choose?!

 


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

  • Feb 14: HDCM Valentine's Concert with the Tesla Quartet AND Solo Social
  • Feb 14: SMF Valentine's Dinner & Dance
  • Feb 14-15: CO Symphony Winter Concert - Young Artist Winners
  • Feb 15: OperaBend Bend Singer Showcase
  • Feb 19-22: BEAT Presents Shrek The Musical, Jr.
  • March 1: Bend Pops presents Screen Time!
  • March 14-15: Cascade Chorale Celebrates the Classics
  • March 15: Cascade Horizon Community Band Concert
  • April 11: The Maestro at the Piano, Sunriver Music Festival
  • May 23-24 OperaBend presents The Medium
  • June 19/21: OperaBend presents Di Fledermaus

For Sale / Seeking Help / In the News

  • Seeking Director of Music Ministry: Nativity Lutheran Church
  • Deadline February 17: Sunriver Music Festival Call For Artists
  • HDCM announces students selected for this year's Spotlight Chamber Players Program
~~~~~~~~~

Have news to share? Check out the deadline and rates at the bottom!

Last Chance to Celebrate Valentine’s Day with HDCM This Weekend!

 


Solo Social – Come Alone, Leave Connected

February 11, 2026  Bend, OR – This weekend marks the final opportunity to join High Desert Chamber Music for its special Valentine’s Day concert and Solo Social, taking place Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Tower Theatre.

The evening begins with Solo Social, a pre-concert gathering designed for single-ticket concert-goers who wish to connect before the performance. Held from 5:45–7:15pm at the Encore Community Space behind the Tower Theatre, Solo Social features complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Space is limited, and advance RSVP is required with a valid concert ticket.

At 7:30pm, audiences will enjoy High Desert Chamber Music’s beloved annual Valentine’s Day concert, featuring a program inspired by love and romance. As part of this long-standing tradition, every concert-goer will receive a complimentary rose and treat from Goody’s Chocolates. The concert is presented by German Master Tech, with support from the Tower Theatre Foundation.

Tickets are available through HDCM online, by phone, or in person at their office in Downtown Bend.

Tickets are available through HDCM online, by phone, or in person at their office in Downtown Bend. 
 

Single-ticket Holders Invited to “Solo Social” Pre-concert Gathering



Further information:
General Admission - $59, Child/Student Tickets - $15
Tower Theatre – 835 NW Wall St  Bend, OR 97703
Contact:  541.306.3988 / info@HighDesertChamberMusic.com / 961 NW Brooks St. (Downtown Bend)

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!

Only a few tickets are left for:

SUNRIVER MUSIC FESTIVAL's
VALENTINE'S DINNER & DANCE!

 

2026 continues the tradition of Sunriver Music Festival's Valentine's Day Dinner & Dance Concert. Sponsored by Sunriver Resort and Sunriver Markets and featuring the 17-piece Notables Swing Band, here’s your opportunity for a fun night out in the iconic Great Hall. All seats are reserved and tickets include a glass of wine, multi-course dinner and full concert. The Notables bring your favorite dance tunes from the 1920s-40s so you can kick up your heels on the dance floor or tap your toe from the comfort of your table. This event usually sells out, so get your tickets now at sunrivermusic.org or call 541-593-1084.

Wondering what to do for your Valentine or with a group of friends? Come to the Sunriver Resort Great Hall on Saturday, February 14 for a multi-course dinner and delightful concert experience all in one. Seating options include an intimate table for 2, double date at a table for 4, or join a lively table of 8. Visit sunrivermusic.org to see the full delicious menu and reserve your seat today.

______________________________________
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.

Tickets Still Available for February 14th
Become a Member Today!

 


Your support has helped shape the Central Oregon Symphony’s journey, and we invite you to renew your membership for this meaningful final season with Maestro Michael Gesme.

Celebrate rising musical talent and a thrilling cross-cultural program in this dynamic concert featuring Young Artist Competition winners Aaron Ma (violin), Avery Armstrong (piano), and William Yeh (violin). Each soloist performs a virtuosic showcase—Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor (third movement), Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 (first movement), and a selection from Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy.

The program also spans bold orchestral masterworks, from the rhythmic fire of Yasushi Akutagawa’s Finale from Music for Symphony Orchestra and the shimmering dreamscape of Debussy’s Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, to Beethoven’s dramatic Lenore Overture, culminating in the electrifying Latin flair of Arturo Márquez’s Conga del Fuego Nuevo.

The Sunday, February 16, matinee is officially sold out!

Tickets are still available for the Saturday matinee and evening performances—become a Central Oregon Symphony Association member to reserve your seats.

See you at the symphony!

Winter Concert Series:
Saturday, February 14 | 2:00 PM
Saturday, February 14 | 7:30 PM
Sunday, February 15 | 2:00 PM - SOLD OUT

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

Haven't Reserved Your Tickets Yet?

Step 1: Become a Member for the 2025- 2026 season
Step 2: Reserve your tickets through the links provided in your membership confirmation email.
Step 3: Bring proof of your reserved tickets to the concert.

*** If you prefer to mail in your membership donation, become a member in person, or need assistance in any way, please call (541) 317-3941 or visit our office at 15 SW Colorado Ave, Suite 320, Bend, OR 97702.


More Ways to Get the COSA Experience!
Dress Rehearsal and Rush Tickets 

 


There are two easy ways to experience our concert without a membership or advance tickets: our open dress rehearsal and our Rush Ticket Line. Both offer flexible ways to enjoy live symphonic music this weekend. See more details below on how to take advantage of these opportunities.

Open Dress Rehearsal
If you don’t have tickets or your weekend schedule doesn’t allow you to attend one of our concerts, our open dress rehearsal is a wonderful alternative—and a special experience in its own right.

Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the orchestra’s final run-through, where you can hear the full program, watch the musicians and conductor fine-tune the performance, and feel the energy as everything comes together just before opening day. It’s a relaxed, welcoming way to experience the music, perfect for first-time concertgoers, students, families, and longtime symphony fans alike.

Come enjoy the excitement of live orchestral music while getting a rare glimpse into the creative process that brings a concert to life. 7 pm, Friday, February 13th, at Mountain View High School Auditorium. Free to all, and no tickets required

Our Rush Ticket Line
If the above Dress Rehearsal option does not work for you and you still want to attend one of our weekend concerts, we will continue our Rush Ticket Line, which we implemented for our Fall Concert Series this past October.

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:

  • If you don't have a ticket, come to the hall prior to the concert and get in the rush line.
  • Before the show begins, ushers will count empty seats.
  • Individuals in the rush line will be allowed into the show until the hall is at capacity.

See you at the symphony!

Winter Concert Series:
Saturday, February 14 | 2:00 PM
Saturday, February 14 | 7:30 PM
Sunday, February 15 | 2:00 PM - SOLD OUT

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


OperaBend Presents
Bend Singer Showcase!

 

Still time to get your tickets for OperaBend's Bend Singer Showcase!
OperaBend proudly presents this lively and fun event on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 3p.m. in Wille Hall, at Central Oregon Community College. A vibrant afternoon dedicated to celebrating the vocal talent of Central Oregon, highlighting voices that make our region shine!

From classical arias, to musical theater favorites, and contemporary selections, the program promises something for every music lover, making it the perfect addition to your Valentine's weekend!
 
Admission is donation-based, ensuring that everyone can share in the experience. To reserve your seat in advance, please visit: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/bend-singer-showcase
Whether you’re a longtime opera enthusiast or simply looking for an uplifting local cultural event, the BEND SINGER SHOWCASE is a chance to celebrate Central Oregon talent and support the arts in our community.
 
COMING UP:  May 23-24 OperaBend presents Menotti's The Medium in collaboration with Portland's Ping & Woof Opera, AND our main stage production of Strauss' rollicking comedy, Die Fledermaus June 19 and 21st of 2026.

Sing with Western Sky Women's Pop Choir!

Join the Fun!  

Join Western Sky Choir for its second season! Western Sky is a community pop choir for self-identified women and our second season begins February 19, with weekly rehearsals on Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club in downtown Bend. We'll be singing pop songs by Chappell Roan, Billie Eilish, Stevie Nicks, ABBA, and more, as well as some musical theatre songs. This choir is open to singers of all levels, and we hope you'll join us for our second season! You can learn more about the choir and register at  westernskychoir.com.

TICKETS ARE GOING FOR
Shrek The Musical, Jr!



Following on the HUGE success of Beetlejuice, BEAT presents Shrek the Musical. This JR version is a stage adaptation of the 2001 animated film Shrek, based on William Steig’s 1990 book. With music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, the musical follows the story of Shrek, a reclusive ogre who embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona in order to reclaim the deed to his swamp. Along the way, he befriends a talkative Donkey and discovers that Fiona harbors a magical secret of her own. The musical blends humor, heart, and catchy songs to explore themes of self-acceptance, friendship, and love, celebrating the idea that beauty comes in many forms.

Performances: 2/19/26-2/22/26
Summit High School
Get your Tickets NOW!

Get More Screen Time with the Bend Pops!


Join us for some guilt-free viewing with a journey through epic soundtracks and beloved themes! We're taking you from the layered strategy of Civilization IV with Grammy-winner Baba Yetu, to the underground phenomenon of Megalovania, the post-apocalyptic landscape of Fallout 4, and the the riveting suspense of Bounty Hunter from Advent Rising.

Relive Saturday morning nostalgia with a Kids' TV Medley and a certain bunny’s greatest hits. Celebrate the small screen with Salute to TV, a piece featuring classics like  MASH,* The Flintstones, and Alfred Hitchcock Presents. Hop aboard the USS Enterprise to explore the final frontier with Star Trek Through the Years.

No resets. No save points. Just one unforgettable afternoon of music that transcends pixels and brings your favorite soundtracks to life.

Level up your concert experience by wearing your favorite video game or TV themed costume. We will be holding a costume parade after intermission for anyone who’d like to show theirs off!

Sunday, March 1 at 2 PM
Caldera High School Auditorium
60925 SE 15th Street, 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 FB or Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/bend.pops.orchestra/

https://www.facebook.com/BendPopsOrchestra

Next Taizé Session March 5th!


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

CELEBRATING THE CLASSICS - NATURE!


DON’T MISS OUT!

Cascade Chorale and Chamber Orchestra present Celebrating the Classics ~ Nature, an evocative choral and orchestral concert inspired by the natural world, lead by James W. Knox.  The program features The Majestic Tapestry of Creation, a commissioned work by Robert S. Cohen, celebrating the beauty and balance of creation, alongside complementary classical and contemporary selections.  Questions?  Contact CascadeChorale@gmail.com

March 14, 7:00 PM
March 15, 4:00 PM 
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oreogn
61980 Skyline Ranch Road, Bend

Tickets on sale now for T
he Maestro at the Piano - April 11!

 


Hailed for the breadth of his work on the podium and at the piano, Maestro Brett Mitchell has carved a unique path for himself in the world of contemporary American classical music. Sunriver Music Festival’s Artistic Director & Conductor Brett Mitchell will present an exclusive solo piano recital featuring his own arrangements for film in Sunriver on April 11, 3:00 pm. Visit sunrivermusic.org for tickets to The Maestro at the Piano.

As a conductor, Mitchell currently serves as Music Director of the Pasadena Symphony and Artistic Director & Conductor of Oregon's Sunriver Music Festival. He previously served as Music Director of the Colorado Symphony, Associate Conductor of The Cleveland Orchestra, and Assistant Conductor of both the Houston Symphony and Orchestre National de France. Working widely as a guest conductor, Mitchell has led the New York Philharmonic at David Geffen Hall, the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, and principal orchestras spanning the United States and beyond.

As a pianist, Steinway Artist Brett Mitchell has a devoted fanbase of his work at the keyboard. The high standard he has set with artistic and professional achievements makes it most appropriate that Mitchell is formally included on the Steinway Artist roster—a list of the most accomplished and discriminating artists in the world. His exceptionally active YouTube channel @brettmitchellconductor features his original solo piano videos of iconic cues from film history and landmark works from classical, jazz, and pop canons.

“Film music has always been an enormous part of what I do and one of the great musical loves of my life. When the pandemic hit back in 2020 and we couldn't present live orchestral music, I took to my piano and flexed my arranging chops, taking iconic scores from film music history and arranging them for myself at the piano. What began as a pandemic diversion has morphed into a continuing passion project that I'm now thrilled to share with more than 15,000 subscribers across my social platforms, and I couldn't be more pleased as we gear up for Sunriver Music Festival’s "America @ 250" celebrations in August 2026 to share many of these iconic selections with our audience in Central Oregon. The art of film scoring was born during the American century, and I can't imagine a better way to kick off our celebrations than with an intimate evening featuring some of my favorite music of all time. Please join me on April 11 in Sunriver.”
-Artistic Director & Conductor Brett Mitchell


Mark your calendars for April 11 and visit sunrivermusic.org on February 3rd when ticket sales open for Sunriver Music Festival’s exclusive concert The Maestro at the Piano.
______________________________________
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.

It's not too late to join the fun!
Cascade Horizon Community Band


Free Concert March 15th!

Join the Cascade Horizon Community Band for a free concert at Mountain View High School. 2PM.

We have musicians of all ages and ability levels and we are a no audition group. It's not too late to join us this Winter season. We are playing Sinatra music, some Irish tunes, and a march or two. More to come! Help us share the joy of music in our community! We rehearse Tuesdays at MV High School from 4:15 to 6. Call Carol for more info. 541.480.8221
https://www.cascadehorizoncommunityband.org/

Tesla Quartet Brings Chamber Music to Sisters High School Before Milestone HDCM Concert Series


Valentine’s Day Concert at the Tower Theatre is Tracking Toward Record Attendance!

High Desert Chamber Music’s (HDCM) 2025-26 season, presented by Washington Trust Bank and Lynch Murphy McLane LLP, will continue this week with the Central Oregon debut of the Tesla Quartet, a group praised by the International Review of Music for their “superb capacity to find the inner heart of everything they play, regardless of era, style, or technical demand.” With ticket sales exceeding expectations, the concert is on pace to become the largest-attended event in High Desert Chamber Music’s 18-season history.

This concert is brought to you by German Master Tech and will take place on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 7:30pm,  at the Tower Theatre. The program features works by Dvořák, Danish Traditional tunes, and Beethoven. Ticket holders may join the musicians for a concert preview at 6:45pm. This best-selling evening includes a rose for concert-goers and a treat from Goody’s Chocolates! Tickets remain available, and the community is invited to be part of what is shaping up to be a landmark HDCM evening.

While in Bend, the Tesla Quartet will present a performance at Sisters High School. This outreach event is made possible by HDCM Educational Outreach Sponsor Brooks Resources, with additional support from a grant from the Roundhouse Foundation, and is presented in partnership with the Cascade School of Music (CSM).

“Encouraging a lifelong engagement with music is key to our nonprofit's mission, and CSM is proud to partner with HDCM to bring the inspiring Tesla Quartet to the students at Sisters High School,” says Cascade School of Music Executive Director Robert Lambeth.

Tickets are available through HDCM online, by phone, or in person at their office in Downtown Bend.

Further information:
General Admission - $59, Child/Student Tickets $15
Tower Theatre – 835 NW Wall St. Bend, OR 97703
Contact: 541.306.3988 / info@HighDesertChamberMusic.com / 961 NW Brooks St. (Downtown Bend)

High Desert Chamber Music’s mission is to bring exceptional chamber music and musicians to Central Oregon. Join us in our eighteenth season and experience the impact that live musical excellence can bring to our community! Come hear the music!

Director of Music Ministry
Nativity Lutheran Church

About Nativity Lutheran Church
At Nativity, the heartbeat of our worship life is the music that lifts our prayers, helps to shape our faith, and carries the love of Jesus Christ into the world. Rooted in this song of grace, we reach out to our community with ministries that care for both body and spirit. Our shared harmonies extend beyond the sanctuary as we offer spiritual nourishment and tangible support through our food pantry, supplemental firewood program, and safe-parking transitional program for the unhoused. We also join our voices with partners in compassion, contributing to a community shower truck and supporting Bethlehem Inn through volunteers and congregational gifts. In every ministry, we seek to let Christ’s melody of hope be heard within our walls and throughout our neighborhood.

Hours, Pay, & Essential Details
  • Part-time, 15-20 hours/week, a hybrid work schedule, as roughly half the time is required in church time, and the other half is prep time and administrative work that can be done from home.
  • September through early June, 8 – 10 hours are spent in the church building for: 7:45 am Sunday morning band rehearsal, 9 am worship service, 10 am choir rehearsal, 11 am worship service, Wednesday evening choir rehearsal, and a weekly 1-hour collaboration meeting with the pastors. The remaining 7 – 10 hours will be work from home on your preferred schedule. Additional hours will be needed for Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter.
  • For mid-June through August, the required in-person hours will be on Sunday mornings for two services starting at 7:45 am for a pre-service rehearsal, 9 am service and 11 am service, or for a combined service at 10 am.
  • Pay: $38 - $40/hour.
  • Paid Sick time is accrued on a pro-rated basis after completion of the 90 day probationary period.
  • Sponsorship and relocation assistance are not available for this position.
Position Overview
Are you eager to step into a mission-driven role where your passion for music can inspire a whole community both in person and online? As the Director of Music Ministry at Nativity Church you have the opportunity to shape the heartbeat of worship, ignite spiritual imagination, and lead a congregation in song. This role places you at the center of Nativity’s musical and liturgical life as an essential partner in ministry who helps our community experience God’s presence through vibrant, meaningful worship. The Director of Music Ministry fulfills the following key responsibilities:
  • Plan music for all worship services, including special services based on direction from the pastors.
  • Provide music leadership for two services. The 9 am service leans to a more contemporary vibe with a band. The 11 am service leans to a more traditional vibe with a piano and/or organ and the choir.
  • Select a wide range of musical styles consistent with the Lutheran liturgy that is responsive to the varying musical preferences and abilities of the congregation.
  • Direct and/or collaborate with others in directing the church choir and the church band.
  • Lead regular rehearsals to ensure a high quality of musical performance.
  • Teach and demonstrate music theory, technique, and interpretation to the choir and band.
Program Development
  • Implement a vision for the music program that encourages growth and engages people of all ages.
  • Provide opportunities and support for musicians of different instruments and skill levels.
  • Plan and coordinate special musical events in collaboration with the pastors.
Administration and Resource Management
  • Develop and oversee the annual music ministry budget, including expenses for music library, instrument maintenance, and compensation for guest musicians.
  • Present an annual report to the church council for the congregation's annual meeting.
  • Maintain instruments by arranging for the proper care, tuning, and upkeep of all church musical instruments and equipment.
  • Schedule musicians and vocalists by creating and distributing schedules for worship teams, the choir, and soloists, ensuring clear communication with all participants.
  • Collaborate with staff members and the pastors to coordinate ministry goals and schedules.

Qualifications

  • Training in music theory and choral conducting, and proficiency in playing at least one ensemble instrument, such as piano, organ or guitar.
  • Ability to inspire and mentor musicians, congregants, staff members and volunteers toward shared vision for worship.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills for teaching, directing and collaborating with staff, volunteers and the congregation.
  • Previous experience in church music ministry, preferably as director of choir and/or ensemble.
  • Ability to use, or learn to use music planning software.

Working Relationships

  • Reports to the Pastors
  • Supervises employee musicians and volunteers
  • Communicates closely with the Office Administrator
  • Communicates with the AV and Sound Technicians
  • Work within the guidelines of the Employee Handbook and Clear Communications Guidelines presented at hire

Nativity Lutheran Church
60850 Brosterhous Rd., Bend OR 97702

Direct Inquiries to Office@nativityinbend.com

SUNRIVER MUSIC FESTIVAL
CALL TO ARTISTS

DEADLINE FEBRUARY 17!

 

Hello Creative Artists!
 
The deadline is fast approaching for Sunriver Music Festival's 
2026 poster artwork submissions! 

The deadline is February 17, and is open to all types of art mediums. As you may know, the winning artwork is the face of Sunriver Music Festival for the season and is not only on our annual poster, it is also on our Festival program and other marketing material. 

Here’s your opportunity to join the ranks of esteemed artists by submitting your artwork to Sunriver Music Festival, to be selected by a jury of professional artists.  Submission deadline is February 17. Visit sunrivermusic.org for submission details, requirements, and benefits, or contact Vivian at vivian@sunrivermusic.org or 541-593-9310.
______________________________________
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.

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