Thursday, July 23, 2026

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

  • July 31: Special Ticket Deadline for the Sunriver Music Festival
  • August 1: In Memoriam - Arloa Carvall
  • August 2: In Resonance - An evening of Flute, Piano and Sound Healing
  • August 7-16: BEAT Celebrates Winnie the Pooh's 100th Birthday!
  • Aug 10-20: Sunriver Music Festival Opens with an Exquisite Pianist! (Check out Free Concert Tickets for Kids!)
  • November 5-16: The Tempest, BEAT Children's Theatre

For Sale / Seeking Help / In the News

  • Nativity Lutheran is Seeking Church Pianist/Organist!
  • HDCM Announces New Board and Celebrates Rick Samco
  • HDCM Seeks Volunteers for next season!
Have news to share? Check out the services and deadline at the bottom!

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The foremost goal for Central Oregon Music and Theater News is to bring appreciative audiences to fine arts performances.

Special Ticket Deadline for Sunriver Music Festival!

SPECIAL DEAL FOR YOU:
Now through July 31, pick any 3 or more concerts and get $5 off each ticket!

The discount will be automatically applied.
Select “Continue Shopping” to add multiple events to your cart.

PICK 3 AND SAVE

The 49th Sunriver Music 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, a family concert and a trombone trio will be presented. Led by Artistic Director & Conductor Brett Mitchell, featured artists include pianist Michelle Cann, violinists William Hagen and Tessa Lark, bass-baritone Timothy Jones, and the Central Oregon Mastersingers.

Highlights Include:

  • A celebration of American orchestral music as part of the nationwide commemoration of the country’s 250th Anniversary
  • Four Classical Concerts with the Festival Orchestra conducted by Brett Mitchell
  • Distinguished Guests: pianist Michelle Cann, violinists William Hagen and Tessa Lark, bass-baritone Timothy Jones, and the Central Oregon Mastersingers
  • Pops Concert: “ John Williams & the American Journey”
  • Family Concert: “Harry Potter & the Instruments of the Orchestra” at Benham Hall at Sunriver SHARC

"This summer, America celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence, and we're pleased to mark the occasion with works by American composers on every program this season. We'll feature American classics and introduce new favorites, plus we'll also bring to life so many of the great European classics we all know and love."

~Maestro Brett Mitchell

    In Memoriam: Arloa Carvall

    It is with deep sadness we share the passing of Arloa Carvall, Central Oregon's beloved accompanist who has served the community with extraordinary dedication and musical talent over many years.

    We are deeply grateful for every note she played, every rehearsal she supported, and every performance she made possible. The piano bench will feel empty without her, but her music lives on in the hearts of every singer she ever accompanied whether in a concert venue or an assisted living center dining room.

    We extend our heartfelt condolences to Arloa’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.​

    She will be profoundly missed.​

    August 1, 2026, 2:00 PM
    Grace Bible Church
    63945 Old Bend Redmond Highway
    Bend, OR 97703

    In Resonance - An evening of Flute, Piano and Sound Healing!

    You are invited to experience an evening of peaceful, healing music with Sherry Finzer and Julie Hanney on Sunday, August 2nd at 7pm at the Hanai Center in Bend

    Come and let the melodies and vibrations soothe the soul, uplift the heart and calm the mind. Sherry Finzer is an acclaimed flute player and sound healing facilitator. Julie Hanney is a pianist and composer of peaceful music. Bring a yoga mat, journal, sketchbook or just yourself. Invite peace.

    This heartwarming music will be especially powerful in the stunning Hanai Center, which has numerous windows that invite nature inside.
    Location: 62430 Eagle Road, Bend, OR


    Tickets: $25 before (Ticket link), $30 at the door

    Sherry Finzer: https://www.sherryfinzer.com
    Julie Hanney: https://juliehanney.com/
    More information: 541-390-2441

    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.

    Free Concert Tickets for Kids!

     

    SUNRIVER MUSIC FESTIVAL
    YOUNG LISTENERS’ GUILD
    OFFERS FREE TICKETS FOR AGES 17 & UNDER
    -Buy One, Get One-

    The Young Listeners’ Guild offers a limited number of free tickets to ages 17 and under with the purchase of a regular-priced concert ticket (BOGO). This applies to all concerts, all sections, and is a wonderful gift to the future of music. Visit sunrivermusic.org for full schedule of the Aug 10-20 concert series at the Sunriver Resort Great Hall and the Tower Theatre in downtown Bend then call 541-593-1084 to reserve your free tickets.

    Would you like to donate to this vital fund?

    Visit sunrivermusic.org/donate and simply specify “YLG” in the comments and your investment will fund free tickets for kids.

    The Young Listeners’ Guild free ticket offer applies to any and every Sunriver Music Festival concert throughout the year, including all the classical and pops concerts during the summer festival. Here is one great idea for the young and young-at-heart this summer that already comes with free tickets for ages 17 and under, and adult tickets are just $15-$25:

    Family Concert: Harry Potter & the Instruments of the Orchestra
    Friday, August 14, 4:00pm  |  Benham Hall at SHARC, Sunriver

    Led by Artistic Director & Conductor Brett Mitchell, this matinee explores the instruments of the orchestra through magnificent music by John Williams, featuring Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. In a fun, informal setting, learn more about the strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion, harp and the magical celesta – accompanied by Harry, Hedwig, and friends! Bring the family and enjoy a one-hour concert featuring virtuosic Young Artists Scholarship recipient Matthias Santucci, piano, with the Festival Orchestra. A fun opportunity to “meet the instruments” is held before the concert, in partnership with Cascade School of Music. Dust off your wand, find your favorite magical costume, and get your tickets today at sunrivermusic.org.
     
    UPCOMING NEW & UNUSUAL CONCERTS
    Trombone Trio Concert
    Tuesday, August 11, 7:30pm  |  Sunriver Resort Great Hall

    Featuring Sunriver Music Festival trombonists Henry Henniger, Wayne Solomon, Steve Suminski

    Discover the extraordinary artistry of the trombone trio - an ensemble seldom heard and uniquely compelling. Blending warmth, resonance, and remarkable musical range, three trombones together create a sound both majestic and intimate.

    From rich harmonies to striking brilliance, this distinctive performance offers a rare opportunity to experience the trombone beyond its traditional role and appreciate the instrument’s expressive beauty in an intimate chamber setting.

    Tickets $35-$50 at sunrivermusic.org or call 541-593-1084.
     
    RIM OF THE WELL Concert
    Saturday, September 19, 7:00pm  |  Sunriver Christian Fellowship
    Featuring Steve Mullins, flamenco guitar and Doug Walter, marimba

    There is no other flamenco group in the world with a sound quite like this! The band gets its name from the writings of Federico Garcia Lorca who describes art and the creative process as something that requires risk-taking and danger, dancing on the “rim of the well.” Internationally renowned marimba and vibraphone artist Doug Walter has been with Sunriver Music Festival since nearly its beginning, making this special concert the perfect way to launch the Festival’s 50th Golden Anniversary Season.

    Save the date! Tickets go on sale at sunrivermusic.org or by calling 541-593-1084 on August 1st.

    -----------------------------------------------
    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.

    Sunriver Music Festival Opens August 10!


    You will love pianist Michelle Cann and we are thrilled to welcome her as guest artist for this season's Opening Concert on Monday, August 10 at the Sunriver Resort Great Hall. 
     
    Artistic Director & Conductor Brett Mitchell says of Cann: “She's a diligent performer and an incredibly sensitive musician, a real collaborator. She makes chamber music with the orchestra; she listens to the orchestra and responds to it, just as the orchestra responds to her.”

    OPENING CLASSICAL CONCERT: 
    BEETHOVEN, HAYDN & MADE IN AMERICA

    Monday, August 10 at 7:30 PM
    Sunriver Resort Great Hall
    Festival Orchestra
    Brett Mitchell, conductor
    Michelle Cann, piano

     
    JOAN TOWER  Made in America
    BEETHOVEN  Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major
    HAYDN  Symphony No. 101 in D Major, “The Clock”
     
    The 2026 Festival season opens with variations on America the Beautiful by one of today's foremost composers, Joan Tower, in her GRAMMY-winning work, Made in America. Tower says that Beethoven is one of her biggest compositional influences, so his exquisite Piano Concerto No. 4 will be performed by GRAMMY-winner Michelle Cann. The evening closes with Haydn's masterful 101st Symphony, also known as “The Clock.”
    Tickets start at $45; age 25 & under $25
    BUY OPENING NIGHT TICKETS NOW

    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.

    BEAT Children's Theatre
    Fall 2026 Main Stage Production:
    The Tempest by William Shakespeare!


    adapted by Bree Beal

    BEAT Children's Theatre is thrilled to announce our Fall production, The Tempest by William Shakespeare, adapted by Bree Beal. This version of Shakespeare's final play has been adapted to be actor and audience friendly, while still sharing the glorious language of the Bard. The Tempest has it all – magic, shipwrecks, romance, monsters, swords, revenge, comedy, island spirits and more! Come and be part of this exciting, hilarious and enchanted story that has graced stages all over the world for over 400 years.

    Save the Date for Performances: November 5-16, 2026

    Director – Bree Beal

    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.

    Seeking Church Pianist/Organist!

    Church Pianist/Organist

    Nativity Lutheran Church, Bend, OR
    Contact: Office@nativityinbend.com, 541-388-0765

    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, 5 hours/week for 9 - 10 months of the year. September through early June. 2.5 hours per week on Sunday mornings. Weekly Wednesday evening choir rehearsal accompaniment of 1.5 hours. Occasionally there will be one combined service in conjunction with the Contemporary Worship Team.
    • Mid-June – August: Nativity holds one combined service in which the Contemporary worship Band pianist and Traditional service pianist will share piano responsibility in a service or be the only pianist. Hours will be reduced for the summer months.
    • Additional hours will be needed for Advent, Christmas and Lent, Easter seasons.
    • Pay: $46-$48 per hour for pianist, commiserate with experience, $51 per hour for pianist/organist.
    • Paid Sick time is accrued on a pro-rated basis.
    • Sponsorship and relocation assistance is not available for this position.

    Position Overview and Supervision

    • Provide piano and/or organ accompaniment for our Traditional worship service and the choir.
    • Play for special services throughout the liturgical calendar, including Advent, Christmas Eve, Lent and Easter.
    • Works closely with the Director of Music Ministry.
    • Collaborate with the church choir and other musicians as required.
    • Report directly to the Director of Music Ministry.
    Necessary Qualifications and Skills
    • Excellence in playing the piano required; excellence in playing the organ preferred.
    • Experience with a variety of musical styles suitable to religious services.
    • Availability to play for Sunday services, choir rehearsals, and seasonal liturgical services.
    • Ability to read music and adapt to new pieces quickly.
    • Ability to work with the Director of Music Ministry, choir members, other musicians, and the pastors effectively and collaboratively.
    • Have strong communication skills.
    • Ability to practice independently.

    High Desert Chamber Music Announces
    New Board Appointments,
    Honors Rick Samco's Years of Service!

    High Desert Chamber Music (HDCM) announces the appointment of Jessica Higgins and Paul MaMillan to its Board of Directors while recognizing the dedicated service of longtime Treasurer and Board member Rick Samco, who concludes his board service after fifteen years of leadership.
     
    Rick Samco joined the HDCM Board of Directors in 2011 and has faithfully served as Treasurer throughout much of his tenure. Over the past 15 years, he has helped guide the organization's financial stewardship while playing an integral role in its growth and long-term success. During his service, High Desert Chamber Music expanded its acclaimed concert series, launched new educational outreach initiatives, introduced the Celebrity Recital Series, and significantly increased its impact throughout Central Oregon. His thoughtful leadership, sound financial guidance, and steadfast commitment to HDCM's mission have helped position the organization for continued success.
     
    "We are incredibly grateful to Rick for his many years of dedicated service to High Desert Chamber Music," said Executive Director Isabelle Senger. "As Treasurer, Rick has provided invaluable financial oversight and wise counsel while always keeping the organization's mission at the forefront. His dedication has been instrumental in helping HDCM grow and thrive, and we sincerely thank him for the lasting impact he has made."
     
    Joining the Board of Directors is Jessica Higgins, Founder and Managing Partner of Invera Wealth Advisors LLC, who will also assume the role of Board Treasurer. Jessica brings extensive experience in financial planning, wealth management, and nonprofit leadership. Prior to founding Invera Wealth Advisors, she served as Senior Investment Management Specialist with Integre Wealth Management of Raymond James and previously worked as Program Manager for Humane Society International. 
     
    Also joining the board is Paul MacMillan, Vice President at Washington Trust Bank. Prior to joining Washington Trust Bank, he served as Vice President at Bank of the Cascades and First Interstate Bank. Paul has also demonstrated a longstanding commitment to community service through his board leadership with Abilitree and Saving Grace.
     
    "We are thrilled to welcome Jessica and Paul to the HDCM Board of Directors," said Senger. "Both bring outstanding professional expertise, community leadership, and a passion for serving Central Oregon. As High Desert Chamber Music continues to grow and look toward our landmark 20th season, their insight and experience will help guide the organization into an exciting future."

    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. Join us in our eighteenth season and experience the impact that live musical excellence can bring to our community! Come hear the music! 

    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)

    Volunteer Announcement: 
    Join the Momentum at
    High Desert Chamber Music!

    Following our extraordinary record-setting season, High Desert Chamber Music is entering an exciting new chapter. As our audiences grow and programming continues to flourish, so do the opportunities for community members to be involved behind the scenes. We are welcoming additional volunteers who would like to play a meaningful role in supporting Central Oregon’s vibrant chamber music scene.

    You don’t have to be a musician — or even a regular concertgoer — to get involved. If you value arts, education, and community connection, there is a place for you at HDCM! 

    Volunteer opportunities include:

    • Concert hospitality and patron services
    • Assistance at Educational outreach events and performances
    • Special event support
    • Concert Preparation and Assistance

    Volunteering with HDCM offers a chance to connect with fellow music lovers, support visiting artists, and contribute to an organization that continues to thrive because of our community. As we look ahead to the remainder of our 18th season and beyond, we’re building a team that reflects the energy and enthusiasm of the region.

    To learn more about volunteering, contact Operations Manager Mark J. Knippel at mark@highdesertchambermusic.com

    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. Join us in our eighteenth season and experience the impact that live musical excellence can bring to our community! Come hear the music! 

    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)

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