Next is Trio Bohémo!

 

Want to share COMAT NEWS?

Sign Up Here!

This Week's Headlines Read on below for more details! March 29: HDCM Presents Trio Bohémo March 31: Rehearsals start for Cascade Horizon Community Band Through April 8th: Sign up to sing with the Cascade Chorale April 9: Taizé April 10: Jazz Central is BACK! April 11: The Maestro at the Piano, Sunriver Music Festival April 14: Chanticleer with Central Oregon Mastersingers April 18: Brass Masterclass & Concert with the 27th St. Brass Quintet and the Oregon Brass Quintet April 25: CO Mastersingers: We are the Music Makers! May 8-17: The Secret Garden, BEAT Children's Theatre May 16: HDCM/CSM Peter Wiley Cello Masterclass May 16 & 17: Cascade Chorale, Sing the POPS ~ A Celebration of America's 250th July 18: Sunriver Music Festival Raise the Baton Fundraising Party Aug 10-20: Sunriver Music Festival: America@250 For Sale / Seeking Help / In the News April 1: Members tickets on sale for Sunriver Music Festival: April 10 - May 3: Come Say Hello to Me! May 1: Sunriver Music Festival Young Artists Scholarship Applications Due June 15: Submissions due for virtual version of The Star-Spangled Banner July 18: Sunriver Music Festival Raise the Baton Fundraising Party Have news to share? Check out the deadline and rates at the bottom!

Limited Tickets Remain for Trio Bohémo: An Evening of Music and Community Impact! HDCM Partners with St. Vincent de Paul High Desert Chamber Music’s 2025-26 season, presented by Washington Trust Bank and Lynch Murphy McLane LLP, will continue this week with the Central Oregon debut of Trio Bohémo. This electrifying Czech piano trio has taken the international stage by storm since their debut in 2019 and limited tickets remain for this highly anticipated performance. This concert is brought to you by the Cascade School of Music and will take place on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at 5:30pm, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. In partnership with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, HDCM will also host a community food and donation drive, with attendees encouraged to bring nonperishable food items and essential supplies to benefit local families in need. Concertgoers are invited to bring nonperishable food and essential household items to support local individuals and families. A list of most-needed items is available on HDCM’s social media channels. Donations can be dropped off at a collection table in the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship entrance prior to the performance. Donations are encouraged but do not replace concert admission; tickets are required. “We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with St. Vincent de Paul and invite our audience to make a meaningful impact,” said Executive Director Isabelle Senger. “It’s a simple way to come together—through music and generosity—to support our neighbors.” The first half of the program features a work by Czech composer Anton Reicha alongside the ensemble’s own commissioned piece by Greek composer Marios Christou. The second half highlights one of Felix Mendelssohn’s most beloved chamber works, his first piano trio. Ticket holders are invited to join the musicians for a concert preview beginning at 4:45pm.. 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.  Further information:  General Admission - $49, Child/Student Tickets $10  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) 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!

Play with Cascade Horizon Community Band! Call for Musicians! Cascade Horizon Community Band begins our new season on March 31st. We rehearse in the Mountain View High School band room from 4:20 to 6 PM on Tuesdays. We are a no audition group that welcomes musicians of all abilities. Join now and play in our Sound Fourth! concert on the the 4th of July to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. The Festival Chorus will join us with music that unites us all. We will also begin rehearsing our music for the Fall season. For information, call Carol Schunk. 541-480-8221.  Psst! We’re famous - Check out the interview!

SING THE POPS! Do you love to sing? JOIN US NOW and be part of our concert “A Celebration of AMERICA’S 250th Anniversary” WHY JOIN? Experienced choristers welcome Make new friends and share your love of music Be part of performances that move and inspire   Learn a wide variety of musical styles and repertoire Turn a regular weeknight into the highlight of your week  Develop your vocal skills and musical confidence in a supportive environment HOW TO JOIN First time singing with us?  Potential singers must meet with Director James W. Knox for vocal verification and approval: https://www.cascadechorale.org/sing-with-chorale Costs and other details at http://cascadechorale.org/sing-with-us  Cascade Chorale Registration:  5:30pm, Tuesday, March 31st and April 7th Rehearsals 6:00pm, March 31 through May 15th Rehearsal Location:  Pence Hall, Room 228, COCC Bend campus Concerts: May 16th and 17th, First Presbyterian Church DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO MAKE MUSIC AND MEMORIES THIS SEASON! QUESTIONS?  CascadeChorale@gmail.com

Next Taizé Session April 9th! 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! * April service to be 2nd Thursday, 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

Jazz Central is back — and seats go fast! Bend's beloved vocal jazz choir returns for one night only, and if history is any guide (three sold-out shows and counting), you'll want to move on this one. Join us Thursday, April 10th at 7pm at Unity Spiritual Community for an evening of lush harmonies, gorgeous arrangements, and the kind of live music that gives you chills — all in an intimate venue that makes every seat a great one. Your $29 ticket includes access to a decadent dessert bar and your first drink on us.  Unity Spiritual Community · 63645 Scenic Dr, Bend OR   Tickets are $29 — grab yours before they're gone.

Get Your Tickets for The Maestro at the Piano - April 11!   Saturday, April 11 at 3:00pm Sunriver Christian Fellowship 18139 Cottonwood Rd, Sunriver Steinway Artist Brett Mitchell has a devoted fanbase. The high standard he has set with artistic and professional achievements makes it most appropriate that Mitchell is formally designated on the Steinway Artist roster--a list of the most accomplished and discriminating artists in the world. Hailed for the breadth of his work on the podium and at the piano, Maestro Brett Mitchell has carved a unique path in the world of contemporary American classical music. Sunriver Music Festival’s Artistic Director & Conductor will present an exclusive solo piano recital featuring his own arrangements for film in Sunriver on April 11. Visit sunrivermusic.org for tickets to The Maestro at the Piano. Starting with complimentary wine tasting from Willamette Valley Vineyards for all ticketholders, VIP ticketholders are invited to an intimate post-concert reception offering light fare and unhurried conversation with the maestro. Tickets are $50-90 ($25 for ages 25 and under) and available now at sunrivermusic.org and at the door. Mark your calendars for April 11 and visit sunrivermusic.org now to get your tickets 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.

Join Us This Spring for Maestro Gesme’s Final Concerts!   Donors' Chamber Concerts Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 7:30 pm  Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 2:00 pm  Mountain View High School Auditorium The Central Oregon Chamber Orchestra, an ensemble drawn from the musicians of the Central Oregon Symphony, presents an engaging program spanning the Baroque, Classical, and contemporary eras. The concert will feature Arcangelo Corelli’s Concerto Grosso, Op. 6 No. 4, Serge Prokofiev’s spirited Classical Symphony, and Franz Joseph Haydn’s beloved Symphony No. 101, “The Clock.” The program will also feature mezzo-soprano Charlene Chi, performing Celestial Threads by composer Chris Thomas. This evocative work was commissioned especially for Chi to perform at this concert, marking a special collaboration between composer and soloist. Charlene Chi, originally from Toronto, is an acclaimed performer of operatic, chamber, and concert repertoire with appearances across North America, Europe, and South Korea. She has soloed with the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra and the Seattle Chamber Orchestra and has performed in Rome’s Basilica di Santa Maria del Popolo, among many other distinguished venues.  Spring Concert Series Saturday, May 16 at 2:00 PM Saturday, May 16 at 7:30 PM Sunday, May 17 at 2:00 PM Mountain View High School Auditorium. Join us for Maestro Gesme’s final concert series with the Central Oregon Symphony—an unforgettable “Orchestra Showcase” that pays tribute to his artistic legacy through a richly varied program spanning dramatic opera, heartfelt reflection, folk-inspired dance, and vivid orchestral color.  La forza del destino Overture by Giuseppe Verdi opens with gripping drama and sweeping lyricism, setting the stage for the emotional intensity of his opera.  In contrast, Elegy for Strings, Harp, Timpani, and French Horns by Jonathan Leshnoff offers a contemporary and deeply moving meditation on loss and memory.  Norwegian Dances, Op. 35 by Edvard Grieg brings lively charm and folk flavor, while Dance of the Hours by Amilcare Ponchielli sparkles with elegance and wit. The program concludes with Pines of Rome by Ottorino Respighi, a thrilling sonic journey through the Eternal City, rich with color and grandeur. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TICKETS

Chanticleer  with Central Oregon Mastersingers!   Tuesday, April 14, 2026 | 7:30 PM Known around the world for its eclectic repertoire and dazzling virtuosity, the Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer – under the leadership of Music Director Tim Keeler – has been hailed by the Boston Globe as “breathtaking in its accuracy of intonation, purity of blend, of color and swagger of style.” Founded in San Francisco in 1978 by singer and musicologist Louis Botto, Chanticleer quickly took its place as one of the most prolific recording and touring ensembles in the world, an “orchestra of voices” performing thousands of live concerts and selling more than one million recordings. Rooted in the Renaissance, Chanticleer’s repertoire has expanded to include a wide range of classical, gospel, jazz and popular music. With a deep commitment to the commissioning of new compositions and arrangements, Chanticleer foregrounds American repertoire and a distinctively American sound, complementing the group’s signature diversity in terms of membership and genre. The ensemble has dedicated much of its vast recording catalogue to these commissions, garnering Grammy Awards for its recordings of Sir John Tavener’s Lamentations & Praises and the ambitious collection of commissioned works entitled Colors of Love. Chanticleer is the recipient of Chorus America’s Dale Warland Commission Award and the Chorus America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming. The group’s Music Director Emeritus, Joseph H. Jennings, received the Brazeal Wayne Dennard Award for his contribution to the African American choral tradition during his 25-year tenure as both singer and Music Director. Chanticleer – named for the “clear-singing” rooster in Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales – was named Ensemble of the Year by Musical America in 2008 and inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame. The group’s award-winning education programs were recognized with the 2010 Chorus America Education Outreach Award, and have engaged tens of thousands of students since the ensemble began. TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

Music Masters: Brass Masterclass and Community Concert!   April 18, masterclass starting at 10:00, Concert at 7:00PM Wille Hall, Coats Campus Center, COCC Bend Campus 2600 NW College Way, Bend, OR 97703 On April 18th, our community will enjoy a full day celebrating brass music with a 10:00 AM brass masterclass and a 7:00 PM evening concert, featuring the 27th St. Brass Quintet and the distinguished Oregon Brass Quintet. This special event brings together elite performance, music education, and artistic inspiration for musicians and audiences alike.   The Oregon Brass Quintet (OBQ) has served as the faculty brass ensemble in residence at the University of Oregon since the early 1970s. Comprised of the acclaimed UO brass faculty, the ensemble has built a decades-long reputation for artistic excellence, education, and advocacy for brass chamber music. The OBQ actively promotes the art form through clinics, educational programs, and recitals, while exploring both traditional masterworks and new repertoire for brass quintet. Their extensive performance history spans the Northwestern United States, with appearances in school concerts, concert halls, and major educational conferences, including the NAfME/All Northwest Conference.   The day begins with a brass masterclass at 10:00 AM, where students, educators, and local musicians will have the opportunity to learn directly from these accomplished artists. The session will focus on technique, ensemble playing, musical interpretation, and professional musicianship, offering participants valuable guidance and inspiration. At 7:00 PM, the celebration continues with an evening concert showcasing the bold, dynamic sound of brass chamber music. The 27th St. Brass Quintet and the Oregon Brass Quintet will present a vibrant and engaging program that highlights virtuosity, expressive depth, and the thrilling range of the brass ensemble.   This April 18th event reflects our commitment to artistic excellence, music education, and community enrichment—bringing high-caliber performance and meaningful learning opportunities to Central Oregon. It promises to be a memorable and inspiring day for brass enthusiasts, students, educators, and music lovers.

CO Mastersingers: We Are The Music Makers! Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 7:00 PM Celebrate twenty years of choral music with the Central Oregon Mastersingers in a special anniversary concert at the Tower Theatre. Led by Artistic Director and Conductor Christian Clark, We Are the Music Makers closes the ensemble’s 20th anniversary season—an evening that celebrates two decades of music-making, community, and artistic collaboration in Central Oregon. At the heart of the program is Illuminare by acclaimed composer Elaine Hagenberg, performed with orchestra. This luminous and deeply moving work explores themes of light, hope, and renewal, weaving together rich choral textures with expressive orchestral writing. Hagenberg’s music has quickly become beloved by choirs and audiences alike, and Illuminare offers a powerful centerpiece for this milestone celebration. The evening will also feature favorite selections from the Mastersingers’ twenty-year history—music that has shaped the ensemble’s identity and resonated with audiences throughout the region and beyond. Founding director Clyde Thompson will join us for this special occasion, along with former members of the ensemble, making this concert both a reunion and a tribute to the community that has sustained the Mastersingers since its founding. Whether you have been part of our journey for years or are experiencing the Mastersingers for the first time, this concert promises an inspiring night of choral and orchestral music honoring the past while looking ahead to the future. Join us as we celebrate twenty years of harmony, artistry, and community with the Central Oregon Mastersingers. TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

Legendary Cellist Peter Wiley to Lead Master Class in Bend!   High Desert Chamber Music, in partnership with the Cascade School of Music, invites aspiring musicians to audition for a Master Class led by legendary cellist Peter Wiley. This event is made possible by support from the Brooks Resources Corporation and the Oregon chapter of the American String Teachers Association. Event Details: Saturday, May 16, 2026 First Presbyterian Church of Bend Heritage Hall 9:30am-11:30am Admission: Free and open to the public “We are excited to welcome Peter Wiley for this special master class opportunity, one of today’s most distinguished cellists and teachers,” says Executive Director Isabelle Senger. “With a career spanning decades both on the concert stage and in teaching, he brings remarkable artistry and insight that will be both inspiring and invaluable for our musicians and community.” Cascade School of Music Executive Director Robert Lambeth shares the enthusiasm, saying “Cascade School of Music is excited to partner again with High Desert Chamber Music to welcome legendary cellist Peter Wiley and to offer his highly respected experience and knowledge to the cello students in our community.” About the Instructor: Cellist Peter Wiley enjoys a distinguished career as both performer and educator. He currently teaches at the Curtis Institute of Music and the Bard College Conservatory of Music. A member of the Beaux Arts Trio from 1987 to 1998, Mr. Wiley then succeeded his teacher, David Soyer, as cellist of the Guarneri String Quartet from 2001 to 2009. A past recipient of an Avery Fisher Career Grant, Mr. Wiley joined the faculty of the Curtis Institute of Music in 1996 and he also teaches at Bard College Conservatory of Music. Application Details: Applications for cellists are available on the High Desert Chamber Music and Cascade School of Music websites. The submission deadline is Monday, April 20, 2026, 10:00am. All applicants will receive complimentary admission to Peter Wiley's performance on Friday, May 15, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon. 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!  Cello Master Class Application link: https://forms.gle/SjjGhJ9MKEuHATJQ8 Further information: Contact HDCM: 541.306.3988 / info@HighDesertChamberMusic.com / 961 NW Brooks St. Contact CSM: 541.382.6866 / www.cascadeschoolofmusic.org / 510 NE 3rd St.

SAVE THE DATES FOR THE SECRET GARDEN!   Open Space Event Studios 5/8/26-5/17/26 Ticket Link Presented by BEAT Children's Theatre, this adaptation by Tim Kelly of the literary classic you’ve loved for years tells the story of Mary Lennox, known as a difficult child, sent to live at her uncle’s estate in England after her parents pass away. Misselthwaite Manor turns out to be a gloomy fortress. Her uncle is rarely home, and his young son, Colin, never leaves his room, convinced he’s an incurable invalid. To her surprise, Mary discovers a strange walled garden that has been locked up for years. With the assistance of Dickon, the gardener’s apprentice, Mary brings the garden back to life and discovers Dickon’s amazing ability to communicate with animals. The garden seems to have a wonderful, magical effect on all who come into it, allowing Mary to help restore Colin to health and to reunite him with his father. This version also introduces the endearing Sowerby family, who add much laughter and love to this touching story. Take time to smell the roses.

Make Your Plans for the Sunriver Music Festival! August 10-20 - “America@250” Summer Festival The 49th season of this landmark festival features acclaimed soloists Michelle Cann, piano; Timothy Jones, bass-baritone; and violinists William Hagen and Tessa Lark. Artistic Director & Conductor Brett Mitchell leads world-class orchestra musicians in a remarkable season at the Sunriver Resort Great Hall and the Tower Theatre.  “This summer, America celebrates a 250th anniversary, and we're so pleased to mark the occasion with at least one work by an American composer on every program this season. We'll feature American classics like Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring and Samuel Barber's Violin Concerto, and introduce you to some new favorites by Pulitzer Prize-winner Kevin Puts and Grammy-winners Edgar Meyer and Joan Tower. We'll also of course bring to life so many of the great European classics we all know and love, including works by Beethoven, Haydn, Mendelssohn, Bach, Mozart, and Schumann,” shares Maestro Mitchell.  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.

Help Create the Largest Virtual Choir of the National Anthem!     Help celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States! (BTW, I, Barb, have participated in a couple of these and they're FUN!) The Sheckler Virtual Choir – The Star-Spangled Banner Join the project here: https://www.harrisonsheckler.com/starspangledbannervirtualchoir The goal is simple but ambitious: to bring together thousands of voices and create the largest virtual choir performance of the National Anthem. Singers of all ages and experience levels are welcome. This project continues a series of virtual choir collaborations I’ve led over the past several years, including: You’ll Never Walk Alone https://youtu.be/6gpoJNv5dlQ?si=WuMdwu6DyJJasz3q Take Me Out to the Ball Game https://youtu.be/MlwII9fQlwU?si=_9A4uZB3oUHZwVMz Gloria Gaynor – Talkin' 'Bout Jesus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1CgNGchye4 These projects have brought together singers from across the country and around the world. For this one, we hope to make something even bigger—a massive national chorus celebrating America’s 250th birthday. Who Can Participate Everyone is welcome to join: • Individuals • Families • Choirs • Students and teachers • Community groups You may sing the melody or any SATB harmony part using the score and guide track provided on the website. How to Participate Visit the project page: https://www.harrisonsheckler.com/starspangledbannervirtualchoir Download the vocal score and guide track Record yourself singing the entire piece while listening with headphones Upload your video using the submission form on the website Additional practice tracks for each vocal part will be uploaded soon. Submission deadline: June 15, 2026 The completed video will premiere before July 4, 2026. If you enjoy singing, I hope you’ll join us and help create the largest virtual choir performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Even if you don’t sing yourself, please feel free to share this invitation with choirs, schools, music teachers, and friends. The more voices we gather, the more powerful the final performance will be.

SUNRIVER MUSIC FESTIVAL NEWS!     April 1 - Summer Festival Ticket Sales Open to Friends of the Festival members Join today as a Friend of the Festival at sunrivermusic.org/donate for first choice of the best seats. Tickets for Friends of the Festival members at the Conductor’s Guild membership tier go on sale as early as April 1; ticket sales for the public open June 1. May 1 - Young Artists Scholarship Applications Due Throughout its 30-year history, Sunriver Music Festival’s Young Artists Scholarship program has awarded almost $750,000 in scholarships to exceptional young classical music students from throughout Central Oregon. Advanced students age 11-24 visit sunrivermusic.org/young-artists-scholarships today for information and to apply. For the rest of us, plan to attend the free Young Artists Scholarship Recital on June 5 in Sunriver to be inspired by the future of music. July 18 - Raise the Baton Fundraising Party Raise the Baton is the Festival’s premier fundraiser of the year and is hosted by Maestro Brett Mitchell! At this lively event, vital funds are raised for the Young Artists Scholarships and Sunriver Music Festival’s world-class concerts. Held at the beautiful Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon in Bend, tickets on sale April 1 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.

Come Say Hello!   April 10 - May 3, 2026 Touring Central Oregon Yes, yours truly is getting back on stage! Come say hello at a performance of Into The Breeches, presented by Ellipse Theatre Community.  Cheers! Barb Tickets Here!

(Want to see your listing here? Check out the different ad services available! Contact: centraloregonmusicnews@gmail.com Submission deadline: EOD Wednesday of each week for Thursday or Friday distribution Distribution:  Email, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and the Central Oregon Music and Theater News blog! 2026 Rates (purchased before 12/31/2026): $25 - NEWS LISTING: A single event posting in the weekly digest for up to 3 months $25 - NEWS FLASH: Send a one-time, stand-alone News Flash distributed on the day of your choice $85 - ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION: Unlimited postings in the weekly digest for 365 days from the date of purchase

Click here to buy a COMAT News Listing!

Sing out!  Play on! Central Oregon Music and Theater News