Coming Up Next in September!

 

Want to share COMAT NEWS?

Share the News with Friends and Family!

Sign Up to get COMAT NEWS Here!

This Week's Headlines Read on below for more details! Sept 1: Cascade Horizon Community Band Starts Up! Sept 6-8: Auditions for the Spotlight Chamber Players! Sept 19: Rim of the Well Flamenco Guitar & Marimba Duo Sept 25: HDCM 26-27 Season Opener with the Yu&I Duo Oct 17 & 18: Central Oregon Mastersingers Fall Concert November 5-16: The Tempest, BEAT Children's Theatre For Sale / Seeking Help / In the News High Desert Chamber Music News for 26/27 Chamber Music Society of Harney County is seeking a director for the Community Concert Band Bend United Methodist Church Seeks Pianist/Organist Have news to share? Check out the services and deadline at the bottom!

Did you know? Over 16 years of experience is behind Central Oregon Music and Theater News' mission to bring appreciative audiences to fine arts performances.

Cascade Horizon Community Band starts in September! Play with us! The Cascade Horizon Community Band is our connection with musicians and the Central Oregon community. We provide a space for people of all ages and skill levels to continue playing music. Whether you an amateur musician, a hobbyist or a more advanced player, we offer an opportunity to stay active in music and refine your skill. This is a no audition, non-competitive space for musicians to collaborate. We are accessible to those who may not have had the opportunity to study music formally but still want to participate. We challenge ourselves with a variety of music, marches, popular numbers, classical, jazz and more. Difficulty varies, but we always encourage players to play what they can. That's what community is all about. CHCB is made up of volunteers, offering an opportunity to give back to the community. We perform at not cost to the public, serving as a free source of entertainment and local pride. In short, the purpose of our community band is not just about music, it's about bringing people together, celebrating a sense of belonging and enriching the cultural life our our community. Dust off that instrument and come play again. We are an open group for any adult at any experience level. If you are looking to broaden your playing, or want to kickstart your past playing, come check us out. Rehearsals are Tuesdays in the Mountain View High School band room from 4:15 to 6:00 PM.  Go to https://www.cascadehorizoncommunityband.org/ for more information, or contact Carol, csschunk83@gmail.com See you there!

Auditions for Spotlight Chamber Players! High Desert Chamber Music announces auditions for the 2026/27 Spotlight Chamber Players will be held on September 6-8, 2026. This program provides dedicated young musicians with the opportunity to study and perform chamber music at a high level through High Desert Chamber Music. Offered at no cost to selected students, the program focuses on developing the musical, collaborative, and listening skills essential to becoming a successful ensemble musician. Auditions are open to violin, viola, cello, bass, and piano students in grades 6-12 with at least three years of private instruction and intermediate to advanced playing ability. A one-season commitment is required, and ensemble placement and group formation will be determined following the audition process. Students accepted into the program receive weekly chamber music coaching with High Desert Chamber Music founder and violinist Isabelle Senger. Students may also have opportunities for additional coaching and mentorship with visiting artists from the HDCM Concert Series. In addition to weekly instruction, Spotlight Chamber Players participate in compensated performance opportunities throughout the season, including HDCM concerts and community events. Members receive complimentary admission to High Desert Chamber Music concerts throughout the season. Past graduates of the program have gone on to pursue music performance degrees at institutions including the Colburn Conservatory of Music, Eastman School of Music, Cleveland Institute of Music, and San Francisco Conservatory of Music.   To schedule an audition, call 541-306-3988 or email: info@HighDesertChamberMusic.com Link to SCP information and application: https://www.highdesertchambermusic.com/educational-outreach Further information:  Contact: 541.306.3988 / info@highdesertchambermusic.com / 961 NW Brooks St. (Downtown Bend) / HighDesertChamberMusic.com High Desert Chamber Music’s mission is to bring exceptional chamber music and musicians to Central Oregon. Since 2008, HDCM has presented acclaimed concerts featuring distinguished artists from around the world while providing free educational outreach that connects professional musicians with students throughout the region.

SUNRIVER MUSIC FESTIVAL LAUNCHES 50th ANNIVERSARY SEASON with RIM OF THE WELL Flamenco Duo   Saturday, September 19 at 7 PM 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 García Lorca who describes art and the creative process as something that requires risk-taking and danger, dancing on the “rim of the well” with the ever-present possibility of the plunge. Rim of the Well duo performs a unique brand of Flamenco Fusion featuring the unusual timbral combination of guitar and marimba. They perform original compositions by Steve Mullins derived primarily from Spanish Flamenco, but with Eastern European, Latin American, jazz, classical, and other influences.  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. Versatile percussionist DR. DOUGLAS WALTER has developed an excellent international reputation as a marimba and vibraphone artist in both the classical and jazz fields. The only keyboard mallet artist to win a first place prize in the Concert Artists Guild Competition in New York City, Walter has performed over 300 solo recitals and concerti at Carnegie Recital Hall in NYC, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, England, France, Greece, Lithuania, Norway, Switzerland, Ukraine, and 40 states throughout the U.S. He is emeritus Director of Percussion, Drum Set & Jazz Vibraphone Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder, working with undergraduate thru DMA percussion students from around the world. Walter’s achievements in the jazz world include the North Texas State University recording, LAB 75, the first university recording nominated for a Grammy award, the Keystick Duo (vibes and piano), The Modest Jazz Trio (vibes, bass, guitar), and Jazz Asylum (University of Colorado faculty jazz quintet).  His unique solo improvisations on the marimba and vibes have received accolades from both musicians and the general public. Dr. Walter studied jazz with David Samuels, David Baker, and Gary Burton. An accomplished orchestral musician, Dr. Walter has performed with the Dallas, Santa Fe Opera, Fort Worth, Oregon, Colorado Ballet, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, and Boulder Philharmonic Symphony Orchestras, and the Colorado Music Festival, among others. He has toured for 20+ years with the Westminster Brass. He graduated from the University of North Texas with a double degree in music education and music theory, studied with Charles Owen during his two masters degrees at the University of Michigan, and Alan Abel while he earned his doctorate from Temple University. As director of percussion studies at the University of Colorado at Boulder, Dr. Walter taught undergraduate through doctoral students from around the world and directed the marimba and percussion ensembles. A Yamaha Artist Clinician since 1986,  Doug Walter endorses Encore Mallets & Sabian Cymbals. DR. STEVEN MULLINS is an accomplished composer, multi-instrumentalist, and ethnomusicologist. He is on the faculty of the college of music at the University of Colorado where he earned his doctorate in ethnomusicology. His doctoral dissertation Flamenco Gestures: Musical Meaning in Motion, delves into aesthetics in Spanish flamenco. Mullins has performed as guitarist with a number of well-known flamenco artists including Chuscales, Marisol Moreno, Rene Heredia, Jeanette Trujillo, Lia Ochoa, Sali Gutierrez, Maria Vasquez, Daniel Pelegrino, Mina Fajardo, Juan del Valle,  Jesus Muñoz, and Pablo Rodarte. Steve has been featured in a cover story in World Rhythm Magazine and has been a columnist for Mandolin Magazine since its inception in 1999. His compositions have been heard in settings as diverse as television commercials, documentaries, national public radio, silent movies, multi-media flamenco shows, and dancing horse performances at the National Western stock show.  He has performed with the Colorado Music Festival orchestra, the Boulder Philharmonic, the Longmont Symphony, Denver Brass, and the Boulder Maher Festival Orchestra. Dr. Mullins has received numerous grants and commissions to compose for dance productions and other events, including a flamenco suite for orchestra, and has performed in Mexico, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and throughout the United States, including performances at the Newman Center, the Lincoln Center, Boettcher Concert Hall, Chautauqua Auditorium, and the Arvada Center. He is also the author of the first-ever banjola instruction book.  Sunriver Music Festival is thrilled to open its 50th Golden Anniversary Season with this extraordinary and unexpected musical partnership. The vibrant rhythms of flamenco guitar paired with the rich, resonant sounds of marimba promise an evening unlike any other in the Festival’s history. Get your tickets today at sunrivermusic.org for Saturday, September 19 to experience RIM OF THE WELL – a bold celebration of music, creativity, and the spirit of taking artistic risks that has inspired the Festival for 50 years. Tickets at sunrivermusic.org or by calling 541-593-1084. ----------------------------------------------- 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.

Spotlighting the Next Generation of Classical Musicians! HDCM 2026-27 season features exceptional early-career artists making their Central Oregon debuts Start of season: SEPTEMBER 25th!   High Desert Chamber Music (HDCM) invites audiences to experience an exciting new season celebrating the next generation of classical music. The 2026–27 Concert Series showcases exceptional early-career artists who are quickly earning recognition on the national and international stage, offering Central Oregon audiences a rare opportunity to discover these remarkable musicians who are reshaping the future of chamber music. Season subscriptions and single tickets are on sale now. HDCM will present a six-concert series, continuing the organization’s tradition of bringing exceptional chamber music experiences to the region. "Every season is carefully curated with our audience in mind," says Isabelle Senger, Founder and Executive Director of High Desert Chamber Music. "We're excited to introduce these artists to Central Oregon, creating opportunities for audiences to discover musicians whose artistry is already extraordinary and whose careers are flourishing." The season opens with a performance by the award-winning Yu&I Duo, acclaimed for their "individual virtuosity and seamless collaboration." Their eclectic programs span classical, tango, jazz, folk, and beyond, showcasing the duo’s unique sound and versatility. Next is Trio Zimbalist, a dynamic ensemble made up of Curtis Institute of Music alumni, that has garnered critical acclaim for its “precision and feverish intensity” and was lauded for its “liveliness and vigor of playing”. This marks the ensemble’s first appearance in Central Oregon. A beloved HDCM tradition returns on Valentine’s weekend with a special performance by the electrifying piano trio from the Czech Republic Trio Bohémo, returning by popular demand after captivating audiences during its sold-out Central Oregon debut last spring. As always, the evening includes a rose for concertgoers and a sweet treat from Goody’s Chocolates. The season continues with the Viano Quartet, praised for their “virtuosity, visceral expression, and rare unity of intention” (Boston Globe). Joined by bassist Nina Bernat, the ensemble will make its first Central Oregon appearance while marking HDCM's inaugural concert at The Belfry in Sisters, one of the region's premier performance venues. The HDCM Celebrity Recitals return this season with Canadian violinist Kerson Leong, winner of the 2010 International Yehudi Menuhin Violin Competition. He has been described as "not just one of Canada's greatest violinists but one of the greatest violinists, period" (Toronto Star). Making his Central Oregon debut, Leong will present a powerful solo recital and will be joined by HDCM Founder and Executive Director Isabelle Senger for a special performance of Bach's Concerto for Two Violins. The season concludes with the Aznavoorian Sisters, praised for their "superb playing...expressive, technically poised and well-blended throughout". (Chicago Classical Review) The duo will be appearing in Central Oregon for the first time for the finale of HDCM’s 19th season. In addition to the HDCM Concert Series is the Annual Gala, a festive evening that includes a performance, dinner, live and silent auction, and dessert dash. Genevieve Reaume from Central Oregon Daily returns as emcee for the event, joined this year by host/auctioneer Shanan Kelley and honorary Gala Chair Trish Smith. This event will be held on Friday, November 20, 2026, at 5:30pm. Yu&I Duo, Trio Zimbalist, Trio Bohémo, and the Aznavoorian Sisters will also appear in HDCM’s popular “Music & Friends” fundraisers, a signature salon-style concert experience held in private homes. Please contact HDCM for more information or to request an invitation. HDCM’s educational outreach is generously sponsored by Brooks Resources Corporation. This season, Trio Zimbalist, Viano Quartet, and the Aznavoorian Sisters will visit local schools. while Kerson Leong will lead a Violin Master Class in Spring 2026. All educational events are presented in partnership with the Cascade School of Music. As we approach our milestone 20th season, HDCM continues to build on its reputation of presenting exceptional performances and impactful educational experiences throughout Central Oregon. Season subscriptions and single tickets are available online, by phone, or in person at the HDCM office in Downtown Bend. High Desert Chamber Music’s mission is to bring exceptional chamber music and musicians to Central Oregon. Since 2008, HDCM has presented acclaimed concerts featuring distinguished artists from around the world while providing free educational outreach that connects professional musicians with students throughout the region. Join us for our nineteenth season and discover why High Desert Chamber Music offers a concert experience unlike any other in Central Oregon. Come hear the music!

Thank you and Save the Dates! We hope you had as much fun as we did! We’re so grateful to everyone who helped make SUMMER CHOIR such a joyful experience! Thank you to our singers, musicians, Deschutes Public Library, and everyone who joined us for the concert. It was a wonderful afternoon of music, community, and connection, and we loved sharing it with you. Let's do it again soon! Support Free Programs Your generous donations help support free community concerts like Summer Choir. If you'd like to learn more about supporting Central Oregon Mastersingers, please visit our website. Thank you! LEARN MORE Save the dates for our Fall Concert! Through the Valley  Featuring The Understory Chamber Ensemble of Central Oregon Mastersingers October 17 @ 4PM — Sunriver Christian Fellowship, Sunriver October 18 @ 4PM — Trinity Episcopal Church, Bend Through the Valley marks the debut of The Understory, presenting an evocative program of a cappella choral music spanning the Renaissance to the present day. Through music both intimate and powerful, the concert explores longing, struggle, connection, resilience, and hope.

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.

New Venues Mark A New Movement for High Desert Chamber Music!   Since 2008, High Desert Chamber Music has grown from a small organization dedicated to chamber music into an established part of Central Oregon's cultural community, presenting exceptional performances, educational programs, and meaningful opportunities for connection. As HDCM enters its 19th season, the organization is embarking on its next movement, with a new home for its signature Concert Series and a new venue for its Annual Gala. Beginning this September, HDCM's Concert Series will be presented at First Presbyterian Church of Bend. The new concert home allows HDCM to welcome a larger audience while maintaining the intimate atmosphere that makes chamber music so special. With excellent acoustics, an elevated stage that offers improved sightlines throughout the hall, and significantly expanded on-site parking, the new location offers an enhanced experience for audiences from the moment they arrive. The organization's Annual Gala is also entering a new chapter with its move to the Riverhouse Convention Center. The new venue provides the space and amenities to elevate every aspect of the evening while welcoming even more supporters from across Central Oregon. From an enhanced guest experience to expanded sponsorship opportunities, the move reflects the momentum High Desert Chamber Music has built over nearly two decades. "We are excited about these changes and what they represent for the future of High Desert Chamber Music," said Isabelle Senger, founder and executive director of High Desert Chamber Music. "Both moves give us new opportunities to welcome our community, strengthen the concert and gala experiences, and build on everything we've accomplished together since 2008." The 2026–27 HDCM Concert Series opens September 25 with the Yu&I Duo, featuring violinist YuEun Gemma Kim and guitarist Ines Thomé. The six-concert season features a lineup of acclaimed ensembles and artists, and season subscriptions and single tickets are available online, by phone, or in person at the HDCM office in Downtown Bend. High Desert Chamber Music’s mission is to bring exceptional chamber music and musicians to Central Oregon. Since 2008, HDCM has presented acclaimed concerts featuring distinguished artists from around the world while providing free educational outreach that connects professional musicians with students throughout the region. Join us for our nineteenth season and discover why High Desert Chamber Music offers a concert experience unlike any other in Central Oregon. Come hear the music!

Now Hiring: Chamber Music Society of Harney County! The Chamber Music Society of Harney County is in need of a director for our Community concert Band.  Rehearsals are scheduled to begin Tuesday October 6th from 7pm-8:30pm in the Burns High School band room.  The Chamber is asking the director to commit to two Tuesday sessions in October and two sessions in November, Tuesday December 1, Friday the 4th(dress Rehearsal) and the concert on Sunday December 6th at 3:00pm at Burns High School.   Mileage food and lodging are provided plus a performance fee will be paid on concert day.  Music choices are available. The Concert band is looking to perform 4-5 pieces.  Contact Libby Klatt at 541-589-3484.

Seeking Pianist/Organist!   Bend United Methodist Church is seeking a skilled, collaborative accompanist to support our Sunday worship service and weekly music rehearsal. We are looking for a strong pianist who is comfortable playing a wide range of musical styles, including traditional hymns, contemporary praise music, gospel, and other forms of sacred and popular music. Organ ability is highly desirable, but not required. Responsibilities: Accompany one Sunday worship service each week Attend and accompany one weekly rehearsal Work collaboratively with the Music Director, pastor, vocalists, choir, praise team, and other musicians Prepare music in advance and arrive ready to rehearse and lead Adapt to a variety of musical styles, tempos, arrangements, and worship settings Provide occasional accompaniment for special services, holidays, memorials, or other church events, as available Help create worship that is warm, engaging, inclusive, and musically excellent Qualifications: Strong piano skills Previous church accompaniment experience Ability to play traditional hymns, praise music, gospel, and contemporary worship music Strong sight-reading and preparation skills Ability to follow a director and collaborate well with singers and instrumentalists Dependable, flexible, and able to communicate clearly Comfortable working in an inclusive and affirming congregation Organ experience is a significant plus Schedule This position includes one Sunday worship service and one weekly rehearsal. Additional services or events may occasionally be available by mutual agreement. congregation Organ experience is a significant plus Schedule: This position includes one Sunday worship service and one weekly rehearsal. Additional services or events may occasionally be available by mutual agreement. Compensation: This is a paid hourly position. Compensation is based on experience and includes rehearsal, worship, and agreed-upon preparation or special-event time. Hourly rate: $45-$50 per hour To Apply: Please submit a résumé and a brief statement describing your musical background, church experience, and familiarity with different styles of worship music to: music@bendumc.org. Links to recordings or performance samples are welcome but not required. Bend United Methodist Church is an inclusive congregation committed to welcoming people of every race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, and background.

(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 $150 - MEDIA RELEASE PACKET: Media release (drafted with one revision after review) to regional outlets (including  posting to calendars in Bend Bulletin, The Source, and Cascades Arts and Entertainment)

Click here to buy a COMAT News Listing!

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