Happy 100th to Pooh Bear & Cheers to the Sunriver Musical Festival!

 

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This Week's Headlines Read on below for more details! August 7-16: BEAT Celebrates Winnie the Pooh's 100th Birthday! Aug 10-20: Sunriver Music Festival Opens! Aug 14: Meet the Instruments Aug 14: Happy Hour Harmonies! Aug 18: Willamette Valley Vineyards Pre-Concert Dinner & Wine Pairing Sept 19: Rim of the Well Flamenco Guitar & Marimba Duo Sept 25: HDCM 26-27 Season Opener with the Yu&I Duo November 5-16: The Tempest, BEAT Children's Theatre For Sale / Seeking Help / In the News Bend United Methodist Church Seeks Pianist/Organist A New COSA Chapter Begins with Music Director Jonathan Moore 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!

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

Celebrate Winnie the Pooh's 100th Birthday! If you follow the little sandy path past the old oak tree, over the bridge, and through the Hundred Acre Wood, you'll discover that something wonderful is about to happen. Pooh Bear is turning 100, and all of his friends have been busily preparing a celebration. Piglet is making sure everyone feels welcome, Rabbit has organized everything just so, Eeyore is trying not to lose his tail, and Christopher Robin is gathering everyone together for an adventure worth remembering and we hope you'll join them. BEAT Children's Theatre invites you to step into the timeless world of Winnie-the-Pooh, where the smallest moments become the biggest memories, kindness is always in season, and there's always time for one more friend—and perhaps one more smackerel of honey. Performances run August 7–16 at Open Space Event Studios, with a special August 15 matinee at Drake Park. Whether Pooh has been part of your childhood for decades or you're introducing a new generation to the Hundred Acre Wood, this heartwarming production is sure to delight audiences of every age. As Pooh once said, "A little Consideration, a little Thought for Others, makes all the difference." Gather your family, invite a friend, and come spend an afternoon or evening with us. Tickets are on sale now, but like a pot of honey left unattended, they won't last forever. We'll be waiting for you beneath the trees, where adventures are always just around the corner and the very best stories are the ones shared together. 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.

The music starts Monday! Sunriver Music Festival's 2026 Season kicks off this coming Monday, August 10 with the incredible Michelle Cann on Beethoven's 4th Piano Concerto.   Limited tickets remain for Opening Night at the Sunriver Resort Great Hall, so act now!    Psst…this is also the last chance to experience it all with a series package. Reserve your seats for a full five-concert series of the classical concerts and pops and save 10%!   To get the discount, add all 5 concerts to your cart and the discount will be automatically applied. Select “Continue Shopping” to add multiple events to your cart. Click here for the full schedule. 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.

MEET THE INSTRUMENTS! Friday, August 14, 2:30-3:45 PM Sunriver SHARC Amphitheater Patio Before the Family Concert at 4:00 (Family Concert: Harry Potter & the Instruments of the Orchestra), arrive early to Meet the Instruments, in partnership with Cascade School of Music. Dust off your wand, find your favorite wizard-ish costume, and learn about the magical instruments of the orchestra! 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.

Happy Hour Harmonies! Friday, August 14 – 7:30 PM Sunriver Brewing Company Taproom Sunriver Business Park Join us for this fun, relaxed evening of incredible music from Sunriver Music Festival violinistJuan Jaramillo! Open to all 21+; no tickets required. Donations welcome. Note: this is at the taproom in Sunriver Business Park, not the pub in Sunriver Village. Thank you to Sunriver Brewing Company for hosting & supporting Sunriver Music Festival! 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.

WILLAMETTE VALLEY VINEYARDS DINNER & WINE PAIRING Tuesday, August 18 at 5:30 PM Willamette Valley Vineyards Tasting Room & Restaurant 916 NW Wall St., Downtown Bend Enjoy an unforgettable evening of fine wine and exceptional cuisine with this exclusive pre-concert dining experience at Willamette Valley Vineyards.   Elevate your concert experience with thoughtfully crafted dishes paired with renowned Oregon wines before the Sunriver Music Festival concert on August 18 at the Tower.   $150 per person (includes wine & dinner, but not concert tickets)   buy dinner tickets  |  buy concert tickets ----------------------------------------------- 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.

RIM OF THE WELL CONCERT   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 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.   Tickets $45; age 25 and under $25  |  buy tickets ----------------------------------------------- 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!

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 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.

A New Chapter Begins with Music Director Jonathan Moore! Music That Connects. Performances That Inspire. We are delighted to welcome you to the Central Oregon Symphony's 2026–2027 season as Jonathan Moore begins his inaugural year as Music Director. His vision for the Symphony is rooted in artistic excellence, meaningful community engagement, and a thoughtful balance of beloved masterworks with music by living composers from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. You can read about Jonathan on our website by clicking here. With a donation of $75 or more, you can become a COSA member, enjoy a full year of exceptional performances, and help ensure that live orchestral music continues to thrive in our community. Your membership includes: Season tickets to all orchestra concerts Email updates about special Symphony events and programs Tickets to our donors-exclusive Chamber Orchestra Concert Recognition in our concert program at your membership level A private ticket reservation link before each concert, with the option to request additional tickets or have your tickets mailed to you Because seating remains limited at our performance venues, complimentary tickets will not be offered this season. This policy helps ensure that our members receive priority access and the best possible concert experience. As in previous seasons, rush tickets will continue to be available when seating permits.

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)

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