Thursday, August 13, 2026

Pooh Bear & Sunriver Music Continue!


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

  • August 7-16: Come to the Hundred Acre Wood!
  • Aug through 20: Sunriver Music Festival Continues!
  • Aug 14: Meet the Instruments
  • Aug 14: Happy Hour Harmonies!
  • Aug 18: Willamette Valley Vineyards Pre-Concert Dinner & Wine Pairing
  • Aug 22: Free Concert - Creating Joy Through Music
  • 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
  • November 5-16: The Tempest, BEAT Children's Theatre

For Sale / Seeking Help / In the News

  • Sunriver Music Festival is Hiring: Production Coordinator
  • 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 Seeks Volunteers for next season!
Have news to share? Check out the services and deadline at the bottom!

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

An Invitation to the Hundred Acre Wood!


The Hundred Acre Wood is calling… and this is your last chance to answer!

What a wonderful opening weekend it was! Audiences have been laughing, smiling, and falling in love with Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Rabbit, Christopher Robin, and the rest of the gang. We’re so grateful for the lovely reviews and warm response our production has received!

But even the best adventures must come to an end. This weekend is your FINAL opportunity to see BEAT Children’s Theatre’s Winnie-the-Pooh!

Join us for one last visit to the Hundred Acre Wood, where Pooh Bear is celebrating 100 years of friendship, imagination, and honey-filled adventures.

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.

Whether you’ve grown up with Pooh or are meeting him for the very first time, there’s still time to make a little Hundred Acre Wood magic of your own.

Tickets for Open Space
August 14, 15, 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 Continues!


Sunriver Music Festival's 2026 Season continues through the 20th!  Click here for the full schedule.

Tickets start at $45; age 25 & under $25
BUY NIGHT TICKETS NOW

Full details at sunrivermusic.org.
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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.
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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.
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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

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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.

Free Concert!


Saturday, August 22 at 4:00 PM
At the new Central Library in Bend!
61956 SE Santorini St, Bend 97702
Join us for an afternoon of music and community as more than 80 singers come together for our second annual Summer Choir Concert!

The program will feature a wide variety of music, including pop songs from Joni Mitchell and John Denver and choral favorites from Eric Whitacre and Alice Parker —  along with a few fun opportunities for the audience to sing with us. The concert is free and open to everyone, so bring a friend and join us!

Saturday, August 22 at 4:00 PM
Central Library
61956 SE Santorini St
Bend, OR 97702

We’d love to see you there!

Central Oregon Mastersingers

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.

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

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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.

Now Hiring:
Sunriver Music Festival
Production Coordinator!

 

Sunriver Music Festival's Production Coordinator is a vital member of the Festival's small-and-mighty staff helping plan and produce all events. The ideal candidate enjoys being part of a community, is organized and proficient in an office setting, and excited to be involved with creating world-class musical experiences. This key team member assists the Executive Director in daily operations of the year-round nonprofit organization and in coordinating all logistics associated with producing concerts and events.

Posted: August 7, 2026
Position open until filled
Preferred start date: September 8, 2026, flexible
Reports to: Executive Director
Supervises: Summer Intern, select volunteers
Interacts with: Patron Services Manager, Artistic Director & Conductor, Technical Contractors, Artistic Contractors, Graphic Designer, community partners, patrons, and general public

For the full description and information on how to apply, click here.

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. sunrivermusic.org

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.

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