(Photo courtesy of Central Oregon Symphony)
As the holiday season arrives in Central Oregon, the Symphony proudly presents its Winter Concert Series, continuing the celebration of Maestro Michael Gesme’s final year on the podium. Join us for performances filled with warmth, artistry, and memorable moments as we honor his remarkable legacy.
We’re reaching out again to invite you to be part of this special year. Your Central Oregon Symphony membership keeps concerts free and supports the music education and outreach programs that inspire our community year-round. By joining or renewing today, you help sustain the music that brings us together.
This season’s concerts feature Young Artist Competition winners Aaron Ma (violin), Avery Armstrong (piano), and William Yeh (violin), each performing virtuosic selections: Aaron Ma performs the third movement of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor; Avery Armstrong performs the first movement of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3; and William Yeh performs a selection from Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy.
The program is further enriched with a vibrant mix of musical voices across time and place. Yasushi Akutagawa’s Finale from Music for Symphony Orchestra bursts with rhythmic energy and bold orchestration, blending Western and Japanese influences. Debussy’s Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun evokes a dreamlike atmosphere with sensual harmonies and fluid textures. Beethoven’s Leonore Overture No. 3 showcases his dramatic intensity and storytelling genius, while Arturo Márquez’s Conga del Fuego Nuevo closes the program with irresistible rhythm and Latin American spirit.
Click the link below to see more about our concert and our Young Artist Competition winners.
Young Artist Competition Winners
How to Reserve Your Tickets for our Concerts
Step 1: Become a Member for the 2025- 2026 season
Step 2: Reserve your tickets through the links provided in your membership confirmation email.
Step 3: Bring proof of your reserved tickets to the concert.
*** If you prefer to mail in your membership donation, become a member in person, or need assistance in any way, please call (541) 317-3941 or visit our office at 15 SW Colorado Ave #320, Bend, OR 97702.
Become a Member Today
Join Us for Maestro Gesme’s Farewell Season
This season, the Central Oregon Symphony proudly celebrates Maestro Michael Gesme’s 30th—and final—year on the podium. For three decades, his vision, artistry, and leadership have shaped the Symphony into a cultural cornerstone of Central Oregon, inspiring both musicians and audiences with every performance.
As we continue this milestone season, we invite you to join us for a series of unforgettable concerts featuring extraordinary soloists, including our Young Artist Competition winners, and programs filled with powerful, moving music.
With a donation of $75 or more, you’ll become a Central Oregon Symphony member, supporting the concerts, education programs, and outreach efforts that keep symphonic music free and accessible to our community. Your membership ensures that this remarkable season—and the future of the Symphony—can continue to flourish.
Thank you for helping keep the music alive for generations to come.
View Our 2025-2026 Season!
For more information about our season and Maestro Gesme’s final year with the Central Oregon Symphony, please click on the link below.
Our Season Program
Community Events Happening This Fall
Enjoy free live chamber music performances by Central Oregon Symphony musicians with Music in Public Places.
Saturday, December 20 | 2pm
Central Oregon Flute Ensemble at the Redmond Public Library
27th St. Brass at the Sunriver Public Library
Saturday, January 10, 2026 | 2pm
27th St. Brass at the La Pine Public Library
Cascade Chamber Players at the Sisters Public Library
No ticket required. Family friendly.
Performances typically last an hour.
Virginia Riggs Children’s Concert
The Virginia Riggs Children’s Concert & Instrument Petting Zoo introduces young listeners to the joys of classical music in a fun, hands-on experience for the whole family. This year, we’re delighted to present the Instrument Petting Zoo in collaboration with the Cascade School of Music, offering an even broader selection of instruments for children to explore.
Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Mountain View High School Auditorium
- 9:30-10:30am | Interactive Instrument Petting Zoo
- 11am-12pm | Children’s Concert
Click the button below for more information about this exciting, family-friendly event.
