SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — The 49th season of the landmark Sunriver Music Festival will take place this year and at least one work by an American composer will commence every program this season.
The nonprofit festival presents orchestral performances and supports music education throughout Central Oregon. The upcoming spring and summer schedules highlight a commitment to American composers while maintaining traditional European classical repertoire.
Before the summer season begins, Artistic Director & Conductor Brett Mitchell will perform a solo piano recital titled “The Maestro at the Piano” on April 11th. Mitchell is formally designated on the Steinway Artist roster, a list of the world’s most accomplished and discriminating artists. The event includes a complimentary wine tasting from Willamette Valley Vineyards for all ticketholders, while VIP ticketholders are invited to a post-concert reception with the maestro. Tickets range from $50 to $90, with a discounted rate of $25 for those under age 25.
The festival also continues its 30-year tradition of supporting local students through the Young Artists Scholarship program. To date, the program has awarded nearly $750,000 to exceptional classical music students from throughout Central Oregon. Applications for advanced students ages 11 to 24 are due by May 1st. Community members can attend a free scholarship recital on June 5th in Sunriver to see the scholarship recipients perform.
Fundraising efforts for these scholarships and world-class concerts include the “Raise the Baton” party on July 18th. Hosted by Mitchell at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon in Bend, the event serves as the festival’s premier annual fundraiser. Tickets for the party go on sale April 1st.
The “America@250” summer lineup features several acclaimed soloists, including pianist Michelle Cann and bass-baritone Timothy Jones. They will be joined by violinists William Hagen and Tessa Lark for performances at the Sunriver Resort Great Hall and the Tower Theatre. The season marks the 49th year of the festival.
Mitchell explained the thematic focus of the upcoming season and its blend of contemporary and traditional works. “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,” Mitchell said. He noted the programs will include classics by Aaron Copland and Samuel Barber alongside works 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,” Mitchell said.
Ticket sales for the summer festival open to the general public on June 1st. Members of the Friends of the Festival at the Conductor’s Guild tier may purchase tickets as early as April 1st. Full details and application information are available at sunrivermusic.org.