Central Oregon’s only professional classical music festival, the Sunriver Music Festival, announced its 39th concert series. Artistic Director and Conductor George Hanson returns for his fifth season to lead the Sunriver Music Festival Orchestra. The summer festival season runs from August 7–18 and includes a full slate of classical concerts, Pops concerts, masterclasses, music workshops, family concerts, open rehearsals, and parties.
Maestro Hanson currently serves as the festival director of the Tucson Desert Song Festival. Previously, he served as the music director and conductor of the Tucson Symphony from 1996-2015. As a symphony and opera conductor, pianist, recording artist, television host, educator, community leader, fundraiser and passionate spokesman for the arts, Hanson is helping shape the changing role of the modern music director.
Musicians from prestigious orchestras throughout the U.S. are handpicked for the Sunriver Music Festival Orchestra by Maestro Hanson. The 39th season includes numerous performances by world class soloists, including pianist and Pink Martini’s leader Thomas Lauderdale and cellist Amit Peled, recently selected by Musical America as one of the most Influential Music Professionals of 2015.
This season’s theme is Nature’s Rhapsody, and concerts will be held at the historic Great Hall in Sunriver, the Tower Theatre in downtown Bend and Summit High School in Bend.
Tickets for Friends of the Festival members go on sale April 1 and non-members on June 1.
Call the Festival Ticket Office at 541-593-9310 or visit www.sunrivermusic.org for pricing and membership information.
SPECIAL FESTIVAL EVENTS
SWINGS FORE STRINGS GOLF TOURNAMENT – Sunday, June 5
Woodlands Golf Course in Sunriver
The 8th annual Precision Body & Paint Swings Fore Strings golf tournament is a fun day on the course supporting the Festival and its Young Artists Scholarship program. The $125 player fee includes 18 holes of golf, cart, dinner, Nike Demo Day, raffle, silent auction, tee prizes and fun challenges on the holes! PLUS, a post-event awards reception with complimentary refreshments and live music performed by Sunriver Music Festival Young Artists Scholarship winners.
YOUNG ARTISTS SCHOLARSHIP CONCERT – Sunday, June 12
Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Sunriver
During its 20-year history, the Young Artists Scholarship program has awarded over $400,000 in scholarships to 127 Central Oregon classical music students. This annual concert is a showcase of the exceptional talent of these young musicians.
ANNUAL FESTIVAL FAIRE DINNER & AUCTION – Sunday, July 31
Sunriver Resort Great Hall
Each season kicks off with the Festival Faire Dinner & Auction. This enchanted evening of hospitality and elegant dining in the grand ambiance of the Great Hall supports the Young Artists Scholarship program and the summer festival. Join your friends for dinner, silent and live auctions, and entertainment by 2016 Young Artists Scholarship winners. This elegant evening is sponsored by Sunriver Resort.