In our 2025-26 Marquee Series, River Reflections, we celebrate the power, the diversity, the imagery, and the transformative nature of the rivers of our Pacific Northwest. Our rivers take many forms: like the Metolius they spring from the ground in full flow, like the Deschutes they roar through the high desert, like the Willamette they nurture vast fertile farmland, and like the Columbia they carve rugged landscapes so they may find their home in the sea. Our rivers all bring life and sustenance to those of us fortunate enough to live in this special place.
Each concert of our series reflects on one of these four river forms: Three Rivers takes inspiration from the power of our rivers; River Roads maps their vital diversity; Concert Mosaic celebrates their sonic and visual imagery; and River of No Return examines their transformative nature. Together, the series will carry you on an inspiring journey down our rivers and through the lands they bless. Please join us for this exciting concert series!
For centuries, the piano trio has been an endless canvas of sonic experimentation. In this highly versatile ensemble, the piano, the violin, and the cello each bring their own personalities and strengths to the stage creating endless opportunities for passionate melodies, throbbing rhythms, and a hugely expansive dynamic and tonal range. In collaboration with the superb Metolius Trio—Andrew Cannestra (piano), Ben Ehrmantraut (violin), and Austin Bennett (cello)—we present new works by living Oregon composers that celebrate a vibrant spectrum of emotions, strange, quirky stories, and the sheer elemental force of nature. Come experience a fiery, fantastical current of exciting virtuosity... cubed!
Oregon is a land rich in poetic possibilities and endless landscapes: jaw-dropping mountain peaks with roots in the ancient past, roaring waterfalls aglow with rainbow mists, violent waves pounding weathered rocks, and vibrant cities that bring together cultures from all over the world. River Roads is the next iteration of the Oregon Soundscapes Project which celebrates our environmental and geographical wealth through the time-honored but endlessly fertile medium of solo piano miniatures. In this concert, composers from the Pacific Northwest will showcase their skill in crafting imaginative and concise works that capture the essence of a place in just a few minutes of vivid music performed by virtuoso pianists—all recent graduates of the University of Oregon's esteemed solo piano program. Experience River Roads: Oregon Soundscapes with us at one of these two shows!
For International Women’s Day 2026, we celebrate the creative and collaborative spirit of women artists from Oregon and Washington. Experience powerful new works by Northwest women composers, brought to life by acclaimed performers Julia Lee (piano), Diane Chaplin (cello), and Tatiana Kolchanova (violin)—set against a backdrop of original visual art created in collaboration with each musical piece. Curated by Dianne Davies, Lisa Marsh, and Linda Woody, this concert honors the voices and visions of Northwest women through their vivid blend of sound and imagery.
The great river flows, an irresistible force, and though you can’t swim against the current, you can embrace the journey. You can experience life in unexpected ways, like a wilderness boater on a breathtaking ride down wild rapids or a slow meander over deep, still pools. Featuring the Oasis Ensemble—Dawn Weiss (flute), Louis Lowenstein (violoncello), and Tung Nguyen (piano)—this concert will take you on a transformative journey from the here and the now to the next great thing. So, eyes forward, get ready for the challenge... and enjoy your journey!