An Afternoon of Chamber Music presented by CGOA
January 26 @ 2:00 pm
A popular winter tradition returns on January 26, as CGOA presents its annual Afternoon of Chamber Music at 2 PM at Hood River Valley Christian Church. As always with this performance, the event is free. Donations are welcome.
Unlike the music prepared and presented by the other CGOA ensembles such as Sinfonietta or the Voci choir, the chamber music concert is rehearsed by the musicians independently. Sinfonietta conductor Mark Steighner said that musicians are often drawn to chamber music because they can play music that interests them. “Chamber music has a long history, essentially dating back to the 14th century, when small groups of people gathered to play music for entertainment.” Composers are often drawn to chamber music to express themselves in a particular way that’s different from writing big pieces for large ensembles.
As always, the program for this year’s chamber music concert includes performers from both CGOA ensembles and the community. “Some of the music includes a brass ensemble and piano trio from the Sinfonietta and a vocal octet from Voci,” Steighner said. “There will be solos, duets and many styles of music.”
The concert is free and donations are welcome and appreciated. For the past few years, there has been an overflow crowd. “People are always impressed by the talent of our local musicians. The Chamber Music Concert really highlights them in a special way.”
Upcoming CGOA performances include the Jazz Collective Big Band’s Valentines Day Dance on February 14, and the Sinfonietta’s Slavic Fantasy concert on March 7 and 9. That concert features Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet, one of the most exciting and romantic pieces.
Tickets and information about CGOA can be found at gorgeorchestra.org.
The Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and presenting musical performances of the highest quality in the Columbia River Gorge region. With a commitment to artistic excellence and education, CGOA brings the joy of music to audiences of all ages.
