High Desert Chamber Music’s (HDCM) 16th season, brought to you by German Master Tech, continues with the SAKURA Cello Quintet. A versatile cello quintet hailed as “brilliant” and “superb” by Mark Swed of the Los Angeles Times, SAKURA is built on the artistry and virtuosity of its members: Stella Cho, Michael Kaufman, Yoshika Masuda, Zachary Mowitz, and Peter Myers. Drawing from the rich heritage of a repertoire that spans eight centuries, inventive programs are constructed around conceptual threads, with a commitment to showcasing the great warmth and scope of five cellos.
SAKURA explores great music of the past through dazzling arrangements that offer fresh perspectives on familiar notes, continually expands the five-cello repertoire by commissioning new works, and premiered the world’s first concerto for five cellos and orchestra. Its name honors the great mentor and artist Ralph Kirshbaum, with whom all five members studied: sakura (桜) (Japanese) and Kirschbaum (German) have the same meaning: “cherry tree”, an organism whose flowers have five petals.
This concert will take place on Friday, April 12 at 7:30pm at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon. Ticket holders may join the musicians at 6:45pm for a pre-concert talk. The program includes arrangements of well-known works like Manuel de Falla’s Ritual Fire Dance, Debussy’s Girl with the Flaxen Hair, and Astor Piazzolla’s Adios Nonino, as well as the premiere of a new work composed by one of its members, Peter Myers.
High Desert Chamber Music’s mission is to bring world-class chamber music and musicians to Central Oregon. Now in its 16th season, HDCM presents an acclaimed series of classical chamber music concerts, ranging from piano duos to string sextets. As the premier and leading chamber music organization in the region, HDCM offers an exciting roster of professional performing artists. Tickets for all events are available through HDCM online, by phone, or in person at their office in Downtown Bend.
HDCM 2023-2024 title sponsors include German Master Tech, Miller Lumber, Hayden Homes, Pine Tavern Restaurant, Drew Family Dentistry, Three Graces & Co., Cascade A&E, Central Oregon Daily, and Newstalk KBND and 107.7 Radio. Additional support provided by Creative Images of Life, and TDS.
General Admission — $48, Child/Student Tickets $10
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon — 61980 Skyline Ranch Rd. Bend, OR 97703
highdesertchambermusic.com • 541-306-3988 / info@HighDesertChamberMusic.com • 961 NW Brooks St. (Downtown Bend)