Take note
at the Siletz Bay Music Festival
The time has finally arrived. The Siletz Bay Music Festival, which has grown from an intimate chamber music series to a centerpiece of cultural life on the Central Oregon Coast, will once again present great chamber and orchestral music, jazz and added surprises from Friday, Sept. 2, through Sunday, Sept. 11.
The festival kicks off on Friday with the Gala Opening Night Recital and Reception, celebrating both the festival’s 10th year and critically-acclaimed pianist Mei-Ting Sun’s 10th year wowing coastal audiences. The romantic program features the music of Schumann and Brahms. Light bites and beverages are included.
The evening begins at 7:30 pm at the Lincoln City Cultural Center. Tickets are $40 for adults and $15 for students.
Next up is “A Saturday Soiree,” a classical chamber concert featuring newlyweds Asi Matathias and Tosca Opdam, returning after a long COVID hiatus. Mimi Jung and Michelle Chow also return, and renowned pianist William Wolfram makes his festival debut.
The concert begins at 7:30 pm at the Lincoln City Cultural Center. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students.
“Musical Tapas,” always a festival fan favorite, is sold out.
On Monday, enjoy “Sights and Sounds,” something new to the festival. In conjunction with the cultural center, this classical chamber concert will feature local artists creating original works in real time, inspired by the music and the musicians on stage. With selections by Grieg, Chopin and Brahms, the evening should provide a feast for the eyes and ears.
The concert begins at 7:30 pm at the Lincoln City Cultural Center. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students.
On Tuesday, partake in “A Musical Feast,” the traditional free chamber concert, featuring the return of festival favorite Ken Peplowski playing classical clarinet.
The concert begins at 7:30 pm at the Lincoln City Congregational Church.
On Wednesday, enjoy “Music on the Bay — Siletz Comes to Yaquina.” The Doerfler Family Theater in Newport’s Pacific Maritime and Heritage Center provides the perfect setting, with the Yaquina Bay and bridge as the backdrop, as well as the perfect piano — a 1918 Steinway. The program includes Sonata No. 2, “Poem Mystique” by Newport’s own Ernest Bloch played by William Wolfram and Asi Matathias.
The concert begins at 7:30 pm at Pacific Maritime Heritage Center.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students.
Thursday’s event, “Welcome to the Club,” is sold out.
Spend Friday, Sept. 9, at the Benefit Dinner and “New York New York, Here I Come!”
The premiere Siletz Bay Music Festival fundraising event includes a formal catered dinner and entertainment by Steve Ross, “The Crown Prince of New York Cabaret,” with a little help from his friends, Karla Harris, Ken Peplowski, Ron Spivak and the festival rhythm section.
The event begins at 6 pm at Lincoln City Cultural Center. Tickets are $125.
On Saturday, Sept. 10, the festival will present “Beethoven — A Double Bill.” The first night of orchestral music features Mei-Ting Sun soloing on Beethoven’s “Emperor Concerto.” His “7th Symphony” will round out the all-Beethoven night of music.
The concert begins at 7:30 pm at B’nai B’rith Camp.
Tickets are $40 for adults and $15 for students.
The festival wraps on Sunday, Sept. 11, with “Sounds of America” An orchestra concert with an eclectic program featuring Native American hip hop music, classical jazz and a tribute to Stephen Sondheim. Siletz Tribal members Fish Martinez and Kunu Bearchum will join the festival orchestra for an unforgettable afternoon of music. The event begins at 4 pm at B’nai B’rith Camp.
Tickets are $40 for adults and $15 for students.
For more information and to purchase tickets, go to SiletzBayMusic.org.
Behind the scenes: An opportunity for students
Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 10 and 11, Lincoln County middle and high school students can hear world-class music while observing the dynamic between an orchestra and its maestro with the possible opportunity to meet with some of the musicians.
Saturday’s rehearsal at 10:30 am will feature two works by Beethoven, the “7th Symphony” and the “Emperor Concerto” with Mei-Ting Sun soloing on the piano.
Sunday’s rehearsal at 9:30 am will feature jazz with Karla Harris and the SBMF Rhythm Section as well as Native American tribal pow wow and hip hop with Tribal members Fish Martinez and Kunu Bearchum at the microphones and a full orchestra backing.
For Broadway theater aficionados, Sunday’s 10 am rehearsal will feature the tribute to Stephen Sondheim with the full festival community choir. There is no cost to attend these rehearsals. All rehearsals are at the B’nai B’rith Camp.
Seating capacity is approximately 150, with room for students and parents. There is plenty of parking for those shuttling kids to these events.
Questions? Email info@siletzbaymusic.org or call us at 541-264-5828.
Locations
Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101.
Congregational Church of Lincoln City, 2435 NW Oar Place.
B’nai B’rith Camp, 3509 NE East Devils Lake Road.
Pacific Maritime Heritage Center, 333 SE Bay Blvd, Newport.