2024 Summer Festival – August 10-23

Sunriver Music Festival fills Central Oregon with music! In August 2024, Artistic Director & Conductor Brett Mitchell will lead world-class orchestra musicians and acclaimed soloists in a remarkable 47th season.

The Summer Festival opens August 11 at the iconic Tower Theatre in downtown Bend and closes August 23 at Sunriver Resort’s historic Great Hall. Four classical concerts, one pops concert, a brilliant solo violin recital, and a family-friendly “Discover the Symphony” concert will be presented.

The Festival season also features music education events, masterclasses and free, public chamber concerts. Many orchestra rehearsals are free and open to the public.  |  open rehearsal schedule

Members have first choice of the best seats, plus receive ticket discounts, gifts, invites to special events and potential tax benefits. | more info on memberships

Read season announcement press release

“One of my favorite things about Central Oregon is the power of nature that we’re able to witness all year round, so I’m particularly thrilled to share with you an entire season filled with pieces inspired by the four classical elements: earth, water, fire and air. Composers for centuries have been inspired by the enormity and grandeur of nature, and I know you’ll be just as inspired when you hear their extraordinary music.”  ~Brett Mitchell

YouTube Playlist  |  Spotify Playlist

2024 Summer Festival Concert Schedule

led by Artistic Director & Conductor Brett Mitchell

Opening Night Classical Concert: EARTH

Sunday, August 11 – 7:30 PM
Tower Theatre, Bend
Festival Orchestra
Brett Mitchell, conductor
Orion Weiss, piano

IVES (arr. Schuman)  Variations on “America”
GERSHWIN  Rhapsody in Blue
BEETHOVEN  Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral”

Pops Concert: A Tribute to Broadway & Film Music

Tuesday, August 13 – 7:30 PM
Tower Theatre, Bend
Festival Orchestra
Brett Mitchell, conductor

Enjoy the Festival Orchestra in a lively tribute celebrating musical anniversaries from Broadway and Film.

Discover the Symphony Concert

Thursday, August 15 – 3 PM
Tower Theatre, Bend
Festival Orchestra
Brett Mitchell, conductor

This entertaining matinee presents orchestral music in a fun and informal setting. Bring the whole family and enjoy a one-hour concert with the full Festival Orchestra. The program includes the Finale from Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 5, “Egyptian,” performed by pianist Gabe Reed (2024 Young Artist Scholarship winner).

Classical Concert: WATER

Sunday, August 18 – 3 PM
Tower Theatre, Bend
Festival Orchestra
Brett Mitchell, conductor

J. STRAUSS II  The Blue Danube
DEBUSSY (orch. Büsser)  The Sunken Cathedral
HANDEL (arr. Harty)  Water Music Suite
SCHUMANN  Symphony No. 3, “Rhenish”

Classical Concert: FIRE

Wednesday, August 21 – 7:30 PM
Sunriver Resort Great Hall
Festival Orchestra
Brett Mitchell, conductor
Joyce Yang, piano

BEETHOVEN  Overture from The Creatures of Prometheus
HAYDN  Symphony No. 59, “Fire“
FALLA  Nights in the Gardens of Spain (1926 version)
FALLA  Ritual Fire Dance from El amor brujo

Solo Violin Concert with Tessa Lark

Thursday, August 22 – 7:30 PM
Sunriver Resort Great Hall
Tessa Lark, violin

The picturesque Great Hall sets the scene for an eclectic solo performance from violinist Tessa Lark, who is praised for her astounding range of sounds, technical agility and musical elegance.