Bend, Ore. – The Central Oregon Symphony, directed by Michael Gesme, will present the first concert of its 50th season at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22, Monday, Oct. 24, p.m., and on Sunday, Oct. 23 at 2p.m.
The performances will take place in the Bend High School Auditorium. Tickets are required for these free concerts.
“This is a special anniversary season that is jam-packed with events and concerts highlighting the rich history of the COS,” said Gesme. “It was my request that we bring back some of the audience and the symphony’s favorite guest artists from the past two decades.”
The high-energy Portland group, “3 Leg Torso,” is the first guest of the season, and they will kick off the season in their typical raucous fashion. The Oregonian described 3 Leg Torso as “a success in the fluid netherworld between serious art and popular culture.”
The ensemble appeared with the COS five years ago and resulted in an attendance record for a single concert weekend. “There was no question that we wanted to have them back,” said Gesme. “They have a loyal following in the Northwest, and when they perform with a live orchestra backing them, the whole concert experience is invigorating and transforming.”
The concert finale will be the ever-popular “Polovtsian Dances,” drawn from Russian nationalist composer Borodin’s opera “Prince Igor.”
A limited number of complimentary tickets are available online, on a first-come, first-served basis.
To reserve your complimentary tickets, please visit the symphony website, up to two weeks prior to the concert, and register for e-tickets at http://www.cosymphony.com.
The tickets will be emailed and can be printed to bring to the concert.
