Mission, Vision, History
Mission Statement
High Desert Chamber Music’s mission is to bring world-class chamber music and musicians to Central Oregon. Through our concert series and Educational Outreach programs, we aspire to heighten a level of appreciation, awareness, and understanding of this great genre of classical music.
Vision Statement
The vision of High Desert Chamber Music is to be recognized as the leader and premier resource of chamber music opportunities in the region. The reputation of HDCM will be one that competes on a national level and attracts leading performers to Central Oregon. We envision:
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Every performance or event will be of the highest artistic quality and caliber
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Every concert-goer will have a better understanding or appreciation of classical music
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Every student interested in furthering their understanding of music will be welcomed at little to no cost
What Is Chamber Music
Chamber music is generally written for a small group of instruments, with no conductor, and only one performer to a part. At its heart lies a unique nexus between the spirit of collaboration and the expertise of the individual performer. Each musician controls an integral part of the performance and demands that they engage in close musical dialogue with the other performers. Their collective instinct, experience, knowledge, and talent guide the process of interpreting, rehearsing, and performing. Some of history’s greatest composers used chamber music as a vehicle to create their most profound and important works. Although string quartets overshadow other chamber music combinations in popularity, there are a tremendous variety of instrumental groupings. String trios and string sextets, piano trios, and piano quintets are but a few of the combinations you will get to experience through High Desert Chamber Music.
This organization uses live performance to celebrate and promote classical music. Music is the first thing you will hear when you enter the venue, and the last thing you will hear before you leave. We believe that music speaks for itself, and make every effort to instill this respect for the music in our audiences.
History
High Desert Chamber Music was founded in 2008 by violinist Isabelle LaForet Senger. We present an acclaimed series of classical chamber music concerts in Central Oregon, 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. We are proud to be a local organization presenting a national level of excellence.
The HDCM Concert Series showcases some of the most distinguished classical musicians from across the nation in Central Oregon, and has been honored with the prestigious 2023 Community Choice Awards “Best of the Best of Bend” by The Bulletin. This accolade firmly establishes our event as the premier choice in the Entertainment & Leisure – Local Events category. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our supporters and the community for making this achievement possible!
In addition to the HDCM Concert Series, we present an Annual Gala, which is our largest fundraising effort of the season. The evening includes a performance, dinner, and silent auction. We have been fortunate to receive a tremendous amount of support from local businesses and have worked hard to strengthen and solidify our place in the community.
Another event we present during the season is “Music & Friends”. These performances are a great way to experience the origins of how “chamber music” began – you and your friends can enjoy a private performance in a personal residence paired with wine provided by HDCM.
Since inception, our programs have been funded in part by grants from prestigious foundations such as the Oregon Community Foundation, Meyer Memorial Trust, Collins Foundation, Herbert Templeton Foundation, James F. & Marion L. Miller Foundation, Starseed Foundation, Chambers Family Foundation, U.S. Bank Foundation, Autzen Foundation, Juan Young Trust, Oregon Arts Commission, Roundhouse Foundation, and the Deschutes Cultural Coalition. Our title sponsors include German Master Tech, Miller Lumber, Pine Tavern Restaurant, Hayden Homes, Three Graces & Co., and Drew Family Dentistry. In-kind support provided by Combined Communications, Cascade Arts & Entertainment, and Central Oregon Daily. Support for our Annual Gala comes from Mission Building, Riverside Animal Hospital, Wells Fargo Advisors, Three Graces & Co., and Creative Images of Life.