GORGE — A new year means a fresh calendar to peruse for all music and entertainment needs. To get you started while it’s still cold and dark out, the Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association (CGOA) has several upcoming performances guaranteed to warm your heart and lift your spirits.
Two dancers, Elisa Solis and Kelly Mahon, at CGOA’s Romance in Rhythm Jazz Collective Concert and Dance at the Ruins. Contributed photo
The CGOA is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and presenting musical performances of the highest quality in the Columbia River Gorge region. “With a commitment to artistic excellence and education, CGOA brings the joy of music to audiences of all ages,” said a press release.
CGOA’s 20th anniversary Winter Season kicks off on Jan. 25 with its annual Afternoon of Chamber Music performance, which will take place at the Hood River Valley Christian Church at 2 p.m. The show has become a gorge tradition over the years, featuring local musicians — small ensembles and solo performers alike — playing intimate and exciting music. The concert is free, with donations accepted.
The Jazz Collective Big Band will headline a fantastic date night event at The Ruins this Valentine’s Day at 7 p.m. Plan for some special surprises and lots of great swing and other danceable tunes. Tickets are currently available at gorgeorchestra.org.
Return to The Ruins on March 14 for another memorable evening, “Singin’ and Swingin’,” which gathers CGOA’s Jazz Collective Big Band and Stages Musical Theatre ensembles to croon the night away with beloved Broadway songs, both old and new. Swingin’ on the dance floor will be highly encouraged.
Once spring arrives, bringing flowers, warmer temperatures and longer days with it, the Gorge has even more music to look forward to.
From April 17-19 at the Wy’east Middle School Performing Arts Center, Voci Community Choir and the Gorge Sinfonietta will join forces for “Roads Not Taken,” a moving and inspiring concert, including “Frostiana” by Randall Thompson and the world premiere of “Requiem in Five Stages” by Mark Steighner and Dennis Castanares.
From May 8-23, GGOA is teaming up with the Columbia Center for the Arts to present “Into the Woods” — the popular musical that weaves together classic Brothers Grimm fairy tales to explore what happens after “happily ever after.”
For more information about CGOA and its upcoming performances, visit www.gorgeorchestra.org.
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