An afternoon of chamber music

HOOD RIVER — An afternoon of chamber music, a free annual event performed by Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association (CGOA), takes place Jan. 26 at 2 p.m. in Hood River Valley Christian Church.

Unlike other CGOA ensembles’ music, this concert is rehearsed by musicians independently. Sinfonietta conductor Mark Steighner said musicians are often drawn to chamber music because they can play what interests them; “chamber music has a long history, essentially dating back to the 14th century, when small groups of people gathered to play music for entertainment.” Composers are often drawn to chamber music to express themselves in a particular way that’s different from writing big pieces for large ensembles.