High Desert Chamber Music launches its 2026–27 season Friday, September 25, at 7:30pm with the award-winning Yu&I Duo, featuring South Korean violinist YuEun Gemma Kim and German-born guitarist Ines Thomé. The duo, which previously received an enthusiastic reception from Central Oregon audiences, returns to Bend for its first appearance with HDCM—and for the opening concert at HDCM’s new home, First Presbyterian Church of Bend.
This concert is brought to you by QXO (formerly Miller Lumber). Yu&I brings a fresh perspective to chamber music, pairing violin and guitar with an eclectic repertoire that crosses centuries, cultures, and musical styles. Their program moves from classical masterpieces to tango, folk traditions, and beloved film music, with nearly all arrangements created by the duo themselves. Ticket holders may join the artists for a concert preview at 6:30 p.m.
The evening opens with Astor Piazzolla’s Histoire du Tango and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons: Spring, followed by Chopin’s Nocturne in C-sharp minor and Manuel de Falla’s Spanish Dance No. 1 from La Vida Breve. Following intermission, the program continues with Schubert’s Die Forelle (The Trout), Bartók’s Romanian Folk Dances, and Ennio Morricone’s Nuovo Cinema Paradiso, before concluding with Vivaldi’s Four Seasons: Autumn and Winter.
“Yu&I is a wonderful way to open our season because they bring something unexpected to the HDCM stage,” says Isabelle Senger, Founder and Executive Director of High Desert Chamber Music. “The combination of violin and guitar, the range of musical styles, and the duo’s own arrangements create a program that is both familiar and completely fresh. And with Vivaldi’s Four Seasons woven throughout the evening, there are plenty of opportunities for our audience to connect with music they know and love.”
The performance marks the beginning of a new movement for the HDCM Concert Series in its new home, which provides increased seating capacity, excellent acoustics, improved parking, and an elevated stage with strong sightlines throughout the audience.
Tickets are available through HDCM online, by phone, or in person at the HDCM office in Downtown Bend. Season subscriptions and single tickets are available now. HDCM 2026–27 title sponsors include Washington Trust Bank and Lynch Murphy McLane LLP, Mission Building, Severson Plumbing, QXO (formerly Miller Lumber), German Master Tech, Pine Tavern Restaurant, Drew Family Dentistry, Cascade A&E, Central Oregon Daily, and Newstalk KBND and 107.7 Radio.
High Desert Chamber Music’s mission is to bring exceptional chamber music and musicians to Central Oregon. Since 2008, HDCM has presented acclaimed concerts featuring distinguished artists from around the world while providing free educational outreach that connects professional musicians with students throughout the region. Join us for our nineteenth season and experience the artistry, energy, and connection of live chamber music. Come hear the music!
Hi-res photo available for download at the following link:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1g2tYVAwU3YVUEr5oWivE-gHN6pScDpX_?usp=sharing
This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our news team.
MAKE LOCAL JOURNALISM HAPPEN
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
