The Central Oregon Mastersingers will celebrate two decades of music, collaboration, and community with a special anniversary concert, “We Are the Music Makers,” on Saturday, April 25, at 7PM. at Bend’s Tower Theatre. The performance, under the direction of Artistic Director and Conductor Christian Clark, closes the ensemble’s 20th season with a program designed not only to honor its past, but also to point toward its future.
Founded in 2005, the Mastersingers have become one of Central Oregon’s premier choral ensembles, known for polished performances, ambitious programming, and a commitment to connecting with audiences across the region. The upcoming concert reflects that legacy, bringing together current singers and alumni, while honoring founding director Clyde Thompson for an evening that doubles as both a musical showcase and a reunion.
At the center of the program is Illuminare, a contemporary choral work by composer Elaine Hagenberg. Performed with orchestra, the piece explores themes of light, hope, and renewal—an apt choice for an anniversary concert marking both longevity and continued growth. The work’s sweeping choral lines and rich orchestration have made it a favorite among modern choirs, and it promises to be a highlight of the evening.
In addition to Illuminare, the concert will revisit selections from the ensemble’s past repertoire—pieces that helped define the Mastersingers’ identity over the last 20 years. For longtime audience members, the program offers a sense of continuity and nostalgia; for newcomers, it provides a curated introduction to the group’s artistic range.
Alongside the featured work, the program will also revisit highlights from the ensemble’s past répertoire. Selections include “We Are the Music Makers,” “Wildflowers” (written by Tom Petty, with the arrangement by Chanticleer Music Director Tim Keeler, whose group is collaborating with the Mastersingers at the Tower Theatre on April 14), “Shenandoah,” “Let My Love Be Heard,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water/You’ve Got a Friend” (written by Paul Simon and Carole King), and “The Road Home.” Each piece reflects the artistic choices that have defined the Mastersingers’ sound over the past two decades. For longtime supporters, these works offer a sense of nostalgia and reflection, while for new listeners, they provide a well-rounded introduction to the ensemble’s versatility. The program will also feature a special premiere: “Northern Flicker,” composed by Moria Smiley in celebration of the Mastersingers’ 20th anniversary.
“This concert is about honoring where we’ve been while embracing where we’re going,” said Clark, who has led the ensemble since 2017. “Whether you’ve followed us for years or are hearing us for the first time, it’s meant to be an inspiring and welcoming experience.”
Clark’s tenure has seen the Mastersingers expand both artistically and geographically. Under his leadership, the group has continued to explore a wide range of musical styles, from classical masterworks to contemporary compositions and cross-genre collaborations. The ensemble’s reputation has grown beyond Central Oregon, with invitations to perform on prestigious stages both nationally and internationally.
Most recently, members of the Mastersingers performed Johannes Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem at Carnegie Hall in New York City and at the Berlin Philharmonie in Germany as part of the New England Symphonic Ensemble. In 2024, the group traveled to Italy, performing concerts in Sorrento and Rome and singing mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican—milestones that underscore how far the ensemble has come from its modest beginnings.
Those beginnings trace back to a moment of transition in founder Thompson’s career. After retiring early from directing choirs at Central Oregon Community College in 2004, Thompson found himself with the time and motivation to pursue a long-held vision.
“I wanted to create a group that could perform at the highest level possible with the talent we had here,” Thompson recalled in a recent interview. Drawing on connections with skilled local singers, many of whom he had worked with previously, Thompson assembled what would become the core of the Mastersingers.
The group took shape informally at first. Thompson remembers sitting down with a handful of singers—Virlene Arnold, Bevalee Runner, and Steve Runner—after an early performance to discuss next steps. With organizational support from his wife, Jo Ann, the idea quickly evolved into a structured ensemble.
“It really started as a kind of cottage industry,” Thompson said. “But there was so much enthusiasm and talent that it grew almost immediately.”
Over the next decade, Thompson guided the Mastersingers through a period of rapid development, building a reputation for excellence and ambitious programming. His background as a composer and educator informed the group’s approach, emphasizing both technical precision and expressive depth.
Thompson’s own career spans more than 50 years and includes roles as a teacher, conductor, performer, and composer. He has taught at colleges in West Virginia, Illinois, and Oregon, and his compositions have been performed throughout the United States as well as in Europe and South America. His works have been published by several major music companies and he continues to remain active in Central Oregon’s musical community as a church choir director and member of the Sunriver Music Festival Board of Trustees.
Reflecting on his time with the Mastersingers, Thompson points to large-scale performances as some of his most memorable experiences, including a 2012 performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the Sunriver Music Festival Orchestra.
“That was a real pinnacle, collaborating with a top-notch professional orchestra to perform that great work,” he said.
He also emphasized the collaborative spirit that has defined the ensemble. Over the years, the Mastersingers have partnered with a wide array of organizations, including the Sunriver Music Festival Orchestra, Cascade Chorale, Central Oregon Symphony, Youth Choir of Central Oregon, and Eugene Vocal Arts Ensemble.
Despite its growth and accomplishments, the Mastersingers has remained rooted in community engagement. The ensemble regularly offers free concerts and participates in outreach programs aimed at making choral music accessible to broader audiences. Educational initiatives and partnerships with local schools and organizations have further strengthened those ties.
Conductor Clark, who also serves as director of music at Trinity Episcopal Church in Bend and teaches at Redmond Proficiency Academy, said that community connection remains central to the group’s mission.
“Music has the power to bring people together in a way that few other things can,” he said. “That sense of connection is at the heart of what we do.”
Looking ahead, Clark sees continued opportunities for growth and innovation. As Central Oregon’s population expands, so too does its artistic landscape, creating new possibilities for collaboration and audience engagement.
For Thompson, that evolution is both gratifying and exciting. He notes that the region’s musical community has flourished over the past several decades, with increased opportunities for performers and audiences alike.
“Bend has grown so much,” he said. “There’s an incredible amount of musical activity here now, and the level of talent is remarkable.”
As for the name, “Mastersingers,” Thompson admits it was never meant to be permanent. “I meant that to be just a placeholder,” he said with a laugh. “But after 20 years, I think it’s safe to say it stuck.”
Saturday’s concert will bring that story full circle, uniting past and present members of the ensemble for a shared celebration. With a program that blends reflection and renewal, the event offers a fitting tribute to two decades of artistic achievement—and a promising glimpse of what lies ahead.
“We Are the Music Makers”
Sat, Apr 25, at 7pm
Tower Theatre
835 NW Wall St, Bend
towertheatre.org/events/month
$15-$35
This article appears in the Source April 16, 2026.
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