CGOA presents Vacation Time: Musical Postcards from the Sinfonietta
June 20, 2025 @ 7:00 pm
The Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association presents two concerts in June.
Vacation Time: Musical Postcards from the Sinfonietta
7 PM, June 20 at The Dalles Civic Auditorium
and
Orchestra Open House: A Free Concert for Kids and Families
2 PM, The Dalles Civic Auditorium
Summer means leisure, vacations and travel. CGOA’s Gorge Sinfonietta captures the fun of the season with a travelogue-themed concert called “Vacation Time: Musical Postcards from the Sinfonietta” at 7 PM on June 20 in the Wy’east Middle School Performing Arts Center in Odell.
Conductor Mark Steighner says that the concept of the concert is “World travel – the program highlights music that is associated with different places or musically describes them.” Examples include Mendelssohn’s famous Hebrides tone poem, a musical representation of Scotland’s Fingal’s Cave. Steighner adds, “In the program, we take audiences to the La Scala Opera House, to old Vienna, over the Rocky Mountains and for a walk through New York’s Central Park.”
While in New York, many visitors take in a Broadway show. Steighner said the Sinfonietta has that tradition covered. “We’re playing a medley from the hit show – and popular movie – Wicked, with a new, special arrangement of the song “For Good” sung by Emily Vawter and Ashly Will.
“We do a lot of big pieces during the season,” Steighner said, “but like postcards, the selections on this hour-long program are bite-sized. They’re perfect for new audiences deterred by more demanding classical music.”
Even more family-friendly is the Sinfonietta’s second concert, “Orchestra Open House: A FREE Concert for Kids and Families,” at 2 PM on Sunday, June 22 in The Dalles Civic Auditorium.
“The name says it all,” Steighner said. “This concert is aimed at both young people and families who have maybe never been to a live orchestra concert. Hopefully, everyone will walk away excited about the music.”
On the program are some of the same selections as the Friday concert, including the medley from Wicked. “We’d love for the kids – or adults! – to come in Wicked-themed costumes, or fairytale fantasy attire. We have a selection on the program called Adventure!. It’s all about a young princess and a very eventful afternoon.”
Tickets and information about CGOA can be found at gorgeorchestra.org. CGOA offers $5 discounted tickets for SNAP cardholders through the Arts for All program, and free tickets for all students (high school and college) with ID. Regular ticket prices are $25, or $20 for CGOA members. All tickets for the June 22 concert are FREE.
The Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association 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.
