This November, families across Oregon can experience something truly special — a world-class chamber music performance that shines as bright as its title. On Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 7:30 p.m., Project Chamber Music: Willamette Valley (PCM) will present Thunder and Starlight at Willamette University’s Hudson Concert Hall (inside the Mary Stuart Rogers Music Center).
The concert features musicians from the Grammy-nominated Boston-based chamber orchestra A Far Cry, known internationally for their passion, precision, and collaborative artistry. For one night only, Salem audiences will be treated to an evening that celebrates the natural world — from roaring skies to shimmering stars — through breathtaking live performance.
A Journey Through Nature and Sound
The Thunder and Starlight program is a sweeping musical journey inspired by the beauty of the earth and sky. Audiences will travel through the brilliance of comets, the movement of rivers, and the peace of pastoral landscapes — all interpreted through the mastery of string performance.
The evening includes:
- Hale Bopp by Mauna Järvelä & Timo Alakotila — an homage to the dazzling comet that once lit up the night sky.
- Tenebrae by Osvaldo Golijov — a hauntingly beautiful, otherworldly work that captures the vastness of the cosmos.
- Songs of the River Po by Oregon composer Deena T. Grossman, featuring PCM’s signature side-by-side performance — a community tradition that unites professional musicians with local students from every Salem-Keizer Public School high school orchestra and Willamette University.
- And Beethoven’s beloved Pastoral Symphony, performed in a rare and intimate arrangement for string sextet.
A Celebration of Music and Mentorship
This year marks Project Chamber Music’s 10th Anniversary Season, celebrating a decade of remarkable performances, mentorship, and community engagement. PCM’s mission goes beyond the stage — every concert, every collaboration, and every note played serves to nurture the next generation of young musicians across the Willamette Valley.
In keeping with that mission, all ticket proceeds from Thunder and Starlight will directly fund need-based scholarships that provide local children with access to private music lessons. By attending, families not only enjoy a world-class concert — they help ensure that music education remains accessible for kids who might otherwise miss the opportunity.
Event Details
📅 Saturday, November 15, 2025
🕢 7:30 p.m.
📍 Hudson Concert Hall, Mary Stuart Rogers Music Center, Willamette University
🎟 Tickets: available here or by cash/check at the door.
🍷 Bonus: A complimentary reception will follow the performance, where guests can meet the artists and celebrate the evening together.
Don’t miss this one-night-only concert — a rare opportunity to experience A Far Cry’s brilliance right here in Oregon. Gather the family, bring your curiosity, and let Thunder and Starlight light up your November night.
For tickets and more information, visit pcmwv.org.
