The world premiere of the Malheur Symphony, composed by Chris Thomas, will be performed here in Harney County on May 5! The concert is a celebration of all that the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge embodies — the sacred lands, the incredible vistas, and the immense beauty that shelters the multitudes of birds and wildlife that call this incredible place in the Harney Basin home.

The Central Oregon Symphony, under the direction of Michael Gesme, will be presenting the live performance at 3 p.m. in the Burns High School gymnasium. The Central Oregon Symphony is a community-based orchestra in Bend, which has achieved a tremendous following. Attendance during their season can exceed 8,000 patrons. The full orchestra is so successful because of the generosity of its members who volunteer their time and talent to share their love of orchestral music with the public.

The Burns Paiute Tribe will have a presentation during the concert as an introduction to the Malheur Symphony. At the request of Gesme, the Chamber Music Choir, directed by Eric Zittel, and the Chamber Bell Choir, directed by Carol Sawyer, will also perform during the event.

Following the concert, the public is invited to a reception to meet the composer and orchestra members. They will also be treated to a student art show depicting the natural wonders of the Malheur Refuge.

The concert is being hosted by the Harney County Arts in Education Foundation in conjunction with the Chamber Music Society, Friends of the Malheur, and the Audubon Society. The event is free to the public. However, you must have a ticket to attend. Tickets are available at Gourmet & Gadgets and the Harney County Chamber of Commerce. For more information regarding the concert or tickets, you may call 541-573-2427 or 541-573-1725.