The Grande Ronde Symphony Association is planning a gala Oct. 26 to kick off the 77th season.

LA GRANDE — The Grande Ronde Symphony Association is celebrating the 76th year of the orchestra with a gala event titled “Tis the Season” on Saturday, Oct. 21, at the Presbyterian Friendship Center, 1204 Spring Ave.

The evening includes food, a silent auction and live jazz beginning at 6:30 p.m.

“During the pandemic, we were not able to gather in-person to celebrate the upcoming concert season, enjoy the fun of bidding on silent auction items, and meeting the principal players and director of the symphony,” said Chele Later, chair for the gala. “Now we are back to offer a wonderful evening to learn about the music planned for the season, share locally sourced products, and treating attendees to the lively jazz music of the Greg Johnson Quartet.”

The evening’s activities include an opportunity to talk directly with Grande Ronde Symphony Music Director Zachary Banks, along with members of the orchestra, and the chance to complete a “Musician’s Bingo” card.

The silent auction will feature experiences ranging from weekend stays in the Portland area to wine, cheese and coffee from local vendors.

“’Tis the Season gala event will be a fun night out, while knowing you are supporting Oregon’s longest continuously operating symphony orchestra,” Later said. “We believe that the arts can transform a place and we need your help in keeping this 76-year-old tradition a part of our greater community — this place we call home.”

Tickets for the gala are $40 and must be purchased in advance, by Oct. 14, at GrandeRondeSymphony.org.

Season

Here’s a look at the 2023-2024 symphony season:

• Nov. 15: GRS Orchestra, La Grande, McKenzie Theatre at Eastern Oregon University
• Nov. 18: GRS Orchestra, Baker City, St. Francis de Sales Cathedral
• March 13: La Grande, McKenzie Theatre at EOU
• May 29: La Grande, McKenzie Theatre at EOU

Season Passes

Passes are available for the season, which begins with the Nov. 15 concert. Passes are $38 adults, $30 seniors or $1 for students.

Tickets at the door of each concert are $15 adults, $12 seniors, $5 college students or $1 students. Also, special pricing is available for families and groups — for information, send an email to grsymphony2@gmail.com and ask about Grace Notes.