Robertson

PENDLETON — Live music, food and several auctions are featured during the Bach Yard Party, a fundraiser for the Oregon East Symphony.

The event is June 15, 6 p.m. at Maggie & Me Farm, 71593 County 1311 Road. Tickets are $50.

“The Bach Yard Party is a springtime feast for the senses,” said OES Executive Director J.D. Kindle. “It features delicious food and wine, and top-notch music, held on a flower farm during the beautiful Eastern Oregon spring.”

In its second year, the fundraiser provides support to the symphony’s Playing for Keeps, a classical music education program for youths. Kindle said 80 people attended the inaugural event.

The main course will feature Mario’s Basque BBQ. Kindle said a variety of fresh and flavorful salads, sides and dips will be prepared by symphony volunteers, including Bonnie Day’s Mediterranean tabbouleh and tzatziki.

Wine will be available from Cerebella Winery and Pendleton’s Grocery Outlet. Music will be provided by a string quartet led by OES Concertmaster Lisa Robertson and the OES Youth Chamber Collective.

The fundraiser includes a live auction, Dutch auction and dessert auction. Items up for bid features a private helicopter tour of Umatilla County, a collection of wine from Cayuse Vineyards and ticket packages for the Pendleton Round-Up and Jackalope Jamboree. Also, the work of local artists includes a painting by Lori Baxter, a garden sculpture by Howard Headley and a limited edition print by Bell Hansen, a former youth cellist. Also, bidders can win a dinner party presented by OES board member Mireya Wolf and her husband, Michael. It will feature a rack of lamb, wine and Michael’s handmade ravioli.

Playing for Keeps includes two preparatory orchestras, an after-school beginning strings program, a summer camp, a mentoring program for advanced musicians, an instrument lending library and financial assistance to participate in music-related activities. Kindle said the program has served 339 youths, including working with the Hermiston and Pendleton high school choirs, who joined the OES Chorale in performing Handel’s “Messiah” in December 2023.

For more information about symphony programs, search www.oregoneastsymphony.org.

Tickets are available via bit.ly/44L8YHB, by calling 541-276-0320 or the symphony office, 345 SW Fourth St.