Olga Symphony

During that time of year beloved for traditions, what could be better than keeping one of the most beloved island traditions of the last 20 years alive and spending the Friday or Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend with the Olga Symphony and their friends? Melinda, Gordon, JP, and Anita will don their finest frocks and tuxes and hold forth with music old and new. This year, the concert will also include special guests Tom Rawson, Mandy Troxel, and Mel Urbanozo. The show runs Nov. 24 and 25, still at Orcas Center, still at 7:30 p.m., tickets are still just $5 and all proceeds go to local charities.

Leaves of Gold

The Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival’s annual Leaves of Gold concert will be held on Monday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. in the Music Room of the Mansion at Rosario Resort. The Miró Quartet (pictured above), OICMF’s Quartet-in-Residence, joins pianist Jon Kimura Parker in works by Clara Schumann, Robert Schumann, and Johannes Brahms. The concert, aptly titled “Love Triangle,” will capture the hearts of audience members as they learn about the close relationship between Clara and the very young Brahms as Robert’s physical and mental health deteriorated. The program will also have a few other musical surprises!

The Miró Quartet members, violinists Daniel Ching and William Fedkenheuer, violist John Largess, and cellist Joshua Gindele, are on faculty at the Sarah and Ernest Butler School of Music at the University of Texas at Austin, where they teach private students and coach chamber music.

A reception in the Mansion Dining Room follows the concert, featuring a buffet of hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and wines, prepared and served by executive chef Raymond Southern and his staff. The concert is underwritten by the Valerie and William Anders Foundation. Tickets are $150 ($75 is tax deductible). To reserve your seat, email linda@oicmf.org or call (360)376-6636.

Community band

The Community Band’s concert is Sunday, Dec. 17 at 3 p.m. at Orcas Center. Admission is by donation. Enjoy sounds of the season, sing-a-longs, and a free dessert party afterwards.

Susan Osborn

Island to Island Christmas Benefit Concert for Puerto Rico with Susan Osborn and Friends will be held on Sat., Dec.23, 7 p.m., Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Susan Osborn will offer a one-night musical celebration of the season in Eastsound as a benefit for the people of Puerto Rico. Suggested donation of $20. Limited seating. Reservations available at (360)376-2352.