No secrets in Neskowin’s chamber music season

Telegraph Quartet

Neskowin Chamber Music will celebrate its 31st season this fall with an internationally acclaimed lineup of performers, a new artistic director and a tribute to the woman who shaped the series for more than a quarter century.

Founded in 1994, the volunteer-run organization has spent more than three decades bringing world-class chamber music to the Oregon Coast while introducing generations of local students to live classical performances through its educational outreach programs.

The 2026-27 season is dedicated to Frances "Fran" Madachy, who recently retired after more than 25 years as artistic director. During her tenure, Madachy established Neskowin Chamber Music as one of the coast's premier classical music presenters, bringing internationally recognized artists to rural Oregon while strengthening connections between musicians, audiences and local schools.

Taking over artistic leadership is violinist, educator and arts advocate Jessica Tong, who first performed with the series more than 15 years ago as a member of the Vinca Quartet. Tong returns with plans to honor the organization's tradition while expanding artistic collaborations and community engagement.

The season opens on October 11 with the award-winning Telegraph Quartet at Winema Chapel in Cloverdale, followed by violinist Anthea Kreston's multimedia program "Crescendo: A Memoir in Music and Stories" on November 15.

The remaining concerts move to Nestucca Valley Presbyterian Church in Pacific City, beginning on January 24 with violinist Tomás Cotik and pianist Shinmyung Rho. The Daedalus Quartet follows on February 7, pianist Yaël Weiss performs on March 7, the GRAMMY-nominated Texas Guitar Quartet appears on April 18, and the season concludes on May 23 with the Aeolus Quartet.

In addition to its regular concert series, Neskowin Chamber Music continues its longstanding commitment to music education, with visiting artists presenting programs for local students and free community concerts throughout the season.

For tickets and more information, go to neskowinchambermusic.com.