Hands no longer tied, band set to release a new EP

Now based in Portland, the group who describes their music a progressive rock and metal, look forward in their career with new music and a whole new look.

Formerly based in Salem, Quandry has set the official release date of their new music for May 10. The EP, entitled “End Insight” is described by its members as “their most enigmatic release to date.”

In this new year, they have a new logo and new web design to match their fresh music and recent relocation.

A three piece band, Quandry is comprised by guitarist Guy Holland, bassist and keyboardist Nate Allbritton, and drummer Scotty Miles. Although known for their energetic live performances, they do not yet have a record release show scheduled. They do have a prior show scheduled for April 8 at Hawthorne Theatre in Portland. In this show they join with three other acts: Cold, The Killer and The Star, as well as the Drama Club. Tickets are $15.

For more information on the band, visit their website www.quandryband.com

A compilation benefit concert

They call themselves a group of friends - literally. The Ensemble des Amis, who perform as part of the Camerata Musica chamber series, are putting on a show to benefit the Salem Audubon Society.

Violinist Cathy Heithaus, cellist Jenny Gleason and pianist Carole Orloff - all members of the Ensemble des Amis - perform at 7:30 p.m. on April 4, at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in South Salem.

The three musicians have selected to perform Schumann’s Piano Trio Opus 17 in G Minor and Brahms’ Piano Trio Opus 87 in C Major.

Heithaus, a graduate of the University of Colorado with a bachelor's degree in music, is a member of the Salem Chamber Orchestra, the Linfield Orchestra, the Portland Opera Orchestra, and the OSU-Corvallis Orchestra. Gleason, a graduate of the University of Kentucky with a bachelor's degree in music performance, is also a member of the Salem Chamber Orchestra.

Orloff, a graduate of Stanford University with a master's degree in musicology, accompanies a number of musicians in Salem. She was the artistic director of Chamber Music Corvallis for 15 years and has been the executive director of both the Smith Fine Arts Series at Western Oregon University and the Salem Chamber Orchestra.

In exchange for admission, at donation of $10 is suggested.

For further information call the Salem Audubon Society office, (503) 588-7340.

“Unfinished” end to symphony’s season

The Salem Chamber Orchestra closes out its season with the 1822 Scheubert Symphony No. 8 entitled, “Unfinished.”

Performing the first two movements (the only written by the composer, thus its name) under the direction of Maestro Robert Ashens, the event takes place on April 18 and 19 at Hudson Hall on the campus of Willamette University.

Teaming with Salem Youth Symphony (under the direction of Larry Garrett) for a side-by-side performance, the orchestra also plays Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite No. 1. This gives student musicians the chance to personally experience playing in a professional orchestra.

As part of the weekend program, the orchestra also performs Haydn’s Cello Concerto No.1 in C major with cellist Tanya Remenikova. In conjunction with the concert, she offers a free masters class open to the public on April 17 at 3 p.m.

Saturday’s evening performance is scheduled for 7 p.m. and Sunday’s is set for 3 p.m. Tickets to the weekend performances are $10-20 for adults, $10 for teachers/educational staff, and $5 for students. Reserved seating is available through the Pentacle Theatre Box Office.