About the Musicians

Lenore Gilbert, violin, returned to Bend in 2019 and joined the Cascade Chamber Players, the Central Oregon Symphony, and the Bend Pops Orchestra. A graduate of Juilliard, Lenore has performed and recorded with the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, and the San Francisco Symphony. Formerly an Oregon resident from 1989, Lenore played in multiple ensembles and festivals in Central Oregon, Eugene, and Sunriver. Now a retired California healthcare administrator, Lenore lives in Bend with her violin-maker husband, Jim Cave.

Denise Driscoll moved to Central Oregon in 2013. She has been playing violin for 28 years, is currently a musician of the Central Oregon Symphony, coaches with the Central Oregon Youth Orchestra, and has performed with Opera Bend, Central Oregon Mastersingers, and other groups around town. She has been a member of the Cascade Chamber Players since 2019. When Denise is not giving or taking violin lessons, she can be found kayaking in the Cascade Lakes, fishing, mountain biking, or playing ball with her Boston Terrier, Banjo.

Lynn Hawkins joined the Cascade Chamber Players in 1998 and continues to serve as violist and agent with the ensemble. She has been playing music for over 50 years. Lynn plays fiddle in the High Country Dance Band, which provides music for Bend Community Contra Dances. She also plays guitar and mandolin and has played in symphonies and bluegrass bands. Lynn is an educator in the public schools. She and her husband have two children and love to hike and ski in our local mountains.

Amy Mitchell moved to Central Oregon in 2000. She has played with the Cascade Chamber Players since 2003. During that time, she has performed with the Central Oregon Symphony, recorded album tracks with local artists, and appeared as a guest musician on stages across the state. When not playing with the Cascade Chamber Players, you will likely find her teaching science or riding a tandem bicycle.