Open Space for Arts & Community will host its first-ever classical piano performance with Coco Bender, a rising star in the Pacific Northwest classical music scene, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 18.

The concert is a chance for audiences to experience a variety of stunning classical compositions.

Bender has performed with Cascadia Composers, recorded original film scores, is a co-artistic director and musical director of an all-women circus, Girl Circus, and is a member of the Balkan orchestra Kef. In addition to performing regularly, she teaches students throughout the Pacific Northwest, from Seattle to Eugene, Oregon.

In 2021, Bender became the accompanist for Portland treble choir Aurora Chorus.

Her performance at Open Space will feature the music of 18th-21st century composers Ludwig Van Beethoven, R. Nathaniel Dett, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and H. Leslie Adams.

“Coco’s passion for these works shines through so brilliantly in the vibrancy and technicality of her performance,” said programming director David Godsey. “This performance is an opportunity to fulfill our mission in new, accessible ways, and show off what our Bruce Black Box [performance] space is capable of. We couldn’t be happier than to have Coco as our classical piano premiere.”

All ages are welcome. Doors open at 7 p.m. on the night of the show. General admission is $25, but tickets are available beginning at $15. Youth tickets are free. Tickets are available online and at the door. This is an open-door event, meaning nobody will be turned away because they can’t afford a ticket. Masks are recommended. Learn more and reserve your tickets by visiting openspacevashon.org.