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An afternoon of chamber music with The Lyric Chamber Ensemble

Experience Magic

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Lyric Chamber Ensemble. Feel the passion and artistry of our performances as we bring classical music to life. Join us on a musical journey filled with emotion and beauty. Discover the power of harmony and melody as we captivate your senses. Watch our video to witness the magic.

Experience the beauty, intimacy, and joy of live chamber music at this free community concert

February 1, 2026 @ 3 p.m.

The Sanctuary at Hope Lutheran Church

45900 Portola Avenue in Palm Desert

This inspiring afternoon performance brings together three acclaimed local musicians, Linny Smith (flute), Lee Wolfe (violin), and Bruce Mangum (piano), for a program that celebrates the art of collaboration and connection. Audiences can look forward to a captivating blend of classical masterworks and lyrical discoveries from J.S. Bach, Dmitri Shostakovich, Astor Piazzolla and others.

Now an annual community tradition, The Lyric Chamber Ensemble’s winter concert brings together music lovers from across the Coachella Valley in a welcoming and uplifting setting. Admission is free, and donations are gratefully accepted to support future performances and music outreach in the region.

“Chamber music offers a rare kind of connection — between the musicians, the audience, and the moment,” says flutist Linny Smith. “We want everyone, whether a longtime classical fan or a first-time listener, to feel that joy up close.”

About The Lyric Chamber Ensemble

The Lyric Chamber Ensemble brings together exceptional musicians from across the Coachella Valley to share the timeless beauty of classical music through accessible, community-centered performances.

Dedicated to artistic excellence and outreach, the Ensemble seeks to inspire audiences of all ages and backgrounds through programs that celebrate both tradition and discovery.

The Musicians

Lee Wolfe

Lee Wolfe has lived in the Coachella Valley since 2021 and is a transplant from the San Diego area, having studied Music at San Diego State University, and having performed with such groups as La Jolla Symphony & Chorus, San Diego Chamber Orchestra, Grossmont Symphony, Cabrillo Chamber Orchestra and was the violinist in the Bonita Piano Trio.

He currently performs with the Coachella Valley Symphony and has recently performed with a variety of orchestras and ensembles for the Redlands Bowl Concerts. Proficient on viola as well as on violin, he has played in the pit orchestras for several musicals, including Sunset Boulevard, Cabaret, Phantom of the Opera and many others. Lee has also performed with celebrity artists such as Dionne Warwick, Smokey Robinson, Steve and Edie Gourmet and others.

Bruce Mangum

Bruce Mangum, pianist, earned his B.A. in Piano from the College of Idaho in Caldwell, ID, and has lived in Idaho, Oregon & Washington where he earned a living accompanying university music students, and local musical theater. For 3 years, he provided Atrium piano music on board Princess Cruise Lines, where he was able to see much of the world! He then moved to Denver for 2 years, before making his way to the Coachella Valley. Bruce currently leads a busy musical life, accompanying singers and

instrumentalists of all ages. He was the former Music Leader for St. Andrew’s Community Presbyterian Church in Indio; University United Methodist Church in Redlands; the Shepherd of the Valley United Methodist Church also in Indio; for nine seasons was Principal Accompanist for the then Caballeros (now the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus), and for two seasons was Artistic Director for the Modern Men: Coachella Valley Men’s Chorus. Bruce now directs for the Sun City Singers in Palm Desert, plays piano for both the First Christian Science Church of Palm Desert & Sun City Jewish Services, and accompanies the Palm Springs Opera Guild Outreach Program every Fall and Spring.

Linny Smith

Linny earned a BFA degree in Flute Performance from California Institute of the Arts and furthered her studies at the Royal Conservatory of Music in The Hague, Holland. She freelances here in the valley and is especially honored to perform with the California Desert Chorale and the Hope Lutheran choir.