Oregon East Symphony

The Oregon East Symphony and Pendleton First Presbyterian Church proudly present the Sue Nelson Festival, a free afternoon concert raising funds for the Nelson Memorial Endowment. Featured guest performer Bill Crane will present a program of works centered around the piano/organ featuring special guest performers.

The center piece of this year's SueFest will be Francis Poulenc's "L'Histoire de Babar, le petit éléphant (The story of Babar, the little elephant)" with narration by Carly Elder, making this a very family friendly production.

This special event will take place at 2:30pm, Sunday, September 28th, 2025 at the Pendleton First Presbyterian Church.

Join the Oregon East Symphony at 2:30pm on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at the Vert Auditorium (480 SW Dorion Ave, Pendleton, OR) for the exciting opening concert of our 40th Anniversary Season! The program features Malheur Symphony by Pendleton-born, Hollywood-based composer Chris Thomas — a sweeping work inspired by the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge — alongside Richard Strauss’s thrilling Don Juan. Don’t miss this milestone celebration of community, artistry, and the start of a landmark season.

Reserved seating (floor and balcony level) can be purchased online or by calling/visiting the OES Office (541-276-0320, 345 SW 4th, Pendleton, OR, 10am-2pm, M-Th).

Our mission is:

“To sustain a symphony orchestra, chorale and music education program to enhance the cultural richness of Umatilla and Morrow Counties and the Umatilla Indian Reservation.”