About the Oregon East Symphony

Opening Concert

Bach, Baroque and Brews

Saturday February 4
7:30 pm
at the Vert Auditorium
in Pendleton

The Mission of the Oregon East Symphony is to operate, support, and maintain a symphony orchestra in Eastern Oregon, and thereby to enhance the quality of life in the region by providing to the population of this rural area a dependable source of live orchestral and choral music, with special emphasis on youth educational opportunities.

The Oregon East Symphony is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization established in 1986.

This website is owned and maintained by the Oregon East Symphony
This site is generously hosted by
Portland Internetworks

For twenty-five years the Oregon East Symphony, called “the best small-town symphony orchestra in North America,” has provided Pendleton and its surrounding rural region with high quality musical experiences and events. A volunteer Board of Directors guides the Symphony, which is administered by an Executive Director and Office Manager. Last season we said goodbye to long time Conductor and Music Director Kenneth Woods, who departs for new horizons. Concertmaster Lisa Robertson will fulfill the position of Interim Music Director while we undergo a search process for a new Conductor/Music Director. We will feature finalists in our search for a new conductor during our 2009-2011 concert seasons. A separate volunteer Guild supports the activities of the orchestra and chorale by providing concert receptions and sponsoring fund-raising events.

Musicians with the Oregon East Symphony come from around the Pacific Northwest region to play. They hail from as far away as Portland, Eugene, Joseph, Baker City and LaGrande in Oregon and Spokane, Pullman, Vancouver, Tacoma, Ellensburg, Yakima, Tricities and Walla Walla in Washington. The OES wishes to encourage all musicians, young and old to find their musical roots and join in the music. You will always be welcome in the orchestra that fits your level of performance. Auditions are not required to join the orchestra.

In addition to its regular concert series, the Symphony is committed to a unique and comprehensive youth music education project ( Playing for Keeps) that supports, among other activities, two preparatory orchestras, a youth chorale, a mentorship program for young musicians, scholarships for instrument rentals and music lessons, an annual Summer Music Camp, and free concert tickets for students.