Orchestra Celebrates 25 Years
The Salem Chamber Orchestra in Salem, Oregon will celebrate its 25th anniversary this May 1 and 2 with performances of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D minor. A part of the Masterwork series, the performances will be conducted by Paul Klemme, and will feature the Willamette Master Chorus as well as the winner of the Willamette Solo and Aria competition. Tickets for these very special performances are still available, but they are going fast.
The Salem Chamber Orchestra was founded in 1984 as the Willamette-Community Orchestra by Willamette University Professor Bruce McIntosh. Its charter mission was to provide an orchestral experience for Willamette students and area professional and amateur musicians. Principal positions were held by the professional musicians who served as mentors and leaders to the students and amateurs in their sections. The orchestra officially changed its name to Salem Chamber Orchestra in 1992, continuing under the direction of Professor McIntosh. In 2005, Dr. Hekun Wu became Music Director and partnered with the first full-time professional Executive Director. This marked the beginning of a new era of growth and positive change for the organization. The Salem Chamber Orchestra added more paid musician positions each year and dramatically grew in artistic quality. In fall 2008, the orchestra implemented a new, innovative artistic model, involving a musician-led collaborative structure and a roster of guest conductors.
Now in its 25th anniversary season, the Salem Chamber Orchestra maintains its roots as a merger between professional and pedagogical models, with a core group of 36 musicians consisting of roughly one-third Willamette faculty, one-third advanced Willamette music students, and one-third regional professionals. The orchestra continues its fruitful operating association with Willamette University and often collaborates with other area arts organizations, such as Willamette Master Chorus, Salem Youth Symphony and the Grace Goudy Distinguished Artists Series.
Throughout its history, the Salem Chamber Orchestra has strived to keep ticket prices low in order to make its performances affordable for all who wish to attend. To do this, they have forged close relationships with generous area businesses, organizations and residents. To mark the 25th annniversary, the orchestra is launching a $25 for the 25th Anniversary campaign, urging supporters to consider a one time, or even monthly, contribution of $25 to support the orchestra’s initiatives and show recognition of the valuable role it plays in the cultural life of Salem. Contributions will go towards covering necessary expenses, such as visiting artists and conductors, music licenses and royalties, and sheet music purchase or rental.
To learn more about the Salem Chamber Orchestra, to contribute, and to get tickets for the special 25th anniversary performances on May, please visit salemchamberorchestra.org.
