Eugene Symphony Association Inc
Programs
Eugene Symphony Performance Season
In 2022/23, Eugene Symphony Association (ESA) produced a full season of performances at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts, comprising nine subscription Symphonic Series concerts, two single-ticket Special concerts, and two single-ticket family concerts. The events drew a total 19,607 patrons of all ages. Highlights included the world premiere of Angelica Negron's Symphony No. 1 and the Pacific Northwest premiere of Gabriella Smith's One (both co-commissioned by ESA and Santa Rosa Symphony as part of the joint First Symphony project); the second installment of ESA's three-year "elevated recital" production of Wagner's Tristan und Isolde; the Pacific Northwest premiere of The Fretless Clarinet by David Krakauer and Kathleen Tagg, with clarinetist Krakauer in his Eugene debut; ESA premieres of works by Lili Boulanger, Marianna Martines, Lera Auerbach, Jessie Montgomery, Haydn, and Brahms; ESA debuts by pianists Orion Weiss, Clair Huangci, and Pallavi Mahidhara; violinists Keila Wakao and Julian Rhee; clarinetist Carey Bell; and conductors Nicholas McGegan and Joseph Young; and the launch of a new holiday event, the New Year's Celebration. ESA also broadcast its Hult Center performances on classical radio KWAX, reaching 45,000 potential listeners region wide. An additional 14,430 children and adults took part in the Symphony's Education and Community Outreach (EdCE) activities.GeographiesNot indicatedDatesJul 1, 2022 – Jun 30, 2023Source990No causes providedNo populations provided–$2.2MEducation and Community Engagement Program
ESA strives to foster an appreciation of classical music among people of all ages and backgrounds. Through its Education and Community Engagement (EdCE) Program, ESA annually extends quality opportunities for music education, participation, and enrichment to youth, adults, and seniors throughout the Willamette Valley. As a professional orchestra residing within a particularly active music community, ESA also strives to mentor regional musicians at every stage of their musical development and to serve as an incubator for the next generation of classical music talent. To this end, ESA regularly collaborates with area music programs--including the University of Oregon (UO) School of Music and Dance, community-based youth orchestras, and numerous middle- and high-school ensembles--to provide ongoing artistic development opportunities for pre-professional and aspiring musicians. Through remote and in-person activities, ESAs 2022/23 EdCE programs have served 14,309 community members of all ages to date, and have extended participation to residents in six counties (Lane, Benton, Douglas, Clackamas, Marion, and Multnomah).GeographiesNot indicatedDatesJul 1, 2022 – Jun 30, 2023Source990No causes providedNo populations provided––Program 1 [2024]
In the 2023/2024 season, the Eugene Symphony Association (ESA) presented nine Symphonic Series subscription concerts and two single-ticket Specials in Silva Concert Hall, along with two Family Concerts in the Soreng Theater. These performances welcomed a total of 18,838 patrons of all ages. Season highlights included the world premiere of Pius Cheungs Hibiki (Colors of Resonance), a marimba concerto commissioned by ESA and performed by Eriko Daimo; the world premiere of Michael Djupstroms Symphony No. 1, concluding a joint commissioning project with the Santa Rosa Symphony; and the regional premiere of Wynton Marsaliss Violin Concerto featuring Bella Hristova. ESA also completed its three-year production of Wagners Tristan und Isolde, with soloists Nina Warren, Roy C. Smith, Gary Simpson, and Ola Rafala. Additionally, ESA reprised David Schiffs multimedia work Prefontaine (an ESA commission), recording it for future commercial release. The season featured numerous Oregon and ESA premieres, including Schiffs Stomp Re-lit; Handels Harp Concerto with Chloe Tula; Vivaldis Violin Concerto in E Minor with Searmi Park; and works by Hildur Gunadttir, Nina Shekhar, Scott Joplin, and Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel. Audiences also enjoyed beloved repertoire such as Rachmaninovs Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini; Dvorks Cello Concerto with Oliver Herbert; Beethovens Symphony No. 7; and Tchaikovskys Symphony No. 6 ("Pathtique") led by guest conductor Vinay Parameswaran. Additional performances included Mozarts Piano Concerto No. 23 and Mendelssohns Symphony No. 3 ("Scottish") under guest conductor Melisse Brunet, and Mahlers Symphony No. 2 ("Resurrection") with the Eugene Symphony Chorus and soloists Nina Warren and Ola Rafala. The two Specials were ESAs second annual New Years Eve Celebration, featuring vocalist Halie Loren, pianist Alexandre Dossin, and a program blending orchestral favorites, jazz, and a centennial performance of Gershwins Rhapsody in Blue, and the return of Star Wars Live with Episode IV: A New Hope.This season also marked a pivotal period of transition and growth. ESA launched an international search for its next Music Director, following the conclusion of Francesco Lecce-Chongs impactful tenure. The search drew over 170 applications from around the world, reflecting ESAs reputation as a forward-looking and artistically ambitious organization. The successful candidate will join a distinguished line of past Music Directors, including Marin Alsop, Giancarlo Guerrero, and Miguel Harth-Bedoya, each of whom left a lasting legacy of artistic excellence. In January 2024, Dave Moss began his tenure as Executive Director, bringing a bold vision for growth, innovation, and deeper community engagement. With a background of internationally recognized leadership and a strong commitment to both artistic quality and financial sustainability, Moss has quickly worked to position the Symphony as a cultural leader in the region. His early efforts have focused on strategic revenue diversification, broadening audience access, and building civic partnerships to ensure ESAs continued vitality. ESA also completed negotiations on a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with its union musicians, underscoring its commitment to supporting artist growth while safeguarding the Symphonys long-term stability. Together, these initiatives reflect ESAs outsized impact, far beyond that of a typical regional orchestra of its budget size, demonstrating both artistic ambition and deep community investment.GeographiesNot indicatedDatesJul 1, 2023 – Jun 30, 2024Source990No causes providedNo populations provided–$2.3M
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