Eugene Concert Orchestra is the newest ensemble of the Eugene Concert Choir organization. The debut performance was the Haydn St. Cecilia Mass performed by the Eugene Vocal Arts and guest soloists, conducted by artistic director Diane Retallack, featuring concertmaster Searmi Park on October 25, 2015, in Beall Concert Hall at the University of Oregon School of Music.

The orchestra was formed as part of a multi-year landmark project supported by a $125,000 two-year grant from the Fred W. Fields Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation. The project Shadow and Light; an Alzheimer’s Journey in 16 Movements by Joan Szymko, is an original commission for choir, orchestra and soloists. It was awarded the American Prize Ernst Bacon Memorial Award in the Performance of American Music, community division, 2016-2017 for the world premiere performance recording.

The Eugene Concert Orchestra performs with both the Eugene Concert Choir and Eugene Vocal Arts for all of their choral/orchestral works. We are thrilled to have the caliber of this fine group of talented, professional musicians from Portland to Eugene as a part of our organization.