History

Founded in 1932, the Port Angeles Symphony Orchestra is one of America’s finest community orchestras and a vital component of the North Olympic Peninsula’s cultural scene. The Orchestra provides the performers and public of the North Olympic Peninsula the opportunity to enjoy, participate in and grow with the enriching experience of quality, live music. The Port Angeles Symphony Orchestra is widely recognized for its exciting programs and performances, educational programs and community engagement.

In 1932, Ernest Gehrke, Will Taylor and Benjamin Phillips brought the first group of eight to ten players together to play orchestral music for their own enjoyment. Over time, the Little Symphony, under the leadership of professional conductors, grew into today’s award-winning orchestra of ±80 musicians who perform complex works of classical and modern composers.

The upward trajectory in musicianship began with James Van Horn, the Orchestra’s first professional conductor, and continued with David Andre. The year 1985 saw two turning points: the beginning of the Orchestra’s Goodwill International Tours and the arrival of Nico Snel.

Nico Snel was the Port Angeles Symphony Orchestra’s much beloved Music Director/Conductor from 1985 until his death in 2003. The combination of Nico’s leadership skills and musical knowledge led to a dramatic improvement in the orchestra’s musicality. Nico introduced The Young Artist Competition in 1987 as a way to encourage talented youngsters to join the Orchestra. The Chamber Orchestra’s series of Mozart and Friends followed in 1992.

Adam Stern joined the Port Angeles Symphony Orchestra as the new Music Director/Conductor in 2007 after a two-year, nation-wide search. Grammy-winner, Adam Stern, continues to challenge the musicians to expand their ability to play more complex selections. Together with the Program Committee, Adam puts a great deal of thought and study into programs that will not only stretch the orchestra, but expand the audience’s horizons as well. His skill at finding (and orchestrating, if needed) relatively unknown pieces is an important component of making each concert interesting and memorable.

Enjoy the full history of the Port Angeles Symphony Orchestra and listen to selections recorded during the celebration of our 75th season by purchasing our 75th Anniversary Book and CD.