Wenatchee Valley Symphony Orchestra

== Wenatchee Valley Symphony Orchestra == === History === The Wenatchee Valley Symphony Orchestra, known for its rich musical heritage, was established in 1947. It began as a modest ensemble of musicians at the Wenatchee Junior College, then located in the Ellison Junior High School building. Under the leadership of high school music teacher George Bower, the group, initially named the Wenatchee Civic Orchestra, offered free concerts at the Liberty Theater. In 1954, the college moved to its Fifth Street campus and appointed Bower to oversee its music department. He continued to conduct the small orchestra, which performed sporadically to limited audiences. A significant development occurred in 1968 when Wenatchee Valley College received a federal grant of $59,000, enabling it to host three professional artists—Lawrence Tucker, Brooke Creswell, and Dr. Malcolm Seagrave—to serve at three community colleges in Washington State. Dr. Malcolm Seagrave led the orchestra from 1968 to 1976, a period marked by the hiring of renowned concert violinist Camilla Wicks as concertmaster in 1972. Her contributions significantly advanced the orchestra's musical quality. The orchestra found a new home in the Wenatchee High School's 900-seat auditorium in 1972. Following Seagrave's tenure, Glenn Kelly conducted the orchestra from 1976 to 1982. Mike Lee succeeded Kelly, leading the orchestra from 1982 to 1994 and overseeing notable performances, including the Mozart Requiem and the premiere of a piano concerto by Gordon Schuster. The centennial year of 1989 featured a commissioned work by Professor Gerald Kechley, celebrating Washington State's centenary. Dr. Daniel Baldwin took the baton from 1994 to 1997, followed by Adam Flatt from 1997 to 2000. The orchestra continued to grow, with the establishment of the Young Musician Competition in 2011, honoring the late Angela Schuster Svendsen. Dr. Mel Strauss led the orchestra from 2000 to 2004, bringing his extensive musical experience to the ensemble. From 2004 to 2009, Marty Zyskowski conducted the orchestra, celebrating its 60th anniversary with a diverse program. Following Zyskowski's departure, the orchestra relied on guest conductors until Nikolas Caoile's appointment in 2010. Caoile, who previously served as Director of Orchestras at Central Washington University, rejuvenated the orchestra, attracting former players and minimizing the need for external musicians. === Mission and Vision === The Wenatchee Valley Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to leading with artistic excellence and culturally enriching the communities of North Central Washington through music performance, outreach, and education. Its vision is to unite, inspire, and enrich community life through the power of live music. === Values === The organization upholds a culture of philanthropy, deep community engagement, dedication to outstanding musical performances, and a commitment to music education. It serves as a catalyst for local youth and adult musicians, fostering their musical talents while maintaining financial responsibility. === Educational and Community Engagement === The Wenatchee Valley Symphony Orchestra is committed to education and community engagement, demonstrated through initiatives such as the Wenatchee Valley Youth Orchestra and the Young Musician Competition. These programs provide opportunities for young musicians to develop their skills and perform in a supportive environment. === Leadership === The symphony is led by a dedicated staff and board of directors, with Nikolas Caoile as the current Music Director. The organization continues to evolve, guided by a commitment to its mission and the community it serves.