History

symphony09 (53K)

Photo by Joe Cantrell


Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1982 by Jerry Luedders at Lewis and Clark College. PSU Professor John Trudeau then led the orchestra for fourteen years. Huw Edwards served as Music Director and Conductor for twelve seasons (2000-2012). Having flourished and matured artistically over the past 30 seasons, it is now composed of many of the finest musicians in the metropolitan Portland community.

Mission Statement

Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra is a not-for-profit service organization dedicated to presenting quality performances of standard, worthy but rarely performed, and new orchestral repertoire. The orchestra features regional composers, soloists, and musicians both professional and semi-professional. Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra brings together musicians and audiences in friendly, affordable, and accessible concert experiences.

Huw Edwards (12K)

Huw Edwards, Conductor Emeritus
& Principal Guest Conductor

PCSO recognizes and appreciates the wealth of experience and expertise that Huw Edwards brought to Portland Columbia Symphony during his tenure. After twelve succesful seasons, Huw has stepped down as Music Director of PCSO but has been named Conductor Emeritus & Principal Guest Conductor.

As of August 2012, the Search Committee composed of PCSO players and Board Members has hired guest conductors for the 2012-2013 season and announced the position as a part of the formal conductor search in 2013-2014.

Mr. Edwards remains the conductor of the Olympia Symphony Orchestra and was recently appointed the Conductor of University of Puget Sound.