History

The Eugene Springfield Community Orchestra is one of the longest-lived orchestras in Lane County. Since the early 1960s, it has given local amateur musicians an opportunity to learn and perform. The group rehearses weekly between September and May, and gives three performances per year.

In its long history, the orchestra has performed under the baton of a succession of talented and enthusiastic conductors—local music educators—including Don Loftus, William Tweedy, Ray Morse, Philip Bayles, Chet Peterson, Richard Long, Jonathan Bridges and, now, Tyler Boorlman. During Chet’s 16-year tenure, the group grew from fewer than 30 members to its current size of 70. He was responsible for welcoming a variety of professional soloists to perform concertos with the orchestra. These included violinists, cellists, clarinetists, and pianists. He also encouraged orchestra members to solo in concerto performances.

The orchestra occasionally performs concertos with professional soloists including, most recently, Yvonne Hsueh and the Delgani Quartet.

The Eugene Springfield Community Orchestra took two years off due to Covid restrictions and resumed in the spring of 2022.