Oregon Symphony Associations in Salem, Portland combine
Abby Luschei
For 63 years, the Oregon Symphony Association in Salem and the Oregon Symphony Association, based in Portland, have worked closely together but remained separate organizations.
This relationship didn't make sense to Laura Aguero, the executive director of the Oregon Symphony Association in Salem.
"It was like we were a PTA to a high school and yet we were not attached to that high school," she said. "We were supporting this (organization), but kind of just like floating out on our own."
That's no longer the case.
Groups will remain separate nonprofits
Scott Showalter, the president of the Oregon Symphony Association, announced the consolidation of the Oregon Symphony Association in Salem with their organization on Wednesday, Oct. 10.
Plans to align the two nonprofits were put into place more than two years ago when the Oregon Symphony Association in Salem had a decision to make after more than six decades of operation: "fade away gracefully or level up" — they chose the latter.
The two will remain separate nonprofit organizations but operate as one entity. With the consolidation complete, they will now be able to take advantage of revenue and double down on outreach and partnerships.
"For this year, it is really business as usual," Showalter said. "It will be a process of bringing some of our systems, primarily around marketing and development, to Salem."
Next year, there will be a more consolidated budget and planning. Through the consolidation, they plan to expand outreach programs to local communities in Salem and the Mid-Valley.
As for what they bring to the stage, Aguero said they will bring the same level of quality — "world class performers and top-notch musicians" — but will hopefully begin to diversify the program.
For example, venturing into pop and chamber works, featuring more solo performances, doing more presentations and "two-fers," where one act will perform in both Portland and Salem.
With the backing of the Portland association, the Oregon Symphony Association in Salem can now take a stronger approach to their mission statement.
"To enrich the cultural life of the Mid-Willamette Valley," Aguero said. "I think that it’s a really exciting time for our area in the arts."
Abby Luschei is the entertainment reporter for the Statesman Journal; she can be reached at aluschei@statesmanjournal.com or 503-399-6747. Follow her on Twitter @abbyluschei or facebook.com/luscheiabby.
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