Grande Ronde Symphony Performs Music of the World March 11 at EOU

The Grande Ronde Symphony will perform "Music of the World" at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, at Eastern Oregon University’s McKenzie Theater, Loso Hall on 6th Street in La Grande. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, $5 for college students and $1 for students younger than 18; physical tickets are sold at Betty’s Books in Baker City and Direct Music Source in La Grande, and are also available through the orchestra’s website.

The orchestra lists the concert as part of its 2025–2026 winter season, and the symphony’s event page and Prismedia note a 7:00–9:00 p.m. running time for the performance. Prismedia reports that the March 11 program will feature music by Ralph Vaughan Williams amid a mix of familiar and lesser-known works. "We are excited to bring to life the goals of our new conductor as the orchestra presents a delightful and engaging array of both recognizable classical pieces, along with music by lesser-known composers," said Alice Trindle, GRSA president.

A public preview event, "Music Notes with Sam," is scheduled for 5:00–6:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, at The Valley Venue, 115 Depot Street in La Grande. Community members will have a sneak peek of the music that will be presented at the March 11 concert while enjoying a beverage and snacks prepared by Chef Merlyn. Also, Ross will share his thoughts on the music, along with notes about the composers. Preview tickets are $10 and are available through the symphony’s website.

Sam Ross is identified across season materials as the new music director and conductor for the Grande Ronde Symphony. "Sam is known as a champion of contemporary music and music by underrepresented composers, and he is exhibiting that perspective in these first concerts of our 78th season," said Alice Trindle, GRSA president, noting Ross’s programming approach that blends well-known and lesser-known repertoire.

The symphony’s calendar lists other 2025–2026 events for Baker County audiences, including a chamber concert Feb. 21 at Press Room Coffee & Books, a chamber concert April 11 at The Pettit Home, a spring concert May 27 at McKenzie Theater and a June 20 chamber concert at Haines United Methodist Church. The organization offers a "Grace Notes" program with special family and group pricing; organizers ask patrons seeking that pricing to contact info@granderondesymphony.org. Support and endowment pages on the symphony site outline donor options for residents who want to sustain the local orchestra.

With $1 tickets for students under 18 and $5 college tickets, the March 11 concert and the March 10 preview aim to keep orchestral music accessible across Baker County while introducing Sam Ross’s season programming to La Grande and Baker City audiences.