History

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Our Mission

The Beaverton Chamber Symphony’s mission is to provide an opportunity for local musicians who are passionate about classical music to come together and create a musical experience that can be shared with the
community through quality live performances at an affordable price. The Symphony is committed to enriching the performing arts culture of the Beaverton area and making classical music accessible to the broadest possible
audience.

Our History

The Beaverton Chamber Symphony was founded in 1984 by Dr. Charles Encell, based on the philosophy that the group would provide a place for amateur musicians to play great music and share it with the Beaverton community at affordable prices. For nearly twenty-five years Dr. Encell led the group of approximately 50 local musicians in three concerts a year, performing a broad variety of classical music to entertain audiences and challenge and grow the players, all while keeping ticket prices at just $5.

When Encell retired in the spring of 2008, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Beaverton Arts
Commission for his work establishing and leading the Beaverton Chamber Symphonys for more than two decades. Over the course of the 2008-09 season the orchestra's Board of Directors conducted a search for a new Music Director to replace Encell. Each of the final three candidates (all local) was invited to guest-conduct a concert during the season, and ultimately Travis Hatton was selected. He took over leadership of the group during the summer of 2009, and his first appearance was leading the orchestra's 25th anniversary concert in the fall of 2009.