Cheers for the Wenatchee Valley Symphony Orchestra
By Chris Rader, The Confluence – Summer 2025
Nearly eight decades of music, passion, and community pride — that’s the legacy of the Wenatchee Valley Symphony Orchestra. Founded in 1947 by Dr. George Bower, the orchestra began as a group of 50 volunteer musicians, rehearsing in the Wenatchee High School music room and sharing the stage with student ensembles.
Over the years, the orchestra evolved from the “Civic Orchestra” to the Wenatchee College-Community Orchestra, performing free concerts, holiday programs, and community events across North Central Washington. Early performances included everything from Christmas serenades for downtown shoppers to Handel’s Messiah in collaboration with local singers.
Today, under the baton of Music Director Nikolas Caoile, the WVSO continues to “unite, inspire, and enrich” the region with world-class performances, beloved traditions like The Nutcracker, and bold new works. As longtime concertgoer Jane Hensel put it, “We’re remarkably blessed to have this fine conductor and these wonderful musicians in our community. I’ve never heard our symphony sound better.”