Who We Are

We aim to connect musicians, inspire performers and audiences, and create amazing musical experiences.

  • CGOA provides exceptional performing arts for the cultural enrichment, learning, engagement and enjoyment of diverse audiences and participants.

  • The Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association was founded in 2005. Beginning with the Gorge Sinfonietta (which began in 1979), CGOA has grown to include a number of ensembles, covering a wide variety of genres. Since its inception, CGOA has embarked on a program of artistic growth, increasingly high standards of performance, and exceptional, innovative programming, including world premieres and collaborations with local, regional, and nationally recognized artists, including Storm Large, the Vienna Boys Choir, Sam Baker, Tish Hinojosa, Tom Grant, David Wilcox, Stephen Seifert, Blair Tindall, Aaron Meyer, Kathryn Apland, and Mitchell Jett Spencer just to name a few.

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    CGOA takes pride in, and draws energy from, a large and supportive community of volunteers, amateur and professional musicians, audience members, supporters, donors, grantors, and members. CGOA is firmly committed to diversity, equity and inclusion as fundamental to its organization, strategic vision, outreach and programming. 

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    CGOA's Board of Directors consists of ensemble participants and gifted community members with a passion for the performing arts and the wealth of opportunities, outstanding experiences, and strength that CGOA helps bring to the Gorge.

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    CGOA always welcomes new performers, volunteers, committee members and potential Board members. If you want to get involved, we promise to find you a way!

  • Board of Directors

    President: Linda Hardham
    Past President: Beth Flake
    Treasurer: Andrew Kirschbaum
    Secretary: Eve Elderwell
    Member at Large: Hugh Amick, Fran Finney, Alison Hodges, Lindsey Mittendorf, Margaret Haupt, Dan Kenealy​

    Artistic Committee

    Lars Campbell, conductor, Gorge Sinfonietta
    Dan Kenealy, conductor, Voci Community Choir 
    Michael Paul, director, Jazz Collective Big Band 
    Emily Vawter, Stages Musical Theatre ​

    Staff and Key Contractors

    Suzanne Trickey, Executive Assistant
    Betsy Frazier, Graphic Designer
    Lindsey Mittendorf, Stage Manager 
    Cindy Allen, Bookkeeper
    Johanna Roe, Grant Writer
    Emily French, Social Media

Support CGOA

A woman playing a wooden upright piano in a room filled with people, some standing and some sitting, singing or listening, during a musical or religious gathering.

There are many ways to be part of it.

The performing arts thrive when a community gets behind them. Your support helps CGOA bring music, theatre, and live performance to audiences throughout the Gorge—and helps ensure these experiences continue for years to come.

Get Involved

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There’s a place for you at CGOA—onstage or behind the scenes. Join one of our ensembles, audition for a production, or lend your time and talents as a volunteer. However you get involved, you’ll be part of what makes the performing arts possible in the Gorge.

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Woman singing at microphone wearing a black sequined dress, red gloves and headscarf, in a cozy wooden venue.
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