About Tilikum Chamber Orchestra
The TCO is an orchestra comprised of dedicated musicians that volunteer their time in order to present highly engaging and musically diverse concerts. Our designation as a “chamber orchestra” is defined in multiple ways:
1. From an artistic standpoint, we embrace the individual’s contribution to the ensemble, rather than having musical direction occur only from the top down; this is demonstrated by our use of empowered section leaders and our commitment to hold only 5 or 6 rehearsals per concert rotation, as each performer takes ownership over their own musical preparation.
2. From a musical standpoint, we embrace playing with a light touch and tone, fit for smaller spaces; when we play on a large stage, we retain this lighter sound so that all musicians can hear across the orchestra in order to connect with players on different instruments.
3. From a repertoire standpoint, we perform music for 10-40 musicians with a conductor, and also feature some smaller groups at times, performed with no conductor. To facilitate this, we maintain a flexible pool of players in order to supply the changing instrumentation of our concerts.
4. From an organizational standpoint, we entrust the leadership of our group to Board members who are also musicians from within the orchestra.
5. Almost all of the musicians in the TCO also participate in other traditional large orchestras, but we come together under this organization in order to perform music that we can’t do elsewhere. We seek to explore the lesser-known music of our genre in addition to popular favorites, and enjoy the unique demands that only chamber music can provide.
Interested in joining Tilikum Chamber Orchestra? Go to https://www.tilikumchamberorchestra.com/join-us/
Introducing our New Music Director: Sam Ross
Pacific Northwest based conductor and violist Sam Ross is a champion of contemporary music and music by underrepresented composers. As of 2025, he serves as the music director of the Grande Ronde Symphony in La Grande, and the Tilikum Chamber Orchestra in Portland, OR, alongside being the Youth Orchestra Director with the Oregon East Symphony. In concert, he has conducted the Orchestra Now, the Metropolitan Youth Symphony of Portland, and the Bard College Community Orchestra; and has regularly worked with the University of Oregon Symphony Orchestra and the Bard Conservatory Orchestra. Sam also works as a clinician with middle and high schools in the Vancouver and Salem areas.
Board of Directors
- President: Phyllis Louke
- Treasurer: Gary Zaganiacz
- Secretary: Dorianne Reinhardt Paul
- Librarian: Cathy Ross
- Dan Crane
- Nita Van Pelt
- Rachel Thoroughman
- Harry Gilbert
- Sue McDowell