Jonathan Moore named music director of Central Oregon Symphony
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Jonathan Moore has been appointed Music Director and Conductor of the Central Oregon Symphony. Moore will also serve as Music Director of Cascade Winds, Principal Conductor of OperaBend and Assistant Professor of Music at Central Oregon Community College.
Moore brings extensive artistic and leadership experience to his new roles, succeeding Maestro Michael Gesme, who shaped the Central Oregon Symphony into a valued cultural institution over his tenure. The Central Oregon Symphony has operated for over five decades, enriching the cultural life of the region.
Moore, a respected conductor, educator and advocate for music education, expressed his enthusiasm for his new positions. "I am honored and excited to serve as Assistant Professor of Music at Central Oregon Community College, Music Director of the Central Oregon Symphony and Cascade Winds and Principal Conductor of OperaBend," Moore said. He added that he has developed a deep appreciation for the Central Oregon community over the past decade and is grateful to call it home.
Moore was born in Nice, France and began studying piano and French horn at an early age. He was raised in a family of professional artists. He earned Master of Music degrees in Instrumental Conducting and French Horn Performance from Southern Methodist University, where he studied conducting with Dr. Paul Phillips. Moore also holds degrees in French Horn Performance and Political Science from the University of Florida.
His professional experience includes serving as conductor of the SYZYGY New Music Ensemble in Dallas, Texas. In this role, Moore led performances of contemporary chamber orchestra repertoire and premiered numerous new works. He has also worked as a cover conductor for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and Meadows Symphony Orchestra and he participated in conducting programs such as the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, the Burgos International Music Festival and the Monteux School and Music Festival.
For more than 10 years, Moore has been a dedicated leader within Central Oregon's arts community. He served as Music Director of the Central Oregon Youth Orchestra and High School Music Director at Redmond Proficiency Academy, overseeing significant growth in student participation and artistic achievement. He has also performed with the Central Oregon Symphony and worked with both the Sunriver Music Festival and OperaBend. Moore recognized his predecessor, stating, "Gesme has been an incredible champion for classical music in Central Oregon." Moore also noted his honor to continue the Central Oregon Symphony's legacy of artistic excellence, accessibility and community engagement as the region grows.
Moore's vision for the Symphony emphasizes artistic excellence, community engagement and programming that balances beloved masterworks with music by living composers representing diverse backgrounds and perspectives. "The Central Oregon Symphony is a valued cultural institution and serves as a vital gathering place for both audiences and musicians," Moore said. His goal is to deepen the orchestra's connection to the community through meaningful programming, innovative initiatives and a continued commitment to musical excellence.
Moore lives in Bend with his wife, who is a fellow horn player in the Central Oregon Symphony and their young son. Outside of music, his interests include backcountry skiing, cycling, traveling and playing jazz piano.
The Central Oregon Symphony has enriched the cultural life of the region for more than five decades through inspiring performances, educational programs and community engagement initiatives. The Symphony is committed to artistic excellence, accessibility and fostering a lifelong appreciation for orchestral music throughout Central Oregon.
Moore plans to deepen the Central Oregon Symphony's connection to the community through meaningful programming, innovative initiatives and a continued commitment to musical excellence.
