The Inland Northwest Musicians have been performing across nine counties in northeast Oregon and southeast Washington for nearly three decades.

The group formed in 1999 to bring classical music to communities that may otherwise not have access to it. It consists of three ensembles: the Inland Northwest Orchestra, the Inland Northwest Chorale and the Willow Creek Symphony, a preparatory ensemble for new musicians of all ages.

Lee Friese is the music director and conductor for all three ensembles. Alice Massey is a founding member of the group and serves as concert master of the orchestra. Payton Baxter has performed with the Willow Creek Symphony since she was 12 years old and now manages the group.

They all join us to talk more about bringing classical music to remote corners of the state.

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News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2026/08/17/think-out-loud-regional-orchestra-oregon-sw-washington-30-years/