Orchestra History

Founded in 1962 under the leadership of Del Milne, the Salem Pops Orchestra performs four concerts each season. Orchestra members are all volunteers and range in age from high school through senior citizen. Former conductors include Russ Wittmer, Michael Hawkins, Madison Vick and John Radosta. Larry Harrington began his tenure as conductor and musical director with the 2002/2003 performance season. The Salem Pops Orchestra is registered as a nonprofit corporation with the State of Oregon and is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.