Oregon Public Broadcasting

Kenneth Woods

Small towns all over the country have orchestras.  They're often semi-professional outfits, with volunteers, retirees and a few ringers. 

That could accurately describe the Oregon East Symphony in Pendleton.  But few community orchestras would tackle such a monumental piece of music as this one: Mahler's Symphony Number Five.

The Oregon East Symphony will perform the 70-minute, three-part symphony this Sunday afternoon in Pendleton.

Music Director Kenneth Woods will conduct the performance.

He says the orchestra - which people jokingly call, "The Best Damn Redneck Orchestra on Earth" - is unique, and up to the challenge.

Online:

Oregon East Symphony

Marin Alsop Writes About the Challenge of Conducting Mahler