PORTLAND FESTIVAL SYMPHONY
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Mission Statement
To present free symphony concerts in Portland area parks for the benefit of the general public, especially children.
About This Cause
Maestro Lajos Balogh, founder of the Portland Festival Symphony (PFS), emigrated from Hungary in 1967 and dreamt of honoring his new-found freedom by offering free classical music to the people of Portland, regardless of their socioeconomic background. Maestro Balogh has been a major force in classical musical education and performance in Portland since then, instigating many innovative and youth focused programs. Our concert series began with two free performances at Washington Park in 1981 and has grown into an annual summer series with free concerts in multiple parks exposing thousands upon thousands of Oregonians and visitors from all over the world to accessible symphonic performances. Fun boundary-breaking concert traditions have consistently built joy and community summer by summer. At intermission, children are invited to meet the musicians and enjoy the instrument petting zoo, where they may touch and try playing real instruments. One lucky audience member from each audience has the chance to take the podium and conduct the orchestra. In 2015, Maestro Balogh indicated he wished to retire, and Maestro Gregory Vajda was selected on his credentials as successor. Since 2017 Maestro Vajda has conducted and led the artistic direction of the group. 2019 planning is underway and Maestro Balogh continues as an engaged Director Emeritus. The PFS Orchestra is comprised of about 60 of Portland’s finest professional musicians, many of whom also teach private or publically and some of whom have performed with PFS since the beginning. We appreciate your support of our effort to build community in Portland and introduce children and families to classical music. The majority of our revenue flows directly to the working concert artists, and the concert program engages, educates and delights Portland residents of all ages.