Christopher Noel

Artistic Director

After beginning in Eugene and embarking on a musical journey that has placed him on podiums in California, Minnesota, Illinois, Texas, Missouri and Arkansas, as well as overseas in Austria, Germany, and Czech Republic, Chris relocated back to Oregon in 2013 with a wealth of worldly experiences.

Beginning his musical studies at age four on violin, Chris has performed with more than twenty different professional orchestras and numerous quartets and other chamber ensembles.

A devoted advocate and practitioner of music education, Chris has taught at every level in his career. Whether working with elementary string students, conducting collegiate orchestras, leading youth orchestras, or privately teaching aspiring violinists and conductors, the sheer joy of music inspires Chris to pass along his knowledge and boundless passion to all students in his orbit.

As a conductor, Chris is, above all, a collaborator who seeks to bring the mentality of chamber music—the sensitive, nuanced, and organic musical dialog between players—to larger ensembles such as the symphony orchestra. Armed with the heartfelt belief that arts are the heart of society—a universal and unifying force which can transcend political, social and cultural division—Chris pushes every ensemble with which he collaborates toward a genuine and meaningful expression of whatever emotions, ideas, or impressions may lie behind the musical source material.

Beyond his music career, Chris enjoys the outdoors—especially hiking, camping and golf—loves poetry, and maintains personal connections through regular phone conversations with friends, family and colleagues. He resides in Salem with a fellow musician.