Oregon Symphony Announces New Salem Performance Venue Beginning 2026/27 Season

Portland, Ore., Dec. 18, 2025 — Beginning in the 2026/27 season, all core Oregon Symphony in Salem performances will take place in the newly rebuilt Rose Auditorium at South Salem High School. The last subscription performance at Willamette University will be held on May 15, 2026. 

Through a dynamic partnership with Salem-Keizer Public Schools, the Oregon Symphony will welcome audiences into a thoughtfully designed performance space offering enhanced comfort, expanded accessibility, convenient parking, and upgraded acoustics, while staying true to the music that we all love. With its intimate yet spacious 900-seat capacity, Rose Auditorium will foster a fuller, more immersive, and more engaging atmosphere for both musicians and patrons alike. 

The Oregon Symphony also extends its deepest gratitude to Willamette University, which has been a generous and valued host for Oregon Symphony performances in Salem for many years. The organization is honored to have been part of Smith Auditorium’s history and looks forward to continuing its partnership with Willamette University in new and meaningful ways. 

As the Oregon Symphony looks ahead to the 2026/27 season, this transition underscores its commitment to artistic excellence, deepened community connection, and the shared joy of live orchestral music. The move also reflects a strategic effort to expand the Symphony’s footprint in the region, strengthening its visibility and accessibility while reaffirming a long-term commitment to serving and investing in the community. 

For more information, visit orsymphony.org/salem.

About Oregon Symphony
The multi-GRAMMY Award-nominated Oregon Symphony, led by Jean Vollum Music Director David Danzmayr, serves hundreds of thousands of people annually through concerts, education initiatives, and community programs. With a 129-year legacy, it is the oldest orchestra in the Western United States. Learn more www.orsymphony.org. Follow the Oregon Symphony on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Media Contact: ⁠Pari Patel, Director of Marketing and Communications, ppatel@orsymphony.org