The PSU Orchestra in performance

The Portland State University Orchestra consists of music performance and music education majors, as well as students who are studying a wide range of subjects at PSU.

Adventurous Programming

Each year, the PSU Orchestra presents a series of events on campus and throughout the Portland area, including ballet, opera, and concert performances. Highlights include music of Mahler and Frank Zappa at the Crystal Ballroom, a centennial performance of Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring, an evening of opera arias with Pink Martini singer China Forbes, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the PSU Choirs, Messiaen’s Oiseaux exotiques with Orli Shaham, as well as ballets and operas of Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, and Ravel.

For more information or to schedule an audition, please email the music director, Ken Selden: kselden@pdx.edu.

Orchestra students relaxing with their instruments after a performance

A Unique Musical Community

As a member of the PSU Orchestra you will become part of a unique community of musicians. Students within the orchestra frequently form strong artistic bonds, and collaborate on other projects and ensembles throughout their college career and beyond.

Ken Selden headshot

Ken Selden - Orchestra Conductor

Ken Selden was appointed conductor and music director of the Symphony Orchestra and New Music Ensemble at Portland State University in fall 2006. Under his direction, the PSU Symphony has received three awards in Adventurous Programming from ASCAP and the League of American Orchestras.

Top banner photo of Ken Selden conducting was taken by Blaine Covert.