About Us
Founded in 1982 as the Palatine Hills Symphony, Orchestra Nova Northwest
(ONN) has become a cornerstone of the Portland metro arts scene. Over the
decades, it has evolved under the leadership of John Trudeau, Huw Edwards,
and, since 2014, Steven Byess, growing in both artistic excellence and community
impact.
Renamed Orchestra Nova Northwest in 2024, the orchestra is known for its bold
and inclusive programming, blending masterful performances of classical works
with innovative and diverse repertoire. In September 2025, Cognizart, founded
in 1993, a leading youth arts education organization, merged with ONN bringing
professional performance and innovative arts engagement together to inspire
creativity, curiosity, and opportunity for all ages.
With concerts and programs taking place in Portland at Roosevelt High School and the World Forestry Center, Sherwood Center for the Arts in Sherwood, and at Patricia Reser for the arts in Beaverton, we are making it easier for Portland audiences to experience world-class orchestral music and arts education programs. All venues spaces showcase ONN’s dedication to bringing exceptional art to audiences across the region.
Mission & Values
Orchestra Nova Northwest is a professional orchestra serving the greater Portland area. ONN cultivates and champions a diverse community of musicians and audiences through affordable and accessible performances and promoting the importance of arts education in children’s development. ONN intentionally showcases composers and collaborators who represent our diverse and changing community and, through Cognizart programs, seeks to ignite the natural creativity of children and support their well-being and self-confidence.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at ONN
Orchestra Nova Northwest recognizes that orchestral music traditions have historically been shaped largely by privilege, exclusivity, and bias. Guided by the belief that our artform is strengthened and made more meaningful when it is accessible and representative of our diverse, changing communities, we commit to changing the narrative in the following ways:
- Creating space onstage each season for all who seek creative expression via the orchestral arts, including, but not limited to, living, local, female, and underrepresented composers/collaborators.
- Adopting systems and practices that acknowledge the varying needs of a diverse audience, including disadvantaged, underserved, and at-risk populations and those from differing socioeconomic, ethnic, and age groups.
- Recruiting personnel, especially at the leadership level, who bring diverse viewpoints and backgrounds to elevate underrepresented voices, bring willingness to expand institutional perspective, and bring balance to the decision-making process.
As we work to create a welcoming, accessible, and relevant concert experience for the widest possible audience, we recognize that the path to greater inclusivity is neither routine nor predictable; we therefore commit ourselves to fostering a culture of curiosity, learning, and adapting for the sake of our art form and community.
(Adopted January, 2020)
Make a difference at ONN
Curious, talented, and open-minded individuals keep Orchestra Nova Northwest going and growing on all levels. As artists and arts administrators, we recognize that our best, most creative work happens when we learn from our diverse perspectives and experiences; we are an equal opportunity employer.
Administrative Team
There are no open positions at this time.
Contact ONN