Transformative connection through music
Project Chamber Music: Willamette Valley (PCM) is a transformative concert series and mentorship program that delivers awe-inspiring interactive experiences with engaging and affable virtuoso musicians from around the country.
Artistic Director Caitlin Lynch, a Grammy Award-winning violist and chamber music icon, grew up in the fertile Willamette Valley and founded the mission-driven Project specifically to give back to the community that nurtured her love of music and passion for collaboration. In addition to supporting area students in their musical training through celebratory masterclasses and warm side-by-side collaborations with world-class professionals, PCM donates all proceeds made through its concerts to fund need-based scholarships to support private music lessons for students. The Project’s public concerts feature some of the industry’s most sought-after soloists and chamber artists offering riveting performances of essential classical masterpieces. Powerful, inclusive, and community-focused, PCM residencies uplift the next generation of musicians and music appreciators while bringing people of all ages and backgrounds together in shared experiences of exceptional chamber music artistry. A spirit of non-competition, joy, and positivity encompasses the Project and translates to infectious enthusiasm among its participants and audiences as they learn, feel, and grow through the power of music. PCM is supported by funding from generous individuals, the Morgan McClain Family Trust, and the Ralph Hull Foundation.
“I believe emphatically that music is a source of abundant joy, powerful healing, and deeply meaningful shared experiences. Music provides a safe place to feel - to connect with ourselves and our communities, as well as complete strangers. In a time of great challenges and divisions around the world, my sincere hope is to bring people together to celebrate our shared humanity through our ability to engage with the experience of being moved by the power of music.”
— Caitlin Lynch, Founder & Artistic Director
“Project Chamber Music: Willamette Valley is a game changer. Through this program, students in Salem and Keizer are treated to an up close and personal look at world-class musicians. During the quartet's school visits, our students have the opportunity to play with and for them. We are so grateful for the inspiration and support that they provide to our aspiring musicians. In addition, if that were not enough, the funds that are raised through [their] concert[s] will be donated to the district's orchestra program to help provide scholarship assistance for private lessons to students that otherwise could not afford the instruction.”
— Mary Lou Boderman
Coordinator of Music and Drama, Salem-Keizer Public Schools 2011-2020