The Pacific Crest Sinfonietta was
founded by musician Stefana Berceanu, a performer and teacher who has lived in the
Portland area for over twenty years. In early 2002, Ms. Berceanu formed a small
orchestra "class" for a handful of adult students, and was kindly offered rehearsal
space at the Pacific Crest Community School. The ensemble adopted the school's name
and began performing for an audience of friends and family at the Pacific Crest
Community School Theatre.
In the Fall of 2002, Ms. Berceanu invited Thara Memory, one of her former conductors
and music instructors, to be the guest conductor for an upcoming performance. Mr.
Memory accepted the invitation and soon began conducting the group on a regular
basis. Berceanu and Memory have since recruited additional talented musicians -
the Sinfonietta assembled today is a result of their efforts, and the entire group's
commitment to the advancement of community music.
