Historic Hood River
Hood River Music Association Orchestra
7-27-2021
Notes
This is labeled “Hood River Music Association Orchestra, 1953 or 1954.” It looks like a lighter moment during a performance or dress rehearsal. I believe the conductor is Boris Sirpo.
Norma
Susan Eby in front to the left of the conductor. She graduated from HRHS in 1956 and died too young.
PK
Betty Kollas next to Susan.
nels
That's all stringed instruments except for the back row. Wonder what he chose for their string heavy music.
cg
First person in back row on left may be Peggy Jakku. Sirpo fled Europe in 1941 and ended up in Portland. He had friends among the many Finnish families in Hood River and established youth orchestras and choirs here that exposed many children to classical music. His summer Music Festivals staged on the football field behind what is now HRMS featured nationally known musicians and were very popular.
Barbara Parsons
His programs always had Finlandia.