2026 Northwest Horn Symposium
"Esprit de Cors"
Portland State University
Portland, Oregon
April 10-12, 2026
Featured Artist:
David Byrd-Marrow
Hosted by Dr. Daniel Partridge
A welcome message from Dan:
The School of Music & Theater at Portland State University is pleased to host the 2026 Northwest Horn Symposium on April 10–12, 2026. With generous additional support from the Northwest Horn Society, the event will feature concerts, masterclasses, lectures, competitions, and playing opportunities for hornists of all ages and experiences.
Proposals are encouraged and invited for performances and presentations, especially those that intersect with the theme of this year’s symposium: “Esprit de Cors.” This broad theme encompasses the many facets of the word “spirit,” including but not limited to: breath support and breathing, spirit as a feeling (tempo or character indication), inner dialog (e.g., performance anxiety), and the collective belonging that comes with being part of a larger community of horn players. Please also refer to the PSU School of Music & Theater mission statement, motto “let knowledge serve the city”, and racial justice statement while formulating proposals: https://www.pdx.edu/music-theater/about.
David Byrd-Marrow (Oberlin College) will be our guest artist for the event. His interactive recital will engage with the theme of this year’s symposium, “Esprit de Cors,” a general theme to help unify talks, performances, and presentations.
The event will also feature the Oregon Symphony’s Sunday matinee of Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé. Also on the program are Saint-Saëns’s Le Rouet d’Omphale and Ravel’s Piano Concerto, featuring Ingrid Fliter. Special student and adult registrant pricing will be available.
We will also feature regional horn artists as performers and presenters, and provide a wide range of activities for all hornists, from beginners to professionals.
To learn more about the featured artist, competitions, contributing artist proposals symposium schedule, and to register for the symposium, use the navigation at the top of this page!
A welcome message from Dan:
The School of Music & Theater at Portland State University is pleased to host the 2026 Northwest Horn Symposium on April 10–12, 2026. With generous additional support from the Northwest Horn Society, the event will feature concerts, masterclasses, lectures, competitions, and playing opportunities for hornists of all ages and experiences.
Proposals are encouraged and invited for performances and presentations, especially those that intersect with the theme of this year’s symposium: “Esprit de Cors.” This broad theme encompasses the many facets of the word “spirit,” including but not limited to: breath support and breathing, spirit as a feeling (tempo or character indication), inner dialog (e.g., performance anxiety), and the collective belonging that comes with being part of a larger community of horn players. Please also refer to the PSU School of Music & Theater mission statement, motto “let knowledge serve the city”, and racial justice statement while formulating proposals: https://www.pdx.edu/music-theater/about.
David Byrd-Marrow (Oberlin College) will be our guest artist for the event. His interactive recital will engage with the theme of this year’s symposium, “Esprit de Cors,” a general theme to help unify talks, performances, and presentations.
The event will also feature the Oregon Symphony’s Sunday matinee of Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé. Also on the program are Saint-Saëns’s Le Rouet d’Omphale and Ravel’s Piano Concerto, featuring Ingrid Fliter. Special student and adult registrant pricing will be available.
We will also feature regional horn artists as performers and presenters, and provide a wide range of activities for all hornists, from beginners to professionals.
To learn more about the featured artist, competitions, contributing artist proposals symposium schedule, and to register for the symposium, use the navigation at the top of this page!
Music Teachers PLEASE NOTE: Washington O.S.P.I. approved clock hours will be provided by the Washington Music Educators Association. Participants may claim up to 24.5 hours dependent upon individual attendance. Clock hours are free to WMEA members, nonmembers at the rate of $2 per clock hour earned. Clock hour materials will be available onsite during the event.