Lance Inouye

Lance Inouye is an Associate Professor of Music and Director of Orchestral Activities at Lewis & Clark College. He serves as Artistic Director and Conductor of the Willamette Valley Symphony, Portland Concert Opera, and Lewis & Clark Orchestra. His career spans opera, orchestral conducting, and educational roles across the U.S. and internationally, including engagements with institutions like the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra.

Education:

• Doctor of Musical Arts, Orchestral Conducting, Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
• Post-graduate studies, St. Petersburg State Conservatory “Rimsky-Korsakov,” Russia
• Master of Music, Aaron Copland School of Music
• Bachelor of Music, Berklee College of Music

Research & Teaching: Focuses on orchestral conducting pedagogy, opera direction, and contemporary music interpretation. Active in premiering works by composers like Freddy Vilches and delivering masterclasses globally, including in Thailand and Bolivia.

Awards:

• 2019 Makris International Conducting Competition, 2nd Prize

Professional Activities: Led projects with Portland Opera, Florida Grand Opera, and Sarasota Opera. Served as cover conductor for major orchestras and maintained roles with The Opera Intimi Project in Tel Aviv. Engaged in collaborative initiatives like the Journeys to Justice production with Portland Opera.

Labs/Teams: Oversees Lewis & Clark Orchestra and directs Willamette Valley Symphony, integrating student musicians with professional ensembles.