Our Organization:
The PGBMS is a registered non-profit corporation based in Washington State. Our IRS number is: 83-1783730.
Our current Board of Directors:
President: Lee Mathews
Vice President: Roberta Foreman Director: Heather Burke
Secretary: Karen Mathews Director: Dariel Norris
Treasurer: Gary Norris Director: Elizabeth Nelson
Our Mission:
We are dedicated to producing and promoting performances by local musicians for the enrichment and enjoyment of local audiences.
Our History:
In 1985, a group of local musicians, including Gene Nastri, Nancy Cobbs and Barbara Bennett, joined to form an organization to provide performance opportunities for small chamber music ensembles and soloists. They incorporated as a non-profit organization with the State of Washington and named their group The Port Gardner Bay Chamber Music Society.
For over 30 years they fulfilled this mission, providing local chamber ensembles and soloists, both instrumental and vocal, with performance opportunities for the talented musicians in the Everett area. Many of these concerts were held in the third-floor ballroom of the historic Hartley Mansion in downtown Everett. The ballroom had been converted into a 60-seat recital hall complete with a grand piano by the mansion’s owner, Dr. Sanford Wright.
In addition, the Chamber Music Society expanded its programs to include a young artists competition program for local high school students with the winner being invited to perform with the Everett Symphony Orchestra at a spring concert. The Chamber Music Society also played an important part in organizing and promoting the Everett Youth Symphony for many years and had a close relationship with the Snohomish County Music Teachers Association.
In 2010, the PGBCMS suspended operation. Then, in 2018, the organization was revitalized by another group of local musicians under the leadership of retired Everett Chorale Director Lee Mathews. They renamed the organization The Port Gardner Bay Music Society and mounted a six-program series in 2018/2019 with great success. The 2019/2020 season was well under way when the pandemic forced the suspension of the series. In 2021/2022, the Music Society produced three recorded programs which were offered to their faithful followers on Facebook. The 2022/2023 start-up season has included four concerts which have been well received by enthusiastic audiences. A full series of six concerts is being planned for the coming 2023/2024 season.
Contact:
Questions or correspondence should be directed to Lee R Mathews, 417 Wood Place, Everett, WA 98203, by phone at 425.327.3775, or email lrmjr2@aol.com.
