Note: friends Lori Barian and Lance Lundquist asked if I would run this story. I said, sure. The Whidbey Island Orchestra is welcome to all and is composed of players on strings, brass, winds and percussion. All photos shared by WIO–Kate
Whidbey Island Orchestra, your community orchestra, is pleased to announce its 2025-2026 season and its new principal conductor, James Hinkley.
The first concert of the season, titled Unfinished Business, will include Franz Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony, and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, by Paul Dukas. The concerts will be performed at two different times and locations:
Friday, October 10, 7pm, Island Church, Langley, and Sunday October 12, 3pm, Trinity Lutheran, Freeland. As a nonprofit organization supported by member dues and donations, WIO invites donations from the audience at the event.
James conducting a rehearsal
In its 19th year, WIO recently awarded former conductor Dr. Cynthia Morrow the title of Principal Conductor Emerita. She had served as Principal Conductor since 2015. After suffering a stroke in August, 2024, Dr. Morrow turned the conductor’s baton over to Assistant Conductor James Hinkley. James Hinkley led the orchestra through the 2024-2025 concert year, and was named Principal Conductor in May, 2025.
Dr. Cynthia Morrow conducted the WIO from 2015 through 2024
James Hinkley is an accomplished cellist and composer, who has been active in the local music scene for many years.
James Hinkley a prolific composer and top notch cellist
Recently he served seven seasons as principal cellist of the Saratoga Orchestra, and last year he played Tevye, the lead in Fiddler on the Roof at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts.
James is also the director for the annual Film Festival at WICA. He brings an engaging, story-filled approach to his conducting role, which is appreciated by audiences and orchestra members alike.
WIO will be renewing its focus on cultivating young, student players, and is always welcoming new members. Please visit the orchestra’s website for more information: whidbeyorchestras.org.
Save these dates for the WIO holiday concerts in 2025:
Friday, December 12, 7pm, Island Church, Langley
Sunday, December 14, 3pm, Trinity Lutheran, Freeland
