Composer and cellist Nancy Ives is a musical icon, having “built a career of such spectacular diversity that no summation will do her achievements justice.” (Artslandia) As “one of Oregon’s most prominent and accomplished classical musicians,” (The Oregonian) Ives offers both depth and approachability with enduring and eloquent music inspired by the natural world. “Modernistic but melodic and compelling… [with] a refreshing musical breadth… [her work communicates] a uniquely personal voice.” (Oregon ArtsWatch)

Ives’ music features in recent and upcoming performances by the Oregon Symphony, Denver Philharmonic Orchestra - International Conductor's Workshop, Orchestre National de Bretagne, Northwest Sinfonietta, Lake Chelan Bach Festival Orchestra, Greater Rochester Women’s Philharmonic, Yakima Symphony, York Symphony, Portland Chamber Orchestra, Alaska Resounding, Fear No Music, Siletz Bay Music Festival, Oregon Bach Festival, OBF Composers Symposium, Portland Cello Project, and Friends of Rain as well as broadcasts on All Classical Portland and KBBI (Alaska). She is the Composer-in-Residence for Friends of Pando (2024-25) and for the Lake Chelan Bach Festival (2025).

A relative of the legendary composer Charles Ives, she carries on the tradition of her namesake with modern relevance, connecting historical narratives to current social and environmental issues. Ives’ projects involve working with Indigenous communities to authentically capture, amplify, and relay their stories to wider audiences. Her recent multimedia orchestral work, Celilo Falls: We Were There, traces geologic and human history with “stunning, assiduously crafted, and mostly melodic music… a many-splendored artistic experience… universal in [its] artistic, social and political impact.” (Oregon ArtsWatch) She is a Musical America New Artist of the Month (September 2024). With a DMA from the Manhattan School of Music, Ives is the Principal Cellist with the Oregon Symphony and serves on the Board of Directors for All Classical Portland.

Learn more about Nancy on her website here