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VIRGINIA CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
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VIRGINIA CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
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Mission
The orchestra’s mission is to perform fine music with highest artistic integrity for the broadest possible audience, within the limits of fiscal responsibility.
History
The Virginia Chamber Orchestra (VCO) was founded in 1971 as a professional touring orchestra, traveling by bus to present performances in areas of Virginia where live orchestral concerts were not offered. In the early 1980’s, the VCO was encouraged to establish its base in Northern Virginia, delighting critics and new audiences. Celebrating the fortieth anniversary season in 2010-2011 the orchestra expanded the reach of its live concerts into Washington, DC. In addition, the VCO has occupied a unique niche among all arts organizations by serving a national audience of millions with educational television broadcasts since 1998 and most recently with free streaming videos on its Web site for students of all ages. The award-winning special audience outreach has benefited the community since the 1980’s.
The dynamic, internationally renowned American conductor Emil de Cou joined the Virginia Chamber Orchestra as Music Director in 2009. Well known to Washington audiences, he served as Associate Conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra from 2003 to 2010 and NSO @ Wolf Trap Festival Conductor beginning in 2005. Maestro de Cou follows a distinguished line of VCO conductors. Their ability to attract highly gifted young guest artists and skillfully lead the VCO’s forty outstanding professional musicians has captivated audiences with engaging performances.
Maestro de Cou’s innovative programs include world premieres of his chamber arrangements of works by Richard Strauss and Debussy. Laudatory reviews from critics in The Washington Post repeatedly affirm the orchestra’s consistently high musical standards: “A focus—above all a standard of performance—that make it one of the most interesting orchestras in the metropolitan area.”
Serving residents across the national capital area’s entire socioeconomic spectrum is a major priority for the VCO. Concerts are made accessible to low and middle-income families through remarkably affordable ticket prices and free admission to all area school and college students. The Virginia Chamber Orchestra’s popular and intimate “Musicale” chamber music performances are held in the elegant homes of distinguished VCO supporters. For years, the prestigious VCO Annual Gala and dinner/dance has attracted leaders from government, business, and the arts.
The Virginia Chamber Orchestra is proud to have celebrated forty-one years of fine performances and looks forward to many more years of memorable concerts. We hope you’ll be joining us for concerts and special events throughout this exciting season
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| Nurit Bar-Josef, concertmaster of the National Symphony Orchestra, performs with the VCO. (photo by Lou Sica) | Metropolitan Opera star François Loup emotes while singing a comic aria with the orchestra. (photo by Lou Sica) |
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| Internationally known classical guitarist Berta Rojas performs with the VCO. (photo by Lou Sica) | Celebrated pianist Brian Ganz and Music Director Emil de Cou acknowledge a standing ovation. (photo by Lou Sica) |