United Way of Dane County, Inc.

Last updated on October 24, 2008

The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra's mission is to provide programs of the highest artistic quality for its audiences. WCO performances should entertain, inform and enrich the quality of life in diverse local and regional audiences. In executing its mission, the WCO is committed to:

* Increasing the awareness of, and support for, music written for chamber orchestra

* Expanding the Masterworks series of classical performances

* Preserving and enhancing Concerts on the Square

* Developing music appreciation at an early age

* Enhancing community celebrations and holidays with orchestra performances

* Providing outreach programs to serve more constituents and communities

* Exploring opportunities to collaborate with other artists and organizations.

History:
The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra (WCO) was founded in 1960 by Gordon B. Wright. After an initial summer concert series at the Eastside Businessman’s Association, the Orchestra established a summer series at Madison’s Edgewood College, where it remained for 10 years. In 1970, Gordon Wright transferred leadership of the WCO to David Lewis Crosby, who remained with the Orchestra until his death in 1998. During this period, the WCO established a full indoor subscription season, began touring around the state and established Concerts on the Square®. In 2000, Maestro Andrew Sewell was appointed to the podium. Under his artistic leadership, the WCO has moved into an exciting new era.

Today, the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra is a vibrant and thriving professional chamber orchestra dedicated to providing high-quality musical performances designed to entertain and enrich the quality of life of diverse audiences. The WCO’s debut CD, Close to the Music, was released last summer to rave reviews; subsequently, awareness and appreciation of the WCO’s performances have expanded. The WCO performs nearly 30 concerts per year, including Concerts on the Square®, Masterworks, Sing-Out Messiah, Halloween, Middleton Holiday Pops, Concert in the Woods, youth concerts and concerts around Wisconsin. With a core orchestra of 34 musicians, a newly established $10 million endowment, and a new home in the Overture Center for the Arts, the WCO is poised to heighten its profile as one of the finest chamber orchestras in the country.

Contact person: Ericka Balgord, Development Manager, (608) 257-0638, (email)
Office fax number: (608) 257-0611

Address:

321 E. Main Street
Madison, WI 53719
(See a map)

Web Site: http://www.wcoconcerts.org/

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