About the Orchestra

In its 34th year, the college/community orchestra at the University of Mary Washington is one of the most successful organizations on campus, boasting approximately 90 members (60 students, 30 community members). The orchestra is also highly respected for its musicianship and its mission to support students and the Fredericksburg community.

The orchestra performs four concerts annually, including a Masterworks program, the December POPS concert (a Fredericksburg "must do," ), a "Musical Mix" concert, and an April Celebrity Series. Recent performances include a Carnegie Hall concert, a POPS "Once Upon a Sleigh Ride"- tribute to Leroy Anderson, and Celebrity Series concerts featuring Marvin Hamlisch and the Canadian Brass.

The orchestra program enjoys remarkable community support, with a 250-member "Friends of the Orchestra" and financial support that has generated over $500,000.00 in endowments to finance student scholarships. This year, over $26,500 in scholarships were given to orchestra students. The string faculty includes a retired National Symphony Orchestra violinist, and several locally-known teachers, all of whom regularly perform with the orchestra.

Dr. Bartram's vision for the orchestra includes creating the new "Composer's Project" that routinely commissions composers to write new music for the orchestra (the premiere work to be performed at the college's 2008 Centennial Celebration); creating a unique concert series that brings in world-class artists to perform the orchestra (this year to feature the Canadian Brass); forging ties with local arts groups and businesses; and businesses; and increasing student scholarship funds. With an established record of excellence, vision for the future, the University of Mary Washington Community Orchestra will continue to add prestige to the university and the Fredericksburg community.

Click Here for highlights of some of the orchestras more memorable performances.