Santa Fe / New Mexico / United States
he Santa Fe Community Orchestra ( SFCO ), established in 1982, plays an important role in the Santa Fe community arts scene and was a recipient of a 2007 Mayors Recognition Award for Excellence in the Arts. The SFCO gives amateur musicians the opportunity to play challenging orchestral literature, thereby enriching their lives with the satisfaction and joy of making music. Since its inception, the SFCO has given over 75 free concerts to the public with very favorable reviews. The orchestra regularly hires local professional soloists for concerts, and has commissioned many new works by New Mexico composers. The influence that the SFCO has on the community is widespread and extends beyond free concerts. The ensemble reaches out to the community through unique educational programs including childrens concerts, instrument-making workshops, and workshops for adult musicians. In addition, some orchestra members have taken the initiative to form chamber ensembles. These groups have played at nursing homes, public schools, art gallery openings and benefit events. The SFCO also supplies musicians for local choral and theatre productions.
