ABOUT US

 

OUR HISTORY

Formed in the late 1970s, the CONTRA COSTA CHAMBER ORCHESTRA has established a presence throughout the county. When the spectacular Lesher Center for the Arts opened its doors in Walnut Creek in 1990, the group was invited to become the Center’s resident chamber orchestra. After more than 20 years at the Lesher Center, the CCCO continues its tradition of providing high quality performances of varied and dynamic musical works.

In addition to the five-concert season at the Lesher Center, the orchestra nurtures its dedication to the community by providing affordable performances to the residents of East Contra Costa County. The CCCO offers the same programs at its new second home – the historic El Campanil Theatre in Antioch. The CCCO also appears in holiday performances, including annual performances of Handel’s Messiah, sponsored by the City of San Ramon and the First Presbyterian Church of Concord.

The orchestra is comprised of fifty-five musicians whose ages range from late teens to their 80s and are music teachers, accountants, students, electricians, mechanics, homemakers, lawyers, retirees, dentists, engineers and computer specialists. Primarily Contra Costa residents, their only remuneration is the stimulation and satisfaction of rehearsing and performing together.

 

OUR MISSION

The orchestra’s MISSION is to provide cultural enrichment, education, and entertainment to the community through their GOALS of

  • Presenting professional-quality orchestral, chamber and solo performances at an affordable price.
  • Providing opportunities for amateur musicians of all ages to perform in a high caliber community-based orchestra.
  • Encouraging students to participate in or attend performances.
  • Supporting contemporary composers by providing a forum in which new works are presented to the community.
  • Showcasing local, established soloists throughout each concert season.
  • Performing a wealth of works from all periods in history and various cultures, ranging from well-known to rarely-heard masterpieces to regional and world premieres.