Newtown Chamber Orchestra

The Newtown Chamber Orchestra, in its sixteenth year, is a highly acclaimed ensemble performing both period and contemporary chamber works.

Its mission is dedicated to educating audiences to classical and modern chamber music, promoting new chamber works by contemporary composers, and encouraging young musicians of the community. The all-professional orchestra premiers commissioned works, hosts an annual Young Musicians Competition, and features solo performances by local as well as internationally known artists.

As a non-profit organization, the Newtown Chamber Orchestra relies on grants, sponsorships, subscribers, patrons, and contributions from the business community, as well as an advertising section of its program book.

The orchestra is governed by an unpaid volunteer Board of Trustees and is supported by the Newtown Chamber Orchestra Guild, an all-volunteer group who organizes fundraisers, outreach-activities, and provides refreshments at concerts. There is also a volunteer advisory board.

History of the Orchestra
The first performance of the Newtown Chamber Orchestra was September 23, 1990 at George School in Newtown PA. In October of 1992, the orchestra began performing at the Lutheran Church of God's Love, whose ambiance, acoustics and size are well suited to chamber music, but whose hall seats less than three hundred people. As attendance increased, the orchestra was fortunate to arrange for their concert series to be held at the Bucks County Community College Library Auditorium, a larger venue with theater-style seating and good acoustics that is also accessible to people with disabilities.

The concert season runs from July 1 to June 30 with a four-concert series. In addition, the orchestra gives special performances at other sites throughout Bucks County and the surrounding area, including Bristol, Newtown, Quakertown and Yardley. It also serves as a guest orchestra for other organizations and private functions.

Established in 1990 as a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing high caliber professional musicianship to the community, the Newtown Chamber Orchestra was founded by Russell Hoffmann, Milton Schwartz and Craig Smith. It was incorporated in August 1990 in Pennsylvania and granted a 501(c) (3) status in August 1991.

The founding members are still actively involved with the organization. Mr. Hoffmann is the Music Director and concert conductor; Dr. Schwartz is Concertmaster and a member of the Board of Trustees; Craig Smith is the principal French horn player and Treasurer of the orchestra.