Press Release

For Immediate Release: November 2013

The Newtown Chamber Orchestra is proud to be among the excellent arts organizations contributing to the rich cultural tradition of Bucks County. Founded in 1990 by Russell Hoffmann (music director/conductor), Milton Schwartz (concertmaster) and Craig Smith (principal French horn player), the Orchestra offers a selection of classical music repertoire suited to small orchestra. In 2001, under the baton of Hoffmann, NCO had the distinct honor as the only American professional chamber orchestra to have performed for the Santander International Music Festival, Spain.
The Orchestra’s mission is to:

  • Present an intimate and culturally enriching experience of chamber music for audiences of all ages and varying levels of music knowledge.
  • To provide a greater understanding and enjoyment of classical music, traditional and contemporary, and to retain and celebrate our musical heritage.
  • To partner with neighboring school districts to educate and nurture children in the living arts by providing free family classical concerts, in-school performances, and recognition of young musicians in the community.

In an effort to promote classical music, the NCO offers three youth programs:  Kids Connect to the Classics, an annual Free Family Concert held at Pennsbury High School East in Fairless Hills, PA.  Collaborating with the Pennsbury Partners Program, NCO presents this concert for elementary aged children and their families. The intent of the concert is to enhance the educational experience of elementary school children by stimulating and nurturing the enjoyment of classical music in an appropriate orchestral setting.

NCO continues its tradition of community outreach and education with the annual Young Musicians Competition for high school students. For twenty-one seasons the area’s most talented young people in grades 9-12 audition for the opportunity to perform as a soloist at an NCO concert.  Qualified high school students who study strings, woodwinds, brass or piano are encouraged to audition for this unique experience.  Additional information, applications, and repertoire can be found at the NCO website www.newtownchamberorchestra.org or by calling 267-291-4626.

Collaborating with the Pennsbury Partners Program, the Musicians in the Schools project brings into the classroom NCO musicians who donate their time, to interact, perform and discuss music at any age appropriate level.

Celebrating its 24th concert season, the Orchestra will perform its second concert of the season, “Soloists on Stage,” on Sunday, January 19, 2014. Music Lovers will also take pleasure in the next concert, “A Night at The Opera & More!”—Sunday, March 30, 2014. Concerts are held at 7 PM at the Lutheran Church of God’s Love, 791 Newtown-Yardley Road, Newtown, PA  18940.

The Newtown Chamber Orchestra is a non-profit organization proudly contributing to the rich cultural tradition of Bucks County. Individual concert tickets are: Adults $25; Seniors $20; Students and Children are admitted free. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance through our website (address below). There will be open seating, and complimentary refreshments are served at all concerts.


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