About the WCO

We create something special.

As we begin our 61^st year and Andrew Sewell’s 22^nd as our music director, we enter invigorated.

Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra is a rarity, an elite team of musicians nestled in one of the most creative, caring, and daring cities in the country. Founded in 1960, the WCO is one of the elite chamber ensembles in the United States and is dedicated to advancing Wisconsin communities through the transformative power of music. Under the direction of Maestro Andrew Sewell, WCO leverages the unique characteristics of chamber music to bring a wide variety of repertoire to audiences in settings that range from the formality of the concert hall to the intimacy of smaller community venues and the open accessibility of parks and other public spaces.

CORE ARTISTIC PROGRAMMING

Through our core artistic programming, the WCO annually shares the enrichment of live chamber music with 250,000 fans of all ages. In our 2021-2022 season, audiences will once again enjoy the Masterworks Series at Madison’s Overture Center for the Arts, holiday performances of Handel’s Messiah, Madison Ballet's The Nutcracker, and the iconic Concerts on the Square, a cornerstone of Madison summers since 1984.

COLLABORATIONS ACROSS WISCONSIN

Through collaborations with regional performing arts groups and touring performances, the WCO extends its artistic programming to broader audiences and communities across Dane, Columbia, Jefferson, Waukesha, and Sauk counties. WCO airs its entire Masterworks series on Wisconsin Public Radio to 65,000 region-wide listeners. PBS Wisconsin annually broadcasts a Concerts on the Square performance to a potential viewing audience of 537,000 residents statewide.

Youth & Education PROGRAMS

Committed to youth and education programs and mentorship, the WCO engages 2,000 Dane County children in grades 1–12 through our annual education and artistic development programs for young musicians.

CORE ENSEMBLE

Our core ensemble of 34 professional musicians is led by Andrew Sewell, WCO Maestro and Music Director for two decades and managed by seven administrative staff members. The orchestra is governed by a 22-member Board of Directors and supported by 100 active volunteers, who primarily assist with logistics and staffing for the WCO’s annual Concerts on the Square series.