Metropolitan Washington DC's Premier Ensemble
I can't breathe.
The Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Greater Washington (PACODC) shares in the outrage and sadness over the ongoing violence committed against communities of color across our nation recently and throughout history. We stand in solidarity with all of those who are protesting today and tomorrow.
Please join us in publicly affirming your commitment to speaking out against violence, hatred, and bigotry. PACODC is committed to being an inclusive organization that provides a safe space for all who wish to listen, perform, and study music. Black Lives Matter.
ALL REMAINING CONCERT EVENTS FOR THE 2019/20 SEASON HAVE BEEN CANCELLED
Due to concerns over the COVID-19 virus, the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Greater Washington has extended performance and event cancellations through the end of our 2019-2020 concert season. As always, the safety and security of our guests and patrons, musicians, and volunteers is our highest priority.
MAESTRO DIMITAR NIKOLOV
Conductor & Music Director
Dimitar Nikolov, a versatile conductor, pianist, and educator, has conducted orchestra and opera performances in the United States and Europe. Audiences have been impressed by his ability to energize the orchestra and to produce a unique sound within a large dynamic range. He has held conducting positions in the US and his native country Bulgaria, including his current position as Music Director/Conductor of Baltimore Philharmonia Orchestra. Dr. Nikolov has appeared as guest conductor with orchestras in the United States, Austria, Bulgaria, Italy, Spain, Russia, Romania, and Ukraine.
Dimitar began his career as Assistant Conductor of the Burgas State Opera in Bulgaria. Early in his career he won the Vienna Chamber Orchestra competition and had the opportunity to conduct a subscription concert with one of the world greatest chamber orchestras. This success led to numerous guest conducting opportunities with most of the major Bulgarian symphony orchestra and his appointment as Music Director/Conductor of the Bulgarian National Wind Symphony. After moving to the US in 1996, Dr. Nikolov served as Music Director/Conductor of the Fort Dodge Symphony and Assistant Conductor of Des Moines Metro Opera, before his current appointment as Music Director of the Baltimore Philharmonia Orchestra. He has conducted concerts in some of the most prestigious world concert halls such as The Kennedy Center of Performing Arts, Mozart Hall (Vienna, Austria), and The National Palace of Culture Concert Hall (Sofia, Bulgaria).
Dimitar has studied with many eminent conductors such as Ilya Mousine, Yury Temirkanov, James Levine, and Alan Gilbert. In 1999, as a fellowship recipient, he spent a summer in Aspen, studying with David Zinman and Murry Sidlin. He has a DMA in Orchestral Conducting from The Catholic University of America and MM from the National Academy of Music-Sofia, Bulgaria.
Dr. Nikolov is also active as an educator. He has served on the music faculty of The Catholic University of America, Waldorf University, Simpson College, the International School of Music, and the Bulgarian National Academy of Music.
Dimitar lives in Annapolis, MD with his wife Nicole, Princess (an old but adorable cocker spaniel), and Mecho (hyperactive American Eskimo). For more information about Dr. Nikolov, please visit his website: www.dimitar-nikolov.com.
CONCERTMISTRESS
Dr. Marjory Serrano-Coyer
Loudoun County's own accomplished soloist, orchestral and chamber musician, Marjory Serrano-Coyer began violin studies at the Aragua Symphony Foundation in Venezuela. She has studied with a number of noted teachers and has earned a Master of Music degree in Violin Performance and Artist Diplomas in String Quartet Studies and Violin Performance from Shenandoah Conservatory under Akemi Takayama.
She was a member of the Aragua Symphony Orchestra in Venezuela from 1995 until 2001, and Principal Second Violin in the Loudoun Symphony Orchestra from 2003 until 2014. She has extensive experience serving as a concertmaster, including with the Shenandoah Conservatory Symphony Orchestra for several years under Venezuelan conductor Jan Wagner, and most recently has served as concertmaster for the Catholic University of America Symphony Orchestra while pursuing her doctoral studies at that institution under the direction of Jody Gatwood.
Dr. Serrano served as principal second violin at the Idyllwild Arts Music Festival under the baton of Larry Livingston, and also performed at the Castleton Festival under the baton of then-New York Philharmonic conductor Lorin Maazel. Dr. Serrano has performed at such renowned venues as Carnegie Hall in New York City, the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, and the Walt Disney Concert hall in Los Angeles. In 2007, she was the only violinist from the Americas invited to compete in the International Violin Competition Citta d'Brescia in Italy.
Dr. Serrano is currently the concertmaster of the National String Symphonia and the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Greater Washington. She also performs with the Apollo Orchestra in the Washington, DC area, and the Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra in Shepherdstown, WV. Additionally, Ms. Serrano is a founding member of the Loudoun Quartet and Argot String Quartet. Dr. Serrano holds an adjunct faculty position in violin at Frederick (MD) Community College and teaches 5th-grade orchestra at Loudoun Country Day School in Leesburg, VA.
Connect With Us
612 West Maple Avenue
Sterling, VA 20164571.483.8444
Concert Venue
UNITED CHRISTIAN PARISH OF RESTON
11508 N. Shore Drive, Reston, VA 22190
