PRO ARTE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA OF GREATER WASHINGTON
Metropolitan Washington DC's Premier Ensemble
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PRO ARTE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA OF GREATER WASHINGTON
Metropolitan Washington DC's Premier Ensemble
- …
CONCERT CANCELED
Saturday, May 4, 2024
7:30 p.m.
UCP Reston
11508 N Shore Drive
Reston, VA 20191
Rossini: Overture to La Scala di seta
Holst: St. Paul's Suite, Op.29, No.2
Debussy: Danse sacrée et danse profane
Annie Ray, HarpSchubert: Symphony No. 3 in D major, D 200
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TICKETS
MAESTRO
Dr. Dimitar Nikolov
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 a 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's 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.Annie Ray, Harp
Annie Ray hails from a family of musical performers and educators in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and began playing piano at the age of three and harp at the age of five. A graduate of the University of North Texas in 2017, Annie holds Bachelor of Music degrees in Music Education and Harp Performance. She currently serves as both the Orchestra Director and Leadership teacher at Annandale High School in the Fairfax County Public School system. Annie is an advocate for providing universal access to quality music education and is known for founding and developing creative opportunities to make music accessible to students of all demographics. Her creation of the FCPS Parent Orchestra helps over 150 parents learn to play their child’s instrument each year and has been featured in the County School news several times. In addition, the program also partners with local music colleges to provide hands-on teaching opportunities for future music educators before and during their student teaching. Annie’s collective efforts both in and out of the classroom have received multiple accolades including being declared “Beginning Teacher of the Year” in 2019 and “Outstanding Teacher of the Year” in 2021. This past year, Annie also created a CAT B Orchestra program to bring the joy of Orchestra to special needs High School students with severe developmental or intellectual disabilities. In January 2022, this program was featured and acclaimed on the cover of the Metro section in The Washington Post. TEDx reached out and asked Annie to give a TEDx talk in April 2022, The Sounds of Success, based on this work. She is an active presenter and has been heard at Texas Orchestra Director Association conference with her presentation Harpe Diem: harp in your everyday classroom, Fairfax Arts Coalition for Education on recruitment and retention, upcoming at the 2022 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, and as the keynote speaker for Sam Houston State University’s Art of Teaching seminar. She currently resides in Arlington, Virginia with her husband Irving, their baby girl Eloise, and her two favorite four-legged hiking buddies: dogs Baymax and Roo. She is an adventurer at heart, and her biggest bucket list item is to one day run The Amazing Race.
Orchestra Personnel
The Artists of PACO
Strings
Violin
Frank Perrachia, Acting Concertmaster
Heather Wong Voorhees, Principal Second Violin
Claire Allen
Jessica Anderson
Sarah Calderon
Kristen Dalboe
Alban Deniz
Eunju Kwak
Jason Labrador
Dawn Levy
Margot Mezvinsky
Carla Moussavi
Ian Ross
David Shavin
Nancy Shavin
Seiichi Takedai
Viola
Dr. Nora Hamme, Principal
Andrew CraneJennifer Bockstege
Carla Deniz
Lauren Haren
Catherine Palusci
Calvin Zubaly
Violoncello
VACANT, PrincipalMeghan Hickman, Assistant Principal
Irina P. Desmond
Jennene Estes
Sarah Hover
Kate Rears
Kendrey Trammell
Contrabass
Michael Rohrer, PrincipalErik Cohen
Kenton Hambrick
Harp
Annie Ray
Harpsichord
Trystan BennettPiano/Organ
Jennifer QuiñonesWoodwind, Brass & Percussion
Flute/Piccolo
Craig Marlowe
Ashley Bowen-Sanchez
Dr. Carolyn H. Oh
Michelle Rippey
Oboe/Cor Anglais
Robert D. Huffman, Jr.
Jane Hughes
Emily Bentgen
Clarinet
Alisha D. Coleman
Elizabeth C. BleyBassoon
Robin GelmanMatthew Ogden
Contrabassoon
Dr. Robert Goler
Horn
Dr. L. Avery Pettigrew
Bernard Baiden
Wendy Chinn
Trumpet
Chieko Matsuyama Reaves
David Ottinger
Trombone
Dr. Huai-En TsaiChristopher Reaves
Christian Marple
Adam Stokes
Steve Ward
Percussion/TimpaniChris DeChiara
Carlos Figuieras
Emilie Taylor
Craig Teer
TJ Maistros
Prashit Parikh
VACANCIES
Violin
Tutti (volunteer)
Please prepare a short solo work of your choosing (or etude, movement of a concerto or sonata -- sans accompaniment) no more than 2-5 minutes in length, plus the following excerpts:
Ludwig van Beethoven
Symphony No. 3
2nd Mvt. – Measure 117 through measure 145
Felix Mendelssohn
Midsummer Night’s Dream
Scherzo – Beginning thru seven measures after D
W. A. Mozart
Symphony No. 39
2nd Mvt. – Beginning to measure 27
Viola
Tutti (volunteer)
Please prepare a short solo work of your choosing (or etude, movement of a concerto or sonata -- sans accompaniment) no more than 2-5 minutes in length, plus the following excerpts:
W. A. Mozart
Symphony No. 35, Haffner
1st Mvt., Beginning - Measure 66
Ludwig van Beethoven
Symphony No. 5
Measures 1-10; 23-37; 49-60; and 98-106.
Gioacchino Rossini
La Gazza Ladra Overture
Violoncello
Tutti (volunteer)
Please prepare a short solo work of your choosing (or etude, movement of a concerto or sonata -- sans accompaniment) no more than 2-5 minutes in length, plus the following excerpts:
Ludwig van Beethoven
Symphony No. 8
Johannes Brahms
Symphony No. 2
W. A. Mozart
Symphony No. 40
- AUDITION REQUESTJoin the fun!
Board of Directors
President & Managing Artistic Director
William Craig Marlowe
Vice President & Executive Director
Alisha D. Coleman
Secretary and Personnel Manager
Dr. Nora Hamme
Treasurer
VACANT
Directors
Ashley Bowen-Sanchez, Outreach & Development
Jane Hughes, Outreach & Development
Dr. Lois McMahon, Outreach & Development
Dr. Dimitar Nikolov, Conductor & Music Director
About
Our Mission
The mission of the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Greater Washington (PACO) is to create intimate, inspirational musical experiences through vibrant music making by the orchestra and chamber ensembles.
Our Vision
To be the premiere chamber orchestra of the Washington, DC area for traditional classical favorites and new works by underrepresented composers.
Goals
- To make classical music accessible to everyone in the community.
- To commission new compositions by composers in the Washington, DC metro area.
- To perform works by women and minority composers.
- To showcase local emerging orchestral artists and soloists.
- To obtain sponsorship to fund the growth of the ensemble
Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Greater Washington
EIN: 47-1663450
Please donate.
The Pro Artè Chamber Orchestra of Greater Washington is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt not-for-profit organization. Your donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
FRIENDS OF PACO
The main artistic drive behind the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Greater Washington (PACO) is the desire to revitalize the classical music scene from within, by re-imagining & redefining the content and delivery of classical concerts. This means approaching each program or individual work with a fresh mind, searching for ways to make the music more engaging, more inspiring, more profound. Our biggest aim is to fill our audience with the passion we feel about our music and create truly memorable performances.
Your generous gift will help the Pro Artè Chamber Orchestra of Greater Washington make music relevant to new generations of audiences through virtuosic performances that combine a diversity of genres with fresh interpretations of classic works.
If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities (chair endowments, concert/full season dedications, underwriting soloist fees, etc.), please contact our Executive Director, Alisha Coleman at (703) 745-PACO or via e-mail at info@PACOdc.org with your inquiry, questions, or comments about Friends of PACO donor benefits.
Pro Artè Chamber Orchestra of Greater Washington
612 West Maple Avenue
Sterling, VA 20164Thank you for your support!
All Checks should be made payable to PACOdc
or visit the link below to DONATE securely via paypal
The Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Greater Washington
is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt not-for-profit organization.
Your donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
501(c)(3) Determination Federal Tax ID Number
PACO is available for hire and/or collaboration. Our experienced musicians and management team are pleased to cater to the needs of almost any project. Whether you wish to hire an orchestra for a function or event or to accompany your solo project or record your composition. Whatever the event or project, PACO can tailor the orchestra or other associated chamber groups to your musical requirements with excellent quality of performance and management. To discuss your project in more detail and to get a quote, contact Alisha Coleman, Executive Director, at (703) 745-PACO or via e-mail at info@PACOdc.org, or by clicking the email button below.
Contact Us!
Don't be afraid to reach out. You + us = awesome.
Concert Venue
UNITED CHRISTIAN PARISH OF RESTON
11508 N. Shore Drive, Reston, VA 22190
Saturday, October 28, 2023
7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 28, 2023
7:30 p.m.
UCP Reston - 11508 N Shore Dr., Reston, VA 20191
Beethoven: Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21
Still: Serenade
Weiner: Serenade, Op. 3 in f minor for Small Orchestra
Saturday, March 2, 2024
7:30 p.m.
UCP Reston
11508 N Shore Drive
Reston, VA 20191
Roussel: Concerto for Small Orchestra
Perkinson: Sinfonietta No. 1 for Strings
Mozart: Symphony No. 40 in g minor, K. 550
Saturday, May 4, 2024
7:30 p.m.
UCP Reston
11508 N Shore Drive
Reston, VA 20191
Rossini: Overture to La Scala di seta
Holst: St. Paul's Suite, Op.29, No.2
Debussy: Danse sacrée et danse profane
Annie Ray, HarpHaydn: Symphony No. 104 in D major "London"
MUSICIAN SPOTLIGHT
EMILY BENTGEN, OBOE
Get to know Emily...
Praised for her “palpable expression of music ” (Alexandria Connection review) oboist Emily Bentgen, is a Winchester area resident, Studied oboe & English horn with Grover Schiltz, Chicago Symphony. Emily has performed with celebrities such as Andre Watts, Dionne Warwick, Russell Thompson, Jr., Michael W. Smith but one of the most enjoyable perks of being a musician is the opportunity to meet musicians and make music with amazing and talented people.
How did you come to study your instrument?
In my High School Band and Orchestra the other oboe player’s father was the principal 2nd oboe in the Detroit Symphony. A great start for lessons.
What drew you to this instrument?
Sitting around with several girlfriends from church who were thinking of what they wanted to play in band. Someone picked Flute. Another clarinet, a sax, piano and another trumpet and violin. Looking through all the instruments the most appealing to me was the oboe which seemed interesting and challenging…I LOVE MY OBOE
Do you play any other instruments?
Yes, Oboe d’Amore, English Horn, Piano and Organ…and recorder, if I must :)
What’s the number one piece on your bucket list to play?
For Orchestral pieces. I would love to play an Elgar Symphony and Nielsen’s Aladdin
What music do you enjoy when you’re not rehearsing?
80s & 90s music, Bach, Dvorak, Brahms
Is there a PACO performance from this year that stands out to you? Why?
Yes, The España October 8 concert and the Soiree Musicale - En Saga - a GREAT orchestral work.
Who is someone who has been instrumental (ha-ha) and influential in your music career?
Arnold Brostoff from the Chicago Symphony
What is your favorite movie?
“Enchanted”, but I love a ton of movies
Favorite food?
WOW! Tough question…Mexican, Korean, Italian, Indian…guess I’m a “Foodie"
What do you love to do outside of the orchestra?
I have several hobbies such as cooking/baking, graphic arts, and hanging out with friends.
Of any historical musical figure, who would you go back and meet?
Bach and Mozart would be fun to meet.
Why do you like performing with PACO?
Love the repertoire, Maestro Dimitar & making music with a wonderful and talented group of musicians.
- CONCERT TICKETSApril 2, 2022
Returning to the Stage Responsibly
PACO is taking part in the collective effort to control the spread of COVID-19. We are committed to helping the local area and beyond continue to flourish and it’s important that we support community efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by implementing certain procedures: Patrons are required to wear face coverings at all times and in all areas of UCP Reston, including while seated during the performance regardless of age. Face coverings should be worn properly, covering the nose and mouth, and meet Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) standards. Neck gaiters and bandanas are not permitted. It is our hope that wearing masks will help to slow the spread of breakthrough cases, particularly of the OMICRON variant.
Regardless of vaccination status, please stay home and monitor your health if you have any of the symptoms of COVID-19:
Cough
Fever or chills
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Please visit this webpage for any updates before you attend your next concert. You can also contact us at
(703) 745-PACO or via e-mail at info@PACOdc.org if you have any questions.Thank you for your continued support of PACO.
Returning to the Stage Responsibly
We look forward to our 2021-2022 Concert Season "Reemergence" when we are back on stage, and live music will fill our lives once again. We miss the interaction with one another as we prepare for our concerts, but most of all we miss seeing you. There simply is no substitute for performing for a live audience that appreciates what you do.
The entire PACO family, including musicians, guest artists, staff, volunteers, is also required to be fully vaccinated. We are implementing these policies in consultation with public health officials, in collaboration with many of our region’s arts community, and in response to patron feedback in order to keep you, our artists and staff, and community as safe as possible.
These protocols are in effect from September 7, 2021 until further notce, and will be reviewed regularly to follow the latest public health recommendations.
Proof of Vaccination
PACO will refer to Fairfax County Health Department and Loudoun County Health Department recommendations for preserving public health. Effective September 7, 2021, the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Greater Washington will require all audience members be fully vaccinated to attend all events. All audience members will be asked to show proof of vaccination, or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of the start of the performance regardless of age. A physical vaccination card or a photo of a vaccination card, along with a valid photo ID can also be presented for entry. Currently, children under 12 do not need to present proof of vaccination, but a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of the start of the performance is required.Face Mask Requirement
Patrons are required to wear face coverings at all times and in all areas of UCP Reston, including while seated during the performance regardless of age. Face coverings should be worn properly, covering the nose and mouth, and meet Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) standards. Neck gaiters and bandanas are not permitted. It is our hope that wearing masks will help to slow the spread of breakthrough cases, particularly of the Delta variant.
Please visit this webpage for any updates before you attend your next concert. You can also contact us at
(703) 745-PACO or via e-mail at info@PACOdc.org if you have any questions. Thank you for your continued support of PACO. We look forward to returning to the stage.SPECIAL PERFORMANCE
While attending our performances masks are encouraged but not required.
A Celebration of Opera
Gala Concert
Tuesday, June 6
7:30 p.m.
UCP Reston ▪ 11508 N Shore Dr., Reston, VA
Featuring Arias from:
La Bohème ▪ The Tales of Hoffmann ▪ La Gioconda ▪
La Traviata ▪ Die Fledermaus ▪ The Magic Flute ▪
Don Pasquale ▪ Gianni Schcchi ▪ Madame Butterfly ▪
La Favorita ▪ Cosi Fan Tutte ▪ AND MORE!
Click Here for
ONLINE CONCERT PROGRAM
ESPAÑA
EVENT CANCELLED
Saturday, May 21, 2022
7:30 p.m.
UCP Reston - 11508 N Shore Dr., Reston, VA 20191Rossini: l barbiere di Siviglia Ouverture
Albéniz: Tango No 2 in D major, Op 165
de Falla: El amor brujo
Beethoven: Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36
Chabrier: España
SOIRÉE MUSICALES
EVENT CANCELLED
Saturday, June 18, 2022
7:30 p.m.
UCP Reston - 11508 N Shore Dr., Reston, VA 20191PACO salutes the contributions of Black Americans to classical music that would not have been possible if it weren't for the events of 1865.
CONCERTMASTER
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 many 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 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.MUSICIAN SPOTLIGHT
MARGOT MEZVINSKY, VIOLIN
Get to know Margot...
How did you come to study your instrument?
When I was five years old, I started Suzuki Violin lessons in Iowa City, Iowa with a famous teacher, Doris Preucil. When I moved to the DC area at age 10, I began studying with a National Symphony Orchestra violinist, Sam Levy. To this day, I never stop studying how to become a better violinist.
What drew you to this instrument?
In college, I was a political science major. My junior year, I went to France to study and met a violin teacher that encouraged me to change my major to become a violinist and teacher. I decided that meant my violin needed to be of a certain professional caliber. My uncle had a violin from 1767 from Mittenwald Germany and he said that he would give it to me. I still play that today.
Do you play any other instruments?
I pursued 2 Masters Degrees in Music Education and Violin Performance. I decided to become a public school strings teacher and it was required to learn how to play all four string instruments: Violin, Viola, Cello and Bass. My primary instrument is violin but I love to play viola, cello and bass when I am teaching at school.
What’s the number one piece on your bucket list to play?
I always say it is the piece that I am working on at the present time. If I have a concert coming up, those are my favorite pieces to play! For example, I love the Bartok Roumanian Folk Dances on the February program. There is a violin/piano version that I have played in the past but I have never played the version on this concert for string orchestra. As a musician, we spend hours practicing a piece over and over again. After a certain point, that music becomes a part of you and that is why it is hard for me to choose only one piece.
What music do you enjoy when you’re not rehearsing?
I love all kinds of music! I love to cook to jazz. I love to dance to disco. I love to drive to everything from classical, pop, rap, and country. I love YOUTUBE so that I can listen to all the pieces that I am going to be performing and can analyze the different interpretations. I love to play my Baroque violin that is tuned lower, with gut strings and played with a swan-tip bow. I love Klezmer and world music. I would say that a great musician always draws me in regardless of the type of music.
Is there a PACO performance from this year that stands out to you? Why?
Exactly 2 years ago in February 2020 right before covid, we played a beautiful concert of French music.(Debussy,Faure.Roussel, Saint-Saens) Since I studied in France, I really have a certain passion for French music. It was the last time that I played with PACO. It was a terrific performance and I would have never known that a pandemic would stop the world from having public concerts. It has effected all of us musicians in different ways. For me, I missed playing live music and seeing my musical colleagues. I missed the audience. That concert will always stand out in my mind because of the music but what it symbolized.
Who is someone who has been instrumental (ha-ha) and influential in your music career?
I always say my mother. She played the violin. She told me that I needed to be a well-rounded person and playing an instrument was part of having a good education. All of my sisters played an instrument. She felt that music should be a part of your daily life but it did not have to be a profession. I pass that down to my own three children and to all my students.
Favorite food?
I love chocolate and can be bribed with it.
Of any historical musical figure, who would you go back and meet?
I was born on Beethoven’s birthday. I wish that I could be in his orchestra and play all 9 symphonies under his baton. I would love to ask him about his hearing loss and what it was like to be deaf as a musician.
Why do you like performing with PACO?
PACO is an orchestra of excellent musicians and an outstanding conductor. I want to be part of an ensemble with high standards. In addition, there is a magic or spirituality that one cannot ignore when you are playing music. When I play my violin, I am in another world and hopefully the audience is too.
MUSICIAN SPOTLIGHT
BERNARD BAIDEN, HORN
Bernard Baiden studied the horn with Virginia Thompson (former International Horn Society president) at West Virginia University, and obtained a Bachelor of Music in 2004. He has also taken lessons with Ed Currenton (Army Ceremonial Band), Ted Thayer (NSO), Douglas Hill, Randy Gardner, and Jeff Agrell.
As a horn freelancer, Bernard has played in numerous ensembles in the Washington D.C. area. These ensembles include the Avanti Orchestra, Mclean Orchestra, Manassas Symphony, Loudoun Symphony, Annandale Symphony Orchestra, Fairfax Wind Symphony, Virginia Grand Military Band, Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra, Piedmont Symphony, Ars Nova Chamber Orchestra, Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra, Catholic University Orchestra, Prince William Community Band, Falls Church City Band, The Capital Wind Symphony and current principal horn of the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic. He has also performed as soloist with Floris UMC, Potomac UMC, and the Alfred Street Baptist Church.
Bernard has an active horn studio. He serves as a brass specialist and assistant manager at The Foxes Music Company.
Get to know Bernard...
How did you come to study your instrument?
So, a little bit of history. I grew up in northern Virginia. Went to school in Fairfax County. I attend Bailey's ES, Glasgow MS, and graduated from J.E.B. Stuart High School. After playing the horn for only a few months, I had auditioned for the high school band and was only one chair away from being the top chair. A few months later during my freshman year, I became the 1st chair for the remainder of my high school years. My passion to excel on the horn led me to pursue a career in music.
What drew you to this instrument?
I actually went to hear Allen Vizutti perform in a master class in 8th grade. At that time, I was playing the trumpet. During the event, there was a brass ensemble with a phenomenal horn section. That following Monday, I asked my middle school band teacher for a French horn, and the rest was history!
Do you play any other instruments?
Yes, the trumpet and violin.
What’s the number one piece on your bucket list to play?
Mahler's 5th Symphony
What music do you enjoy when you’re not rehearsing?
A little of everything, including jazz, classical, hip hop, electronic house/trance, or anything with a good beat and melody.
Is there a PACO performance from this year that stands out to you? Why?
My last performance with Dr. Pettigrew, we were on fire!
Who is someone who has been instrumental (ha-ha) and influential in your music career?
My high school band director, Laura McBride. She opened Westfield HS as their first band director and passed away a few years later after a battle with cancer.
Favorite food?
Sauteed salmon, with grilled potatoes and green beans
What do you love to do outside of the orchestra?
Fitness, and spending time with family and friends. And practicing, of course.
Of any historical musical figure, who would you go back and meet?
Michael Jackson
Why do you like performing with PACO?
First of all, I love chamber ensembles. Also, a lot of the musicians in PACO are colleagues of mine from years past.
MUSICIAN SPOTLIGHT
DR. DAN ZHANG, VIOLA
Violist Dan Zhang has concertized throughout Europe, the United States, Asia, and South America as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestra musician. Dr. Zhang has performed in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, Gewandhaus in Leipzig, Teatro Centro Cultural Kirchner in Buenos Aires, and NHK Hall in Tokyo. In recent years, she has been invited to play with orchestras inclusive of Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, Naples Philharmonic. Dr. Zhang actively appeared in music festivals such as Master Music Course Japan, Bach Cantata Music Festival in Germany, Kneisal Hall Music Festival and International Jungen Orchesterakademie in Germany.
Dr. Zhang has had the honor of numerous awards. She was the prizewinner of the First China Viola Festival and Competition and won 1st prize in the Shenandoah Conservatory Concerto competition. She won the Gold Prize of the 3rd Hong Kong International Strings Competition. She also participated in the International Max Rostal Competition in Berlin and was the finalist of the International Anton Rubinstein Viola Competition in Dusseldorf, Germany.
Dr. Zhang also teaches at Washington Adventist University, Mason Community Arts Academy and Catoctin School of Music. Being a passionate teacher, Dr. Zhang sees herself as a role model for her students, aiming to humble, nurture, inspire, and learn from each other. Dr. Zhang has conducted masterclasses at schools such as George Mason University, Shenandoah University, MinZu University of China, Xi’an Conservatory and Beijing Normal University. Her mission is always to nurture students’ academic success, in relation to their personal goals and journey.
As a collaborator and advocate, Dr. Zhang has had the privilege to serve as artist director of “The Sound of Piano, Strings and Voice International Music Festival”, based in Xi’ an, China. This program provides young musicians with a strong artistic vision and stage presence.
Dr. Zhang received her D.M.A. at The Catholic University of America, M.M. at Yale School of Music, A. D. from Shenandoah University and B.M. from Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing.
Get to know Dan...
How did you come to study your instrument?
I actually started playing the violin. One day during a concert opportunity, I heard a lot of beautiful viola playing by a professor from Central Conservancy of Music in Beijing. Later he became my enlightenment teacher.
What drew you to this instrument?
The tone. I would say viola is such a singing instrument, its warm tone always heals me when I hear it. It is also very colorful and powerful.
Do you play any other instruments?
Besides viola, I play the violin, a little bit of piano and I am taking guitar lessons now. It’s interesting that my first instrument was accordion. I started playing it at three. After about a year, I switched to violin because it was quite heavy. Not long after I stopped playing the accordion I forgot everything I have learned, lol. I also played clarinet during my elementary school years.
What’s the number one piece on your bucket list to play?
Bach...I am thinking of Bach cello Suite No. 1 while reading this question.
What music do you enjoy when you’re not rehearsing?
I like jazz very much! I even exchange lessons with my jazz musician friend during the pandemic. I also enjoy classical, opera, musical works.
Is there a PACO performance from this year that stands out to you? Why?
The Black Sea concert on Feb. 19. Cool repertoire!
Who is someone who has been instrumental (ha-ha) and influential in your music career?
My mom -- she inspired me so much about how to embrace difficulties and cherish life with music.
Favorite food?
Curry beef and potato
What do you love to do outside of the orchestra?
Hiking, kayaking, cooking and watching movies
Of any historical musical figure, who would you go back and meet?
Franz Schubert
Why do you like performing with PACO?
PACO always has good audience. Performing with so many wonderful colleagues is so much fun!
VACANCIES
Audition & join the fun - we've got a top-notch ensemble!
CLICK HERE to request an audition or for more information.
In addition to the vacancies listed below, you are obliged to contact us to audition for our sub-list.Violin
Tutti
Please prepare a short solo work of your choosing
(or etude, movement of a concerto or sonata) no more than 3-5 minutes in length, plus the following excerpts:
Ludwig van Beethoven
Symphony No. 3
2nd Mvt. – Measure 117 through measure 145
Felix Mendelssohn
Midsummer Night’s Dream
Scherzo – Beginning thru seven measures after D
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Symphony No. 39
Viola
Tutti
Please prepare a short solo work of your choosing
(or etude, movement of a concerto or sonata) no more than 3-5 minutes in length, plus the following excerpts:
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Symphony No. 35, Haffner
1st Mvt., Beginning - Measure 66
Ludwig van Beethoven
Symphony No. 9
Gioacchino Rossini
La Gazza Ladra Overture
Allegro (bar 62) to G.P. before Letter D
Violoncello
Tutti
Please prepare a short solo work of your choosing
(or etude, movement of a concerto or sonata) no more than 3-5 minutes in length, plus the following excerpts:
Ludwig van Beethoven
Symphony No. 8
Johannes Brahms
Symphony No. 2
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Symphony No. 40
Meet Irina Desmond
PACO's talented cellist and artist.
Listen & Enjoy!
Paintings available for purchase at www.irinadesmond.com
Camille Saint-Saëns
The Swan
Irina Desmond
Cello and Painting
Edward Elgar
Salute d'Amour
Irina Desmond
Cello and Painting
Ludwig van Beethoven
Fur Elise
Irina Desmond
Cello and Painting
- Be the PACO Maestro Raffle
CONDUCT THE ORCHESTRA!
The Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Greater Washington (PACO) is raffling the chance for one lucky patron to conduct the PACO during the 2020 Season Finale "Espana" concert, Saturday, June 6, 2020, at UCP Reston.
For $5 per entry (5 entries of $20), patrons can enter to win the opportunity to lead the PACO in John Phillip Sousa's patriotic march, "Stars and Stripes Forever." To enter, patrons can purchase entries online at www.pacodc.org, or visit the tables located near the main entrance at each of the remaining concerts. YOU MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN!
Enter yourself! Enter (SURPRISE) a friend!
Maestro Nikolov will select one winner and give her or him a coaching session during intermission to prepare the winner for his or her PACO conducting debut in the second half of the program. Winner will also receive their very own rosewood conducting baton and beautiful rosewood carrying case.
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.
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.
BEETHOVEN @250
EVENT CANCELLED
Ludwig van Beethoven
Piano Trio in E-flat Major, Op. 1, No. 1
Dimitar Nikolov, Piano
Marjory Serrano-Coyer, Violin
Camilo Perez-Mejia, Violoncello
Septet in E-flat Major, Op. 20
Alisha Coleman, Clarinet ▪ Matthew Ogden, Bassoon
Avery Pettigrew, Horn ▪ Marjory Serrano-Coyer, Violin
Dan Zhang, Viola ▪ Camilo Perez-Mejia, Violoncello
Mark Stephenson, Contraßasso
7:30 PMSaturday, March 21, 2020UCP Reston
11508 North Shore Drive
Reston, VA 20190
THE INSTRUMENTS OF THE ORCHESTRA
Maestro Dimitar Nikolov Conducts
"A Concert for Little Ones"
Alec Wilder’s
A Child's Introduction to the Orchestra:And all its Instruments
Educational and Fun!
Awaken Your Child's Mind, Health, & Creativity with Music
Andrea Diggs, Soprano
Kevin Fletcher, Tenor
Matthew Ogden, Bass
and
Saturday, April 25, 2020
UCP Reston
11508 North Shore Drive
Reston, VA 20190We're still planning to have our Season Finale!
ESPAÑA
ROSSINI ▪ ALBÉNIZ ▪ TORROBA ▪ DE FALLA ▪ CHABRIER
Maestro Dimitar Nikolov Conducts
Gioacchino Rossini
Il Barbiere di Siviglia Ouverture
Isaac Albéniz
Tango No. 2 in d minor, Op. 165
Federico Moreno Torroba
Sonatina for Guitar and Orchestra
Manuel de Falla
El amor brujo Ballet Suite
Emmanuel Chabrier
España, rhapsody for orchestra
7:30 PM
Saturday, June 6, 2020
UCP Reston
11508 North Shore Drive
Reston, VA 20190
CONDUCTOR LAUREATE
Dr. Yeong Su Kim
Music director and conductor, Yeong Su Kim is a highly sought-after conductor in Korea and the US. He currently holds positions as a conductor and music director of the Busan Metropolitan Philharmonic Orchestra, the United Symphony Youth Orchestra and an assistant conductor of the Symphony S.O.N.G in Korea. In the United States, he has serves as a conductor Laureate of Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Greater Washington where he has served as music director and conductor since its inaugural season to 2016. He also has served as music director and conductor of the Loudoun Symphony Youth Orchestra, the Washington Korean Symphony Orchestra, and Washington Soloist Ensemble. As a guest conductor, he led Quad State String Festival at Murray State University, Loudoun Symphony Orchestra, the Great Noise Ensemble, a contemporary ensemble, and Danube Symphony Orchestra, Hungary. Maestro Kim often can be seen on the Kennedy Center stages for the Asian American Heritage Month Celebration.
Maestro Kim studied at the University of Maryland at College Park (DMA), Yale University (MM), University of Southern California (BM) and he further studied orchestral conducting degree (MM) from the Catholic University of America, where he studied with Murry Sidlin and David Searle. He also participated in such prestigious workshops as the Rose City International Conductor’s Workshop with Christopher Zimmerman and David Hoose, and the Naples Philharmonic conductor’s workshop led by maestro Jorge Mester.
As an oboist, he was a founding member of Voci di Vento Quintet and has performed with the group extensively. As an orchestral musician, he held positions as principal oboist of the Oratorio Society of Charlottesville-Albemarle, the American Balalaika Symphony Orchestra, co-principal oboist with the Washington Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, American Youth Symphony Orchestra and Debut Orchestra. In addition, Yeong Su Kim has appeared with numerous ensembles as a guest artist, including the Georgetown Wind Symphony, the MidAtlantic Symphony Orchestra, the Los Angeles Mozart Orchestra, Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra and Daejeon Philharmonic Orchestra in Korea. Maestro Kim has collaborated with such world-class conductors as Zubin Mehta and Sergiu Comissiona as well as many world-renowned soloists, including Midori, Daniel Pollack, and Mstislav Rostropovich.
Committed to education, maestro Kim served as a conducting faculty at the Kunkuk University, Midwest University, the Catholic University of America and adjunct professor at the Columbia Union College. He is also highly in demand as an adjudicator for many competitions, including the Asian American Music Society International Competition, the Lions of Virginia Bland Music Competition, and the Korea Times Music Competition. Dr. Kim also is a founder of Ensembles for Everyone, a concert program tailored for special needs audience.
Pro Artè Chamber Orchestra of Greater Washington
1st Annual GALA
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Videos
listen and enjoy!
Arcangelo Corelli
Concerto grosso in D Major, Op.6 No. 4
from the debut performance of the Camerata on October 20, 2018!
Guiseppi Torelli
Trumpet Concerto in D major 'Estienne Roger 188'Chieko Matsuyama-Reaves, Trumpet
from the debut performance of the Camerata on October 20, 2018!
RE-IMAGINED
DEBUSSY ▪ GERSHWIN ▪ MUSSORSKY
Maestro Dimitar Nikolov Conducts
Claude Debussy/Wolfgang Renz
Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune
George Gershwin/Iain Farrington:
An American in Paris
Modest Moussorgsky/Wolfgang Renz
Pictures at an Exhibition
(All skillfully reimagined for chamber orchestra)
7:30 PM
Saturday, September 21, 2019
UCP Reston
11508 North Shore Drive
Reston, VA 20190
CLASSICAL VS.
NEOCLASSICAL
HAYDN ▪ STRAUSS
Maestro Dimitar Nikolov Conducts
Joseph Haydn
Symphony No. 101 in D major ("Clock"), H. 1/101
Richard Strauss
Der Bürger als Edelmann (Le Bourgeois gentilhomme)
7:30 PM
Saturday, October 26, 2019
UCP Reston
11508 North Shore Drive
Reston, VA 20190
PARIS
FAURE ▪ SAINT-SAËNS ▪ ROUSSEL ▪ DEBUSSY
Maestro Dimitar Nikolov Conducts
Gabriel Faure
Masques et Burgamasques, Op. 112
Camille Saint-Saëns
Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 22
Albert Roussel
Le Festin de l'araignée, Op. 17
Claude Debussy
Danse, "Tarantelle styrienne"
7:30 PM
Saturday, February 29, 2020
UCP Reston
11508 North Shore Drive
Reston, VA 20190
ESPAÑA
ROSSINI ▪ ALBÉNIZ ▪ TORROBA ▪ DE FALLA ▪ CHABRIER
Maestro Dimitar Nikolov Conducts
Gioacchino Rossini
Il Barbiere di Siviglia Ouverture
Isaac Albéniz
Tango No. 2 in d minor, Op. 165
Federico Moreno Torroba
Sonatina for Guitar and Orchestra
Manuel de Falla
El amor brujo Ballet Suite
Emmanuel Chabrier
España, rhapsody for orchestra
7:30 PM
Saturday, June 6, 2020
UCP Reston
11508 North Shore Drive
Reston, VA 20190
MAESTRO DIMITAR NIKOLOV
PERFORMS WITH THE ARTISTS OF PACO
Sophisticated, chic & “très cool” programming!
Maestro Nikolov performs solo piano works and is joined by the Artists of PACO. for this classical salon concert. This unique concert experience is designed to attract and engage music lovers from all over the Loudoun/Fairfax area and further afield, connoisseurs and novices, young and old alike. Repertoire to be announced.
7:30 PM
Saturday, January 25, 2020
UCP Reston
11508 North Shore Drive
Reston, VA 20190
HAPPY B-DAY BEETHOVEN!
in celebration of his 250th
Ludwig van Beethoven
String Quartet No. 11, Op. 95 in f minor
Septet in E-flat Major, Op. 20
7:30 PM
Saturday, March 21, 2020
UCP Reston
11508 North Shore Drive
Reston, VA 20190
The Artists of PACO at local vineyards
What could be better than good music and wine?
Season Ticket
FLASH SALE
Become a
PACO GOLD MEMBER TODAY!
Buy now through
July 31, 2019(Extended through August 4)
Save an additional 33% off
already discounted season ticket prices!!!
Includes a new PACO GOLD Membership Card
to show as your season ticket!
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