TCO |

Texas Chamber Orchestra

Where is it going? Where has it been?

Since its inception as the Carrollton Chamber Orchestra in 1985 under the musical direction of Nicholas Paraskevas and now as the Texas Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Artistic Advisor José Feghall, TCO has grown from a small string group to a full orchestra complement of professional musicians performing in various Metrocrest locations. Many of TCO's musicians also play with the Dallas Opera Orchestra, Fort Worth Symphony, Dallas Chamber Orchestra and the Richardson Symphony, but appreciate the 'niche' repertoire offered by TCO. Due to its size and flexibility, TCO has the opportunity to offer works that larger groups cannot readily program because it would mean too many musicians would sit idle. In addition to the standard symphonic works and solo concerti that larger groups perform, TCO has presented such pieces as the Bach Six Brandenburg Concerti, the Copland Appalachian Spring Suite in the original chamber version, the Brahms G Major Sextet with string orchestra, the Ravel Introduction & Allegro, and the Shostakovich String Quartet No 8, Op. 110.

The Philosophy of TCO has always been to collaborate -- to build bridges -- rather than compete with other artistic groups. In 1988, the orchestra first performed with a guest group when it presented opera excerpts with the Vocal Department of Texas Women's University. Since then, the orchestra has performed with a diverse list of artists including the Texas Boys Choir, the Brookhaven College Chorus, The Texas Saxophone Quartet, and the choirs from the local high schools, Newman Smith and R. L. Turner. There also have been numerous guest soloists who have added color and depth the TCO's performances.

Over the years, the orchestra's free Labor Day concert in Carrollton, plus a free program in Farmers Branch, have become a tradition. In 1990, TCO began to offer a series of free informal and informative presentations for people of all ages called Backstage Visits that it continues to offer today. The concept expanded to productions of free educational presentations for children called Kinder Concerts. Concerts also have been presented at the Carrollton and Farmers Branch libraries.

Mission Statement

Having committed to the highest standards of excellence, the Texas Chamber Orchestra is dedicated to the enrichment of the quality of life in our diverse communities by providing concerts of great music, providing engaging educational opportunities for adults and children, and serving as a source of civic pride.