InConcert Sierra

About InConcert Sierra InConcert Sierra is a distinguished classical and choral music organization based in Nevada County, known for its dedication to presenting high-caliber performances that enrich the cultural landscape of the region. The organization also places a strong emphasis on music education and community engagement, offering a variety of educational programs for both youth and adults. **Mission** InConcert Sierra's mission is to present exceptional classical and choral performances that inspire and enhance the cultural life of the community. The organization fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for music appreciation and provides numerous educational opportunities for the development of young musicians and adult learners alike. **History** InConcert Sierra was established in 1946, originally known as the Twin Cities Concert Association (TCCA). It was founded at a meeting held at the historic Bret Harte Inn in downtown Grass Valley, under the auspices of the Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce. The organization's inception was driven by the goal of creating a concert series that would feature renowned professional musicians while also prioritizing the musical exposure of children to world-class talent—a commitment that remains a cornerstone of its operations. The TCCA quickly gained popularity, amassing over 1,100 members within its initial months. The first concert took place at the Grass Valley Veteran’s Memorial Building on October 10, 1946, headlined by Charles Kullman, a celebrated tenor from the San Francisco Opera. The organization experienced a period of inactivity with historical records lost for over a decade, but it reemerged in the 1960s and underwent various transformations until 2010. During this time, TCCA presented larger concerts and eventually focused on chamber ensemble performances. In 1994, Ken Hardin was appointed to conduct the TCCA's newly formed community Orchestra Panache and later became the artistic director in 1999, a role he continues to hold. In 2008, under Hardin's leadership, the Sierra Master Chorale was founded, an auditioned chorus that performs biannually with the InConcert Orchestra, now under the direction of Alison Skinner. In an effort to enhance marketing efficiency, name recognition, and to better represent its expanded geographical influence, TCCA was rebranded as InConcert Sierra in 2010. This change marked a new chapter for the organization, which has since grown into a cherished community asset for Nevada County and its surrounding areas. **Facilities and Venues** InConcert Sierra is the proud owner of a two-manual French harpsichord, meticulously handcrafted and donated by the late Scott Mackley, a local resident. Additionally, through community support, the organization has acquired a Grotrian 9-foot Concert Grand Piano. Performances are primarily hosted at the Seventh-day Adventist Church and in select private homes, chosen for their superior acoustical qualities and intimate settings that mirror the drawing rooms where chamber music was originally performed. These venues offer comfortable seating, excellent acoustics, and hospitable areas for both the audience and artists. InConcert Sierra continues to make history with each concert, strengthening its reputation as a beacon of classical and choral music in the Sierra Nevada region.