North Coast Symphony

==North Coast Symphony Orchestra== The '''North Coast Symphony Orchestra''' ('''NCSO''') is a community orchestra with a rich history, located in the northern coastal region of San Diego County, California. Established as a nonprofit organization, NCSO has been dedicated to making classical music accessible to a diverse audience, including both the young and the old, since its inception. The orchestra is known for its standard classical repertoire, as well as lighter pieces performed during special concerts throughout the year. ===History=== The origins of the North Coast Symphony Orchestra trace back to a rainy night in January 1947, marking its first rehearsal and the realization of a dream by Alfred Williams, Jr., an Encinitas resident. Williams, a passionate violinist and local greenhouse owner, sought to enrich the community's cultural life through music. The initial ensemble was formed when Mabel Hawthorne and Ruth Derby, both violinists, joined Williams, along with George Groezinger and the Streanos, Ralph and Francyl, who conducted and played the cello, respectively. Over the years, the orchestra experienced significant growth, particularly after Barbara Horning joined in 1969 when the group consisted of only nine members. With her husband, bassoonist David Horning, they worked to expand the orchestra to its current size of approximately 65 musicians. The NCSO has had various conductors, including John Frederick Metzger, a former San Diego Symphony violinist, and Dan Swem, who took up the baton as the current conductor in 1991. The orchestra has undergone several name changes, from Encinitas Orchestra to San Dieguito Community Orchestra, North Shore Orchestra, and finally, North Coast Symphony Orchestra. It has performed in a variety of venues, including churches, schools, theaters, retirement homes, and missions. The ensemble has been home to a mix of professional and amateur musicians from various professions, all united by their love for classical music. ===Funding and Support=== The NCSO has been supported by various means, including a trust established from a generous donation by Alfred Williams' daughter, Mildred, after her passing. Additional funding comes from the City of Encinitas, ticket sales, donations, and grants from the County of San Diego. ===Programs=== Under the leadership of Maestro Daniel Swem, the orchestra presents five programs annually, featuring performances in cities such as Encinitas, Carlsbad, and Oceanside. The repertoire includes choral works, instrumental soloists, and special programs designed to engage students. The NCSO also hosts a pops concert in July and a holiday concert in December, showcasing a lighter fare of music. ===Membership and Community Engagement=== The North Coast Symphony Orchestra is comprised of local musicians, both amateur and professional, who often perform solos, concertos, and quartets. The orchestra has collaborated with guest artists and choruses for joint concerts and has occasionally centered its concerts around specific themes. The NCSO encourages community involvement through open invitations to join the orchestra, and it maintains a close relationship with its audience through a mailing list and various contact initiatives. The NCSO's unwavering commitment to founder Alfred Williams' vision of bringing joy through classical music remains at the heart of the organization, fostering a vibrant musical culture within the North San Diego County coastal community.