Gateway Chamber Orchestra

The Gateway Chamber Orchestra (GCO) is a distinguished cultural institution based in Clarksville, Tennessee, renowned for its innovative concerts, distinctive recordings, and inspiring educational programs. Founded in 2008, the GCO has established itself as a classically-modeled chamber orchestra that features leading symphony players, recording musicians, and college faculty. The orchestra is conducted by Gregory Wolynec and is housed at the Mabry Concert Hall on the campus of Austin Peay State University. The GCO's mission is to enrich lives through music, and it has been successful in bringing world-class music to the residents of Middle Tennessee and beyond. The ensemble's repertoire includes beloved masterworks, overlooked gems, and works by underrepresented composers, showcasing a broad spectrum of music. The orchestra is also committed to educational outreach, offering programs such as Musicians in the Schools and the Sounds of Home Chorus. Over the years, the GCO has released three recordings on the Summit and Delos labels to critical acclaim. In 2013, producer Blanton Alspaugh received the GRAMMY for Classical Producer of the Year for the orchestra's Chamber Symphonies recording. The GCO's history is marked by significant milestones, including the launch of its first subscription series in the 2010-11 season and the expansion of its children's concert series. The GCO has been proactive in engaging with the community, forming the Sounds of Home (SOH) Chorus to involve the local military community in the arts and establishing America's Haydn Festival. The orchestra has also embraced virtual programming, producing events like "Beethoven250: Humanity in 2020" and releasing one of the first orchestral NFTs. In recent seasons, the GCO has collaborated with the Nashville Ballet to present innovative renditions of "The Nutcracker" and has presented Osvaldo Golijov's "La Pasión según San Marcos" with a cast composed almost entirely of local talent. The orchestra has also made strides in increasing accessibility to its performances through virtual 3D spatial recordings. The GCO's inclusion statement reflects its commitment to addressing racial inequality within the classical music world and society at large. The orchestra believes in the power of music as a source of healing and inclusion and is dedicated to promoting equity and justice for communities of color. The GCO adheres to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, ensuring that no person is excluded from participation or discriminated against in its services, programs, and employment. The Gateway Chamber Orchestra continues to be a beacon of musical excellence and community engagement, striving to make a positive impact through the universal language of music.