Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra

The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra (SMCO), established in 2009, is a dynamic ensemble that seeks to redefine the orchestral experience for the 21st century. With a commitment to diversity and inclusivity, the orchestra has made it a priority to feature music by composers from under-represented groups, including women and people of color, in every performance. The SMCO has garnered a reputation for its innovative programming and community engagement, as well as for its collaborations with artists across various disciplines. SMCO's versatile professional musicians come from across the United States, Asia, and Europe, creating a rich tapestry of artistic backgrounds. The orchestra's primary Orchestral Series offers audiences a diverse range of music, presented with thematic relevance to contemporary issues and accompanied by insightful commentary from the stage. Additionally, the Secret Chamber Music series brings more intimate performances to private venues, such as homes and galleries. The orchestra has also ventured into cross-genre projects, partnering with DJs, visual artists, and dancers to produce unique events in nightclubs and unconventional spaces. Through these collaborations, SMCO strives to tell the story of the communities within the greater Seattle metropolitan area, using music as the narrative medium. SMCO's educational initiative, SMCO Out Loud, is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of musicians and music lovers by providing hands-on artistic experiences. Audiences can also access past performances through the orchestra's Watch/Listen feature, allowing the music to resonate beyond the concert hall. The musicians of SMCO are a testament to the ensemble's caliber, featuring skilled artists on a variety of instruments. The orchestra's leadership is spearheaded by American conductor Geoffrey Larson, the founding Music Director. Larson's multi-genre projects and international recognition, including awards and competition placements, have contributed significantly to the orchestra's artistic vision. His dedication to equity and inclusion in classical music is reflected in the programming choices and the orchestra's outreach efforts. The governance of SMCO is overseen by a Board of Directors, with Steve Reeder serving as President, alongside directors Marcia Johnson and Andrew Fox. The organization also acknowledges the photographers who have captured the essence of SMCO in images, including Carlin Ma, Dawndra Budd, and Sean Salamon. The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra continues to evolve, driven by its mission to create bold and impressive performances that resonate with contemporary audiences and contribute to the cultural landscape of Seattle.