Community Women's Orchestra

The Community Women's Orchestra (CWO) is an ensemble dedicated to creating a welcoming environment that engages, inspires, and celebrates women in classical music. With a mission centered around the promotion and recognition of women in the field, CWO has established itself as a significant cultural entity. Founded as a community adjunct to the professional Women's Philharmonic, CWO has continued to thrive even after the disbandment of the Women's Philharmonic in 2004. Over the past 34 years, the orchestra has seen substantial growth, evolving from its original six-member ensemble to a robust collective of more than sixty members. CWO's history is marked by its commitment to showcasing the works of female composers, having been responsible for numerous regional, national, and world premieres. The orchestra has brought attention to the compositions of Juliette Folville, Ethel Smyth, Martha Stoddard, Hilary Tann, and Mary Watkins, among others. It has also featured works by Jennifer Higdon, Gwyneth Walker, Cyndi McTee, Dione Tan, Clara Wieck Schumann, and Fanny Mendelssohn. The orchestra's collaborative efforts have included performances with the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, which have taken place at prestigious venues such as the Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall and the Brava Theater. The CWO has also toured to cities like Santa Rosa and Miami, Florida, and has participated in CD and DVD recordings. The members of the Community Women's Orchestra come from a diverse array of backgrounds, including business owners, graduate students, physicians, retirees, college professors, artists, stay-at-home mothers, engineers, attorneys, and music teachers. This eclectic mix of individuals is united by a shared passion for classical music and a commitment to fostering the representation of women within the genre. The CWO is governed by a Board of Directors and features a Music Director and a Composer-In-Residence, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of artistic direction and innovation in classical music. The orchestra also offers an Assistant Conductor Program and opportunities for volunteers to contribute to its mission. The Community Women's Orchestra is a beacon for women's contributions to classical music, continually striving to provide opportunities for female musicians and composers to be heard and appreciated. Through its performances, collaborations, and educational initiatives, CWO stands as a testament to the power and importance of women in the arts.