Music Company Orchestra

The Music Company Orchestra (MCO) is a volunteer community orchestra that was incorporated in 1974. With a 60-piece ensemble, the MCO is composed of individuals from various backgrounds who share a passion for music. Under the baton of Dr. Gerald Lanoue, the orchestra performs a diverse repertoire that spans classical masterpieces and popular pops music. The MCO is committed to enriching the cultural landscape of the greater Capital Region by offering live orchestral performances to a broad audience. The orchestra prides itself on making concerts accessible to everyone, often providing free performances to the public. In addition to entertaining audiences, the MCO invests in the future of music by awarding scholarships to musically gifted students from three regional high schools. The orchestra's conductor, Dr. Gerald Lanoue, is an accomplished musician and educator with an extensive background in music. He received his undergraduate education at the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, New York, and went on to earn both a master's degree and a doctorate. Dr. Lanoue has studied conducting with notable figures such as Douglas Lowry, the former Dean of the Eastman School of Music, and John Barnett, associate conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. In addition to his leadership role with the MCO, Dr. Lanoue has served on the faculties of Riverside Community College and Santa Monica College. As a performer, he has played as the principal bassoonist with several orchestras, including the Bakersfield Symphony, Los Angeles Classical Ballet, Redlands Symphony, and the American Youth Symphony. His performances have been under the direction of esteemed conductors like Daniel Lewis, Yehuda Gilad, Jerry Goldsmith, and Zubin Mehta. The MCO encourages community engagement through various initiatives, including inviting individuals to join the Friends of the MCO, make donations, and follow their activities on platforms like their YouTube channel and Facebook page. The organization's commitment to music education and community service is evident in their efforts to reach audiences of all ages and economic backgrounds, ensuring that the joy of orchestral music is shared with as many people as possible.