Oak Ridge Civic Music Association

The Oak Ridge Civic Music Association (ORCMA) is a prominent cultural organization based in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, dedicated to the performance and promotion of classical music in its community. ORCMA's history is deeply rooted in the city's origins, with its inception linked to the Manhattan Project during World War II. The organization was founded by Waldo Cohn, a biochemist involved in the project and a passionate cellist. Cohn began by hosting chamber music sessions in his home in 1943, which eventually led to the formation of the Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra. Over the years, ORCMA has evolved to encompass a range of musical ensembles and programs under its umbrella. The Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra, now a fully professional orchestra, is led by Maestro Régulo Stabilito. In addition to the symphony, ORCMA includes the Oak Ridge Chorus, which is a community chorus open to all interested singers and is directed by Sarah Henrich. The association also presents the Oak Ridge Chamber Music Series, which features professional chamber music concerts by critically acclaimed musicians from both local and international stages. Beyond performances, ORCMA is committed to educational outreach and community engagement. It offers a variety of free educational events throughout the season, including Side-by-Side concerts with the Oak Ridge High School Band and Orchestra, the Adolf King Summer Strings Camp for middle school students, and masterclasses for all ages in various educational settings in the area. ORCMA also provides free admission for youths under 18 to all subscription concerts and hosts community events such as free concerts in the park and the Rock to Bach Music Festival. ORCMA's commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its programming and policies. The organization's 2020 strategic plan mandated the inclusion of music by underrepresented composers and arrangers, particularly focusing on women and people of color. This initiative has led to the performance of works by a wide array of composers from diverse backgrounds. The Oak Ridge Civic Music Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and it relies on the support of federal funding, state awards, proceeds from Tennessee Specialty License Plates, and contributions from private corporations and individual donors. The organization maintains a nondiscrimination policy, ensuring that no person is excluded from participation or denied benefits based on race, color, national origin, disability, age, religion, sex, sexual identity, or sexual orientation. ORCMA's office can be located in Oak Ridge, and the organization offers resources such as AVAZA language line services and website translation into numerous languages to assist individuals with Limited English Proficiency. The Oak Ridge Civic Music Association stands as a testament to the power of community and music, continuing to enrich the cultural life of Oak Ridge and its surrounding areas through its dedication to innovative and inclusive classical music experiences.