San José Chamber Orchestra

The San José Chamber Orchestra (SJCO) is a distinguished professional string ensemble based in San José, California. Founded in 1991, the orchestra has been dedicated to presenting innovative and engaging programs, featuring a mix of contemporary and classic compositions that reflect the cultural diversity of the community it serves. The ensemble consists of 19 skilled players who, across each season, deliver a series of approximately 79 programs, many of which include commissions or world premieres by award-winning composers. The orchestra is also known for featuring critically acclaimed guest artists as soloists.\n\nA significant driving force behind the formation of the SJCO was the local musicians' desire, many of whom were associated with Opera San José, to delve into chamber orchestra repertoire and to explore music composed by living artists. The idea was spurred by a challenge issued in the METRO newspaper by the late drummer Sammy Cohen to music director Barbara Day Turner. This challenge led to the sponsorship of their first concert by the San José Chamber Music Society and the subsequent establishment of a governing board.\n\nOver its history, the SJCO has achieved numerous milestones and has been recognized with five ASCAP/League of American Orchestras Adventurous Programming Awards. The orchestra has produced seven CDs focused on American music and has commissioned and premiered over 170 new works in its 26 seasons. Some of the most memorable highlights include performances for the Dalai Lama, receiving prestigious Koussevitzky commissioning awards, recording at Skywalker Ranch, and engaging in creative collaborations with various partners such as the CHORAL PROJECT and sjDANCEco.\n\nThe orchestra's mission is to share stimulating and dynamic music, both contemporary and traditional, that mirrors the evolving demographics of the community. SJCO is also committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians and audiences, providing young emerging artists with opportunities to collaborate with established professionals. This commitment to education and community engagement is evident in their comprehensive Youth Orchestra Program, which began in 2001 and now includes seven orchestras serving around 130 young musicians.\n\nMaestra Barbara Day Turner, the founder and music director of SJCO, has been an enthusiastic proponent of new music and has premiered more than 140 new works with the orchestra. Her extensive career includes accolades such as being named the 2012 Silicon Valley Arts Council On Stage Artist Laureate and holding significant roles at the Utah Festival Opera and Opera San José. Maestra Turner's discography with SJCO is notable, and she remains an influential figure in the classical music scene, serving on several boards and as an adjudicator for prestigious competitions.\n\nThe SJCO's Youth Orchestra Program is distinctive for its mentorship model, where professional musicians from the orchestra coach young players, fostering musical excellence and a love for the arts. The program's senior orchestra members also have the unique opportunity to perform alongside professional musicians and to work with composers on new commissions. This initiative not only prepares the young musicians for high-level performances but also instills life disciplines and a broader appreciation for the arts.\n\nIn summary, the San José Chamber Orchestra is a vital cultural institution that not only enriches the San José community with its artistic contributions but also plays a critical role in the development of young musicians and the promotion of new music.