New Century Chamber Orchestra

New Century Chamber Orchestra pursues its mission to be a virtuoso, conductorless string ensemble, while leveraging the energy and leadership of world-renowned violin soloist Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, whose tenure as music director has seen Bay Area subscription audiences almost double since 2008. Reaching 4,000 audience members through four musical programs performed in local concert halls, in Palo Alto, Berkeley, San Francisco, and San Rafael, New Century enjoys a reputation for innovative programming and is in high demand for touring outside California. Renewed support would enable the organization to deepen its school education program, increase its subscription weeks from four to five, and continue to build financial stability.

New Century Chamber Orchestra is conductorless, 19-member string chamber orchestra. Each year the orchestra performs at various Bay Area venues, offering 16 performances of classical and new music to 4,000 audience members. The orchestra regularly performs with guest artists and offers one-time performances outside of its home season. Its local outreach program serves more than 1,400 youth and adults from 21 schools, senior centers, and other community organizations. This grant for New Century Chamber Orchestra supports the Performing Arts Program’s Continuity and Engagement strategy, through the Traditional Works component.