The Oklahoma Community Orchestra returns to OC for the first time since 2019

OCO members will perform their first 2021-2022 subscription concert on Sept. 28.

Following cancellations due to COVID-19, The Oklahoma Community Orchestra celebrates the return of in-person performances Sept. 28. The 7:30 p.m. concert at Oklahoma Christian University’s Baugh Auditorium is titled “Together Again” and will feature two pieces composed by members of the orchestra. 

The first piece of music is “Tock for Symphony Orchestra” by Jamie Wind Whitmarsh, a member of the Board of Directors, and the second composition is “Fantasia for Chamber Orchestra” by Richard Smith, a member of the French Horn section. Tickets are available online for $12.50 in advance and $15 on Sept. 28. Children under 12 are admitted free. 

Johnnie West, the president of OCO, expressed her job about performing for an audience once again.

“We are extremely excited about this first concert of the season,” West said. “This is OCO's return to the stage after 20 months. Our last performance prior to COVID-19 shutting everything down was in February 2020. Everyone is ready to perform together again in front of an audience.”

OCO has strong ties to OC. The orchestra rehearsed several times at OC before they were invited to serve as the ‘Orchestra-in-Resident in 1995. Both organizations benefit from the relationship: OC provides the rehearsal space and concert halls while OCO attracts new audiences and members to OC’s campus. West herself graduated in 2018 with a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, revealing just how connected OCO is to OC. 

John Fletcher, the chair of the Music Program at OC, further explained the connection between the orchestra and OC.

“We've had a cooperative arrangement with the orchestra for more than 25 years,” Fletcher said. “They rehearse each Monday evening in our band room, and they present at least a few concerts on our campus each year. In return, our students are invited to participate in the orchestra, and students, faculty and staff can be admitted to OCO concerts on our campus free with their OC ID.”

There are some changes since the last concert, as masks are mandatory for all attendees older than 2.

In addition, OCO plans additional concerts at OC in the next few months. 

-Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Hudson Performance Hall in Northwest Classen High School - Beethoven No. 9, 4th Movement featuring the Ambassador's Concert Choir and soloists: Danielle Harrington, Amber Zuniga, Jeffrey Picón and Troy Anthony Small.

-Feb. 27 at 4 p.m. at the Visual and Performing Arts Center at Oklahoma City Community College - Children's Concert featuring OC Communication alumnus Lucas Ross as narrator.

-April 19 at 7:30 p.m. at OC - Young Artist Competition Winners Showcase.

For more information, visit www.okorchestra.org.