Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Ballet

 

 

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

The Lehigh Valley Chamber Orchestra (LVCO) is a classical music ensemble based in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1978, the LVCO has become a staple of the Lehigh Valley's cultural scene, known for its high-quality performances and commitment to showcasing the talents of local musicians. The LVCO was founded by Donald Spieth, a music professor at Muhlenberg College in Allentown. Spieth had a vision of creating a professional chamber orchestra that would serve as a platform for local musicians to showcase their talents. With the help of a group of dedicated volunteers, Spieth was able to bring his vision to life, and the LVCO gave its first performance in 1978. From the beginning, the LVCO was committed to performing a wide range of classical music, from Baroque to contemporary. The ensemble's repertoire includes works by composers such as Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms, as well as more modern composers like Aaron Copland and John Williams. Over the years, the LVCO has had a number of talented musicians pass through its ranks. Some of the ensemble's most notable members include violinist Nancy Bean, who served as concertmaster for many years, and cellist Deborah Davis, who has been a member of the LVCO since its founding. One of the LVCO's most notable performances took place in 1982, when the ensemble performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The performance was part of the American Symphony Orchestra League's National Conference, and it was a major milestone for the LVCO, which had only been in existence for a few years at that point. In addition to its performances, the LVCO has also been recognized for its contributions to the Lehigh Valley's cultural scene. In 1998, the ensemble was awarded the Allentown Arts Commission's Arts Ovation Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the arts in the Allentown area. Another highlight of the LVCO's history was the appointment of conductor Donald Spieth's son, Ignat Solzhenitsyn, as the ensemble's music director in 2006. Solzhenitsyn, who is also a talented pianist, brought a new energy and vision to the LVCO, and under his leadership, the ensemble continued to thrive. In recent years, the LVCO has continued to perform at a high level, with a number of notable performances and collaborations. In 2017, the ensemble performed a concert with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra, featuring works by Mozart and Beethoven. The concert was a major success, and it showcased the LVCO's ability to collaborate with other ensembles and musicians. Overall, the Lehigh Valley Chamber Orchestra has had a long and successful history, and it has become an important part of the Lehigh Valley's cultural scene. With its commitment to showcasing local talent and performing a wide range of classical music, the LVCO is sure to continue to be a beloved institution for years to come.

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