Tucson's Oldest Community Orchestra
Founded in 1975, the Civic Orchestra of Tucson is a 60-piece volunteer community orchestra presenting free concerts to residents of Tucson and Southern Arizona. Our concerts enrich the cultural life of the greater Tucson area and are easily accessible to the elderly and physically challenged. Soloists are well-known musicians from Tucson and across the country as well as the winners of our Young Artists' Competition. Each year we partner with the young dancers from Dancing in the Streets Arizona by providing live orchestral music for their production of The Nutcracker ballet. Our Pops concerts are filled with familiar tunes that all ages will enjoy.
Highlights of our 2013-2014 season include music by Bach, Beethoven, Dukas, Mendelssohn, Berlioz, Poulenc, and much more. We offer you music inspired by Shakespeare, gifts of music, and music from France. Please visit our concert schedule page for more information.
Our Commitment to Youth
The COT is dedicated to encouraging young musicians through innovative educational programs. At our Instrument Petting Zoos, children enjoy a hands-on musical experience as they hold and play a variety of instruments. COT also plays a critical role in cultivating local and statewide musical talent by sponsoring an annual Young Artists' Competition.
Read the list of winners of our 29th Young Artists' Competition, held January 19, 2013!
Rehearsals
Rehearsals for the COT are held on Tuesdays from 7:00 to 9:30 PM at the Tucson Jewish Community Center, located at River Road and Dodge Blvd. The season runs from the end of August through mid-May.
Musicians Welcome
The COT provides local musicians with an opportunity to play in a full symphony orchestra. If you are a musician who enjoys playing symphonic music—and occasionally Pops music—we invite you to join us. We currently have openings for a co-principal cellist, and musicians who play viola, double bass, and trumpet (co-principal/third). Please contact us to learn more.
Photo courtesy of Robert A. Suomala, Crowder Hall, 2010.
Civic Orchestra of Tucson ~ PO Box 42764 ~ Tucson, Arizona ~ (520) 730-3371