The Civic Orchestra of Tucson (COT) was founded in the spring of 1975 by George Schwartz so that he and his friends could play classical music together. Drawing largely from his private library, the group presented standard small orchestra literature from Baroque to light opera. In 1980, Dr. Kreloff became the orchestra’s artistic and musical director, and it has grown to full symphonic instrumentation. Each year COT features at least one professional guest artist in addition to soloists from the orchestra. In 2005, COT participated in Ford Made in America—a consortium of 65 orchestras coordinated by the American Symphony Orchestra League and Meet the Composer. Our effort culminated in the Arizona premier of Joan Tower’s "Made in America." The composer conducted COT in a concert which commemorated our 30th anniversary. Representative Jim Kolbe was also in attendance as honorary chair of our celebration.

Now in its 32nd year, the Civic Orchestra of Tucson enriches the cultural life of the Tucson area by presenting free concerts at various sites around the city and offering music education opportunities for children. Herschel Kreloff conducts this all-volunteer community group which fosters and cultivates Tucson-area musical talent by featuring elementary, secondary, college-age and other local musicians as guest artists.