Mission
The Hanover Chamber Orchestra Society is an independent, professional orchestra offering the highest possible level of ensemble musical performance to the people of New Hampshire and northern New England. The mission of the Hanover Chamber Orchestra Society is to inspire, educate, uplift, and entertain people of all ages and to promote music education and appreciation programs through concerts, school visits, demonstrations, and workshops; by encouraging the study of music; and by providing students of music at all levels with exposure to orchestral literature and the opportunity to work with professional musicians. The HCO is dedicated to providing access for both rural and urban populations to eclectic musical performances incorporating new works alongside fresh interpretations of familiar orchestral repertoire, to developing new audiences for orchestral music, and to promoting New England composers and musicians.
History
The Hanover Chamber Orchestra was founded in 1976 and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. The group has evolved into a highly esteemed professional chamber orchestra, drawing musicians from throughout northern New England, Boston, Montreal, and New York City. The orchestra supports the Handel Society at Dartmouth College, and has appeared with the Plymouth State University Chorale and Chamber Singers and the Dartmouth College Glee Club, as well as in concert at the Lebanon Opera House, Claremont Opera House, and Carnegie Hall.
The 2008-2009 season represents a major departure and a significant expansion in the organization’s purpose and mission. The HCO has two home bases: the Lebanon Opera House, where they will perform at least two concerts each year, and Plymouth State University, where they will rehearse and also perform. As the only year-round, professional orchestra in New Hampshire’s Upper Valley, North Country, and Lakes Regions, the HCO has the opportunity to offer many benefits, providing communities of all sizes and individuals of all ages access to a high quality, professional, live musical experience, as well as developing partnerships to bring classical music to underserved populations.
Dan Perkins
Music Director
