Melbourne Community Orchestra History
The Melbourne Community Orchestra was originally formed in 1989 as a string education group which quickly grew into a community orchestra. The orchestra operated as an affiliate of the Space Coast Pops from 1991 through 2008 when the orchestra filed articles of incorporation as an individual 501C3.
Through the years we have been fortunate to have had several capable and talented conductors. Our first conductor was Claire Christy who conducted the orchestra from its inception in 1989 until February, 2000 and now acts as Conductor Emeritus. Mr. Christy has conducted and played trumpet for many orchestras and was a member of the United States Army Band. Our next conductor was Witold Dobrzynski, and he conducted our orchestra from 2000 until 2010. Under his baton, the orchestra grew to approximately 45 members and developed complete orchestral instrumentation. Our most recent conductor was Aaron Collins, from 2010 to 2016. Under his able baton, the orchestra members have grown as musicians and the group has expanded it’s repertoire. He also conducts numerous other groups, including the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra, and is an award winning composer.
Orchestra members are volunteers from Brevard and Indian River counties and include professional, retired professional, amateur, college and high school musicians. Many concerts also feature solo performers and guest groups.
Our typical concert season runs from September through June and features seven programs with each program presented multiple evenings. Our venue is the Melbourne Auditorium. Our repertoire includes classical, pops, show tunes, motion picture music, and opera. All concerts are free, and no tickets are required.
The MCO operates on an austere budget. Our only support comes from donations and small grants from the City of Melbourne and Brevard County.
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