The Washington Heights Chamber Orchestra (WHCO) is a professional classical music ensemble composed of incredible musicians who regularly perform at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and other prominent venues nationally and internationally. Our mission is to cultivate meaningful connections in Upper Manhattan with exemplary classical music performances and innovative educational programming, sharing our world-class artistry right here in our own community.
WHCO sets a new standard for locally relevant programming; performances are curated for Upper Manhattan’s diverse communities and local stories. Concerts regularly feature living composers, often NYC and uptown residents, alongside major traditional works. Hailed as “consistently fresh,” WHCO has been featured in the New York Times’ “Today,” TimeOut NY’s “Critics Pick,” and Gothamist’s “Best Things to Do in NYC this Weekend.”
Mission
Cultivating meaningful connections in Upper Manhattan with exemplary classical music performances and innovative educational programming.
Vision
As we enter our second decade, we aim to serve and strengthen our community through our actions as an orchestral organization. Our performances will serve as a catalyst for bringing our neighbors together and building connections between our audience and other local community-oriented organizations, including local businesses, arts organizations, museums, the NYC parks department, and beyond.
History
Over the past 10 years, WHCO has produced over 100 outstanding public concerts, all at low cost or free for the community, including classical music, chamber music, and orchestra concerts. The organization has become a welcome addition to uptown’s cultural life, regularly collaborating with other local arts organizations and establishing itself as a staple organization of Washington Heights.
Highlights of our programming include:
- Partnership with the Dominican Heritage and Culture Society, performing with violinist Aisha Syed Castro at Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall to a sold-out audience
- “Stringing Uptown Together,” a video performance recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic featuring five musical works by composers who live and thrive in New York City’s uptown neighborhoods, from Inwood to Harlem to the Upper West Side
- Commission of a reimagined bilingual version of Stravinsky’s “La Historia del Soldado” with choreography by Billy Smith of the Mark Morris Dance Group
- “Too Hot to Handel: The Gospel Messiah” at the United Palace Theater, featuring local jazz and gospel musicians with the Washington Heights Community Choir
Throughout its history, WHCO has continually sought community input and fostered connections with local businesses, government, schools, and community organizations, maintaining its commitment to service and community building in Washington Heights and neighboring areas.
Meet WHCO
Learn more about our musicians, staff, and volunteers.