Now in our 41st concert season, CWO continues to fulfill our mission to create a welcoming environment engaging women in classical music.
We have grown to more than sixty members,
and are one of few all-women's orchestras in the United States.
We have three fantastic concerts lined up celebrating and supporting women in music, under the leadership of our new Artistic Director Samantha Burgess. Mark your calendars for November 9th, March 8th and May 17th.
You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Come celebrate women in classical music!
The Ten Woman Bicycle Ride
Join us for a bicycle ride to celebrate the premiere of June Bonacich's piece The Ten Woman Bicycle!
Sunday October 26th at 11 AM
Hosted at Trek Bicycle Berkeley, 1045 Ashby Ave
Helmets are required for all riders
Free bike safety checks
Refreshments to follow at the Trek Bicycle store in Berkeley
Costume contest: come dressed as your favorite inspirational woman!
Concert 1: Uncommon Women
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2025 at 4pm
MUSIC
Franz Schubert • Rosamunde Overture
June Bonacich • The Ten Woman Bicycle
Joan Tower • Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman No. 4
Richard Wagner • Ride of the Valkyries
Mark Your Calendars!
Concert 2: Mother Nature
International Women’s Day - SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2026
Featuring All Women Composers
Concert 3: Melodic Resistance
SUNDAY, May 17, 2026
CONGRATULATIONS SAMANTHA BURGESS
NEW MUSIC DIRECTOR
Featured in Women’s Philharmonic Advocacy
Enjoy this clip of our our May 18th Gala Concert rehearsal with
the Berkeley Women’s Community Chorus
Please Donate
Consider contributing to CWO! Every dollar counts and goes directly to support our mission, such as renting music and the practice hall.
Every dollar advances our mission to engage, inspire, and celebrate women in classical music. Join our supporters by making a tax deductible donation today.
Thank you!
Become a CWO Sponsor
Our sponsors sustain our mission to uplift women musicians and forge lasting change within classical music.
We proudly feature our sponsors and help them reach a broad audience of musicians and patrons in Oakland and San Francisco.
Enjoy this short clip of a recent performance of The Visit with Grandpa by our composer-in-residence, June Bonacich.
Come Play with Us
The Community Women’s Orchestra welcomes all female-identifying musicians! We rehearse on Thursday evenings from 7:15 to 9:30pm in Oakland, and our season runs from late August through May. We perform three main concerts each year.
Although we don’t hold formal auditions, we do recommend an intermediate (or above) level of playing. Whatever your status, we’d love to get to know you!
We are looking for Violas, Violin 1, Basses and Cellos.
CWO Merchandise is Here!
Help celebrate the Community Women’s Orchestra in style! Show your support of CWO’s mission to engage and inspire women in classical music by wearing and displaying our logo.
20% of every item purchased is donated back to CWO.
