The Community Women’s Orchestra is now in its 25th season. The Community Women’s Orchestra (CWO)  was founded in 1985 by Nan Washburn as a community adjunct to the professional Women’s Philharmonic Orchestra. In 25 years, the original six-member ensemble has grown to more than fifty members and has played annually at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco since 2005.

Along with performing standard classical repertoire, part of the CWO’s mission has always been to support and further works composed by women. Every concert features the music of at least one historical or contemporary woman composer. The orchestra provides a unique opportunity for women musicians to play seldom-performed works by women musicians, while giving Bay Area audiences a rare opportunity to attend performances of those works.

The CWO’s yearly Chamber Music Fund-Raiser has become an important part of the orchestra’s season. By returning to CWO’s roots as a small ensemble, it underscores how far the organization has come. The annual fund-raiser isn’t just a concert; it is an opportunity. It is an opportunity for each participant to enjoy a full day of harmony and society with friends. All who attend are never disappointed.

The vision originally conceived by Ms. Washburn is maturing well and will continue to make a mark for both Music and Women in years to come...stay tuned.