Music Director

Martha Stoddard, Music Director, Community Women’s Orchestra

Martha Stoddard

The Community Women’s Orchestra is pleased to announce its new Music Director, Martha Stoddard. She has been the Artistic Director of the Oakland Civic Orchestra since 1997, transforming the orchestra over the past two decades. Praised for her clarity, generosity and vision, she continues to lead this orchestra through the unfolding challenges facing many orchestras in these difficult times.

In 2019 Stoddard was named a semi-finalist in the American Prize Competition for Conductors, Community Orchestra Division, and advanced as a finalist in July of 2020. Simultaneously she brought the orchestra into the final round of the Ernst Bacon Prize for the Performance of American Music, for their performance of Bruce Reiprich's Lullaby featuring Christina Owens, violin; J.P. Johnson's Harlem Symphony; and her own Waltz for the Fun of It.

She recently assumed the role of conductor for the newly-formed Piedmont Chamber Orchestra, and held the position of Resident Conductor for Enriching Lives Through Music, from 2017 to 2019. From 2012-2014 she was Program Director for the John Adams Young Composers Program at the Crowden Music Center, and frequently appears as Associate Conductor of the San Francisco Composers’ Chamber Orchestra.

The Community Women’s Orchestra is pleased to have Ms. Stoddard back on their podium for the second set of their 37th season.

Former Conductors

Emily Ray, Guest Conductor (2020-2021)

Dana Sadava (2014–2020)

Dr. Kathleen McGuire (2005–2013)

Martha Stoddard, interim conductor (2004–2005)

Barbara Christmann, interim conductor (2003-2004)

Ann Krinitsky (1990–2002)

Nan Washburn, founder (1985–1990)