A Whole New NCO - Nashville Chamber Orchestra

Loosen the tie, and prep your ears for something different. This isn't the symphony, and this definitely isn't your parents' chamber orchestra. It's the Nashville Chamber Orchestra (NCO), and as it launches into its 18th season, music lovers will relish in what's on tap.

The NCO provides "Music Without Boundaries" to Nashvillians, and while nationally recognized for its traditional sounds, the NCO's reputation for breaking musical molds makes it stand out as a leader in the field. Performances with Trey Anastasio of jam band Phish and klezmer band Brave Old World are rarities in the world of orchestras, yet it's collaborations like these that make the NCO a diamond in the rough. NCO's mission is to reach beyond the comfortable, taking listeners on exciting journeys into unexplored worlds. Composer residencies have included the industry's most innovative and the NCO's community engagement initiatives are widespread. From interactive education programs like the songwriting project Kid Pan Alley, to the orchestra's ENCORE project for teens, the NCO's dedication to Nashville's youth is deeply rooted and proven to change lives.

New Season, New Initiatives, New Move
With a solid reputation for offering original works with a fusion flare, the NCO has a dedicated following of music lovers with pedigreed palettes. But you don't have to be a refined listener to be a fan. This year, the NCO is committed to spreading the music to the masses through an all-new lineup, a new headquarters and a groundbreaking online initiative.

Founded by music director Paul Gambill, the NCO is always on the path to newer, greater, more innovative projects. Gambill knows the reputation that typical chamber orchestras have, and it's that knowledge that drives him to break out, take risks and uncover unexplored musical worlds. His marriage of orchestral music to world, jazz and folk music is both his talent and his passion. The 2007-08 season renews those marital vows to bring the most original NCO season to date. This year's HCA Adventure Series kicks off on October 13 with Tango! The collaboration with Tango Nashville will feature an appearance by a Tango dance duo and spotlight the sounds of Raul Jaurena on the bandoneon. The NCO's Acoustic Cafe Series, sponsored by Vanderbilt-Williamson and Bank of America, launches November 2 when the orchestra plays with artist-in-residence Darrell Scott and features all-star acoustic musicians Kenny Malone, Stuart Duncan, Dan Dugmore, Viktor Krauss and Bryan Sutton, all of whom are stars in their own right, and all of whom have shared stages with top name artists in many musical genres.

Becoming a true contender in Nashville's largely country-dominated music scene and helping contribute to its burgeoning diversity, the NCO has brand new headquarters on Nashville's world-famous Music Row. The Music Row office positions the NCO in an even greater leadership role to create new outlets for the unlikely collaborations for which it is known.

A brand-new journey for the NCO is "Uncovered," an online initiative offering an insider's look at the creative process behind the music. Fans pay a one-time fee for one year's access to behind-the-scenes footage, interviews and more as the orchestra works on new music and new recordings. It's VIP access at the click of a mouse. The first NCO "Uncovered" project features NCO artist-in-residence, famed guitarist John Jorgenson (Desert Rose Band, the Hellecasters) as he collaborates with the NCO to make new music. The second "Uncovered" project is a glimpse at Nashville's world-class orchestra as it prepares for a new season, creates new compositions and more.

The NCO season is made possible in part through support from the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission, Tennessee Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.

To learn more about the renowned NCO or for a closer look at what this season has in store including "Uncovered" projects, a complete lineup and more, log on to nco.org.