The Columbia Orchestra

The Columbia Orchestra is a community orchestra with 85-100 members based in Columbia, MD. The mission of the Orchestra is to foster lifelong appreciation of, enthusiasm for, and participation in music.  Hailed as “a pillar of the local arts community” by The Washington Post, the orchestra performs not only the masterworks of the classical repertoire but also works by great contemporary composers.

The Orchestra offers a series of Classical, Family, and Pops programs at the Jim Rouse Theatre, outdoor concerts at Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods, chamber programs at various venues throughout the community, and a jazz series by our partner organization, The Columbia Jazz Band. The Orchestra also offers a number of educational programs including "Meet the Instrument" programs in local pre-schools, In-School Concerts for elementary school children, a Young Artist Competition for middle and high school students, and Open Rehearsals, Program Notes, and Pre-Concert Lectures for audiences of all ages. The Orchestra reaches an annual audience of over 15,000.