McLean Orchestra

Great Music Right at Home

For the best in the classics, join The McLean Orchestra for Great Music Right at Home
Experience the beauty, emotion and magnificence of live orchestral music. Join the talented 90 musicians of The McLean Orchestra and a stellar array of distinguished guest artists for an outstanding season of exhilarating music and excitement. The orchestra opens its 27th season on Gershwin's 100th birthday with his ever-popular An American in Paris and Rhapsody in Blue.

In December, the Fairfax Choral Society and Dorothy Kingston, soprano, join the orchestra for an annual favorite, the holiday concert, which features selections from Handel's Messiah and festive music that will delight young and old.

Our February concert will show off the artistic range of our musicians, as well as the artistry of two of our own outstanding musicians, Amy Thomas, Flute, and James Pinkerton, harp. The concert features Mozart's Concert for Flute and Harp, as well as the power of Shostakovich and the drama of Wagner. Then in April relax with the beautiful melodies presented in an all-Dvorák program.

The season ends with a musical smorgasbord: Rossini's comedic "Overture" from The Barber of Seville, a virtuoso performance by Jody Gatwood, violin, of Brahms' Concerto for Violin in D Major, and Tchaikovsky's powerful Symphony No. 4 in F Minor.

By popular demand, Renée Chaney, well-known media personality and WGMS broadcaster, will again join The McLean Orchestra to provide narration for each of the concerts this season. With her ready wit and sense of humor, she will put each piece in its historical and musical context, adding to the listeners' enjoyment and understanding.

Subscribe now! Your season ticket ensures an abundance of musical pleasure on a grand scale.

The McLean Orchestra (TMO) was founded in 1972 as a small ensemble of fifteen musicians. Under the direction of Col. Arnald D. Gabriel, the orchestra has grown to the outstanding nintey member complement of today and has developed a strong repertoire and an impressive reputation for excellence.
Community outreach programs and services are implemented on many levels to enhance the quality of life for the elderly and disadvantaged. Complimentary tickets are given to those able to attend regularly scheduled concerts. Small ensembles from TMO frequently present concerts in retirement communities and nursing homes, bringing quality performances to those who would otherwise be unable to enjoy live music. In addition, one free Family Day family concert is presented each summer. TMO thus fulfills its mission "to extend the appreciation and enjoyment of live orchestral performances into all segments of the McLean community and adjacent areas."

In 1983, TMO established the McLean Youth Orchestra (MYO). Under the direction of Ms. Pauline Anderson, the MYO is designed for young musicians between the ages of 12 and 18. It affords serious music students the opportunity to play in an accomplished seventy member orchestra while developing their musical skills through weekly lessons and rehearsals. The MYO presents three major concerts each season. The group has played with professional guest artists and groups, students from other ensembles, and presents small ensemble performances from time to time. "Graduate" members may be recommended to apply for an audition with The McLean Orchestra. You are cordially invited to attend MYO concerts and hear our young classical musicians, who will carry the baton into the next century.

The McLean Orchestra is governed by its all-volunteer Board of Directors, who remain visionary, aspiring to continued development and excellence. With so many challenges facing TMO, your support is an indispensable part of our efforts to present "Great Music . . . Right at Home in McLean."

Colonel Arnald D. Gabriel
For thirteen years Col. Arnold Gabriel has inspired The McLean Orchestra musicians to achieve a level of professional competence virtually unknown in volunteer community orchestras. Through his energetic leadership and vision, the orchestra has grown in size and repertoire, achieving an impressive reputation for atristic excellence. The McLean Orchestra is proud to celebrate its 27th season with a conductor of such exceptional talent and experience and who has won critical acclaim both nationwide and throughout the world over the course of his extraordinary conducting career.
Col. Gabriel is a very familiar figure in the Washington area. He retired in 1993 as Chairman of the Department of Music at George Mason University where he was named Professor of Music Emeritus.

Col. Gabriel was named the first Conductor Emeritus of the United States Air Force Band in 1990 following a distinguished career as Commander-Conductor of the internationally renowned Air Force Band, Symphony Orchestra, and Singing Sergeants. During his tenure, these groups performed in the Washington area and all over the world.

In tribute to his steadfast pursuit of musical excellence, Col. Gabriel was awarded one of America's highest peacetime awards, The Legion of Merit, on three separate occasions for improving international relations through music. His numerous conducting accomplishments and contributions to music have earned him many honors. In 1989 his alma mater, Ithaca College, conferred upon him an Honorary Doctor of Music degree and in 1977 he was further honored with its lifetime Achievement Award. He is also listed in the "International Who's Who in Music, 7th Edition." He was inducted into the National Band Association Hall of Fame of Distinguished Band Conductors in February 1992.

Col. Gabriel maintains a busy guest-conducting schedule and receives invitations from orchestras and music festivals around the world. He has won critical acclaim over the years, guest conducting approximately 700 bands and orchestras throughout the United States and in nearly 50 other countries.

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