Orquesta Northwest

Mission

Orquesta Northwest enhances community life by providing diverse and inclusive classical music programs, events, and performances, featuring Latino arts and culture, in order to build intercultural understanding, foster connection and engagement, and strengthen the leadership and voice of underrepresented communities in the Pacific Northwest. 

Orquesta Northwest's music programs, performances, and events feature Latinx artists, composers, and culture, and serve as a bridge to excellence in every dimension of life, empowering marginalized communities, especially youth, and strengthening their voice in civic life. 

Description

Orquesta Northwest is the culmination of three core programs: 

1. World Youth Orchestra. The World Youth Orchestra provides music instruction without charge to youth who would not otherwise have had the opportunity to play a classical instrument or perform in an ensemble. Since 2014, the World Youth Orchestra program has provided thousands of hours of individual and ensemble instruction to Seattle-area Latinx youth with limited access and resources. 
2. Ballard Civic Orchestra. Ballard Civic Orchestra (BCO) is a diverse, inclusive, and multi-generational community orchestra. Under the leadership of Paula Madrigal, Orquesta Northwest Artistic Director and Ballard Civic Orchestra Conductor, BCO's concert and event series promotes equity, diversity, inclusion, as well as a sense of belonging and greater civic engagement by gaining the trust and support of Seattle's Latino community. BCO’s audience, musicians, guest artists, and supporters, young and old, experience the value of respect for diverse age groups, cultures, and backgrounds as well as the joy of music, and the rewards of contributing to the community. BCO’s concerts are free and open to the public.
3. Cascade Conducting. Cascade Conducting provides full scholarships for aspiring young BIPOC conductors to attend the annual Cascade Conducting Masterclass with instruction by Sarah Ioannides, Music Director for Symphony Tacoma. 

Orquesta Northwest’s 2022–23 social justice projects include:
1) participating in Seattle's Voter Education Fund cohort to promote voter registration;
2) community messaging about pandemic resources and vaccinations;
3) presenting Latino arts and culture events that celebrate Latinx Essential Workers;
4) developing and implementing a Latinx Youth Development project;
5) engaging in a capacity-building project

Recognition

Orquesta Northwest Artistic Director and Ballard Civic Orchestra Conductor Paula Nava Madrigal was the subject of a KCTS documentary, produced by Seattle's PBS station (watch the documentary here). In addition, Seattle Weekly published an article about Ms. Madrigal in its 2018 Spring Arts edition (read the article here). 

We are grateful to numerous volunteers who contribute time and energy to Ballard Civic Orchestra through performing administrative, marketing, and grant writing services. BCO musicians’ families and friends have donated time and energy in support of maintaining free admission to all concerts and events.

Significantly, the Consulate of Mexico in Seattle has donated funds to support BCO’s featured Latinx guest artists.

Orquesta Northwest has received grant awards from 4Culture, City of Seattle Neighborhood Matching Fund, ArtsWA, All-in-Washington, City of Seattle Office of Arts & Culture Youth Arts, Philanthropy Northwest, WA Dept of Commerce, National Association of Latino Arts & Culture, Latino Community Fund, Casa Latina, Consulate of Mexico in Seattle, WA Dept of Health, Seattle Parks & Recreation, HumanitiesWA, and SeaMar Museum of Chicano/a & Latino/a Culture.