Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association

Dear Music Lover,

Do you know what it takes to run three orchestras, a summer concert series, and a composition competition? To help you find out, please take a look at the list of activities and their associated costs on the right side of this webpage. See also the details of what we do below. 

Carrying out our mission is not a simple task.  While ticket sales and dues help defray our costs, we still rely on the generosity and good will of our fellow music lovers to help us serve our community.  Please donate what you can to help us serve you.

Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association’s Mission

Is to inspire and instill a lifelong passion for the performance of classical music in artists and audience through stimulating concerts, culturally diverse collaborations, and educational outreach.  Several core values guide this mission:

•  Fostering a commitment to music-making among professional, semi-professional, and   student musicians
• Diversity of programming, performers, administration, and audience
• Inclusiveness
• Innovation of performance and outreach
• Honesty and fairness
• Accountability

Through its unique and diverse programming and initiatives, WMPA celebrates the living, breathing nature of music—music that moves with time, moves its audiences, and makes a difference.  Most of WMPA’s programs and rehearsals take place in Alexandria in various venues.

Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic

Is an auditioned symphonic orchestra composed of approximately sixty-five professional, semi-professional, and amateur musicians. The Philharmonic performs five regular season concerts each year in Alexandria, Virginia at Bishop Ireton High School and in Washington, D.C. at Church of the Epiphany. Under the leadership of music director and conductor Ulysses S. James, Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic has earned a reputation for performing high quality, adventurous, and interesting musical programs.

Washington Metropolitan Youth Orchestra

Is an auditioned symphonic orchestra for advanced student musicians. Led by Conductor Henry Sgrecci, WMYO provides a unique opportunity for talented and committed young musicians to grow in an environment where the focus is on performance and collaboration. Based on this philosophy, WMYO offers students a musical atmosphere that inspires among its members a desire to make music for the rest of their lives. WMYO is the orchestra-in-residence at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia, where it rehearses and performs four concerts of challenging orchestral repertoire per year.

 

Washington Metropolitan Concert Orchestra

(WMCO) is a full orchestra offering young musicians in grades  6th through 9th who perform at an intermediate/advanced level, the opportunity  to perform in an accomplished orchestra and develop their musical skills. For many, this is their first experience playing in a full orchestra. Through a variety of music selections, students heighten their understanding of rhythm, dynamics, intonation, quality of sound and overall musicianship. Repertoire includes selections from classical and contemporary genres. Led by talented conductor Ruth Erbe, the  WMCO serves as a developmental orchestra for the Washington Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, (WMYO). The WMCO rehearses and performs three concerts per season at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia.

Lyceum Summer Concert Series

Each summer, Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association sponsors a Summer Chamber Music Series, held between mid-June and September at The Lyceum in historic Old Town Alexandria.  These weekly performances are free and open to the public.  The performances feature small ensembles and soloists, primarily from Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic and the local arts community.

WMPA Composition Competition

WMPA sponsors the annual Ulysses. S. James Composition Competition to support talented composers from the Eastern U.S., inviting them to submit samples and recordings of their works for consideration.