About MCCO
Montgomery County Chorale & Orchestra
The Montgomery County Chorale and Orchestra is one of Montgomery County's Premiere Performing Arts Organizations. We are the only organization in the county that has both a chorale and orchestra under one name.
The mission of Montgomery County Chorale & Orchestra is to inspire, enrich, and advocate for musical diversity, artistic excellence, and creative collaborations within our community.
Statement of Diversity and Inclusion
Montgomery County Chorale & Orchestra (MCCO) welcomes all individuals wishing to participate in our organization. In its activities and operations, MCCO does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, political affiliation, or military status. MCCO is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all in our community, including board members, staff, musicians, volunteers, and audience.
MCCO is committed to performing music of diverse genres and heritages, including commissioned music by women, People of Color, Indigenous, Black composers, and under-represented artists.
Montgomery County Chorale & Orchestra History
The Montgomery County Chorale & Orchestra (MCCO, formerly the Academy Chorale and Orchestra) was founded in 1998 by Michael Kemp as an outreach ensemble of Germantown Academy. Michael’s vision was to offer the joy of making music to all. Membership was open, without audition, to parents, staff, and community members. Since its founding, MCCO has offered high quality performances of a mostly classical repertoire, including masterworks and smaller pieces as well as serious contemporary music, for orchestra and full chorus. MCCO is the only organization in the area presenting both a chorus and orchestra for all performances, offering local musicians and singers an opportunity to use their talents while providing the local community a chance to hear live performances of great music that are both affordable and convenient to access. When Michael retired from Germantown Academy in 2009, members formed a governing board, became self-supporting, and in 2016 MCCO was granted non-profit 501(c)(3) status.
In 2019, we welcomed the organization’s second Artistic Director and Conductor, David J. Fitzpatrick, a graduate of Westminster Choir College and University of Arizona. Under David’s leadership, the organization was restructured by adding new sub-committees; instituting a rebranding campaign including a new logo, website and advertising materials; and developing new and innovative programming opportunities as well as community outreach initiatives.