History

The Missouri Valley Chamber Orchestra (MVCO) was formed as a public charity in 2000. Now in its 26th season, the MVCO serves Bismarck-Mandan and south-central North Dakota with music for the 12-24-piece chamber orchestra and ensembles of two to twelve musicians.

The Orchestra thrives on artistic collaboration and audience connection. North Dakotan guest artists have returned from across the country to perform with MVCO, and partnerships have flourished with music faculty from the University of Mary, Bismarck State College, Minot State University, Concordia College-Moorhead, Valley City State University, and Dickinson State University. MVCO’s artistic network includes Dakota Pro Musica, Central Dakota Children’s Choir, Northern Plains Dance, visual artist Ali LaRock (BAGA), and the Bismarck Mandan Civic Chorus. MVCO also serves as the accompanying ensemble for the annual community performance of Handel’s Messiah. University students benefit from MVCO’s collaborative spirit. A recent highlight was a fully-staged performance of Mozart’s Così fan tutte with the University of Mary Vocal Arts Ensemble.

Committed to nurturing young audiences, MVCO regularly presents child-friendly programming. Recent outreach included a narrated Woodwind Quintet performance of “Ferdinand” for Ft. Lincoln Extended School Program in Mandan, and a narrated Brass Quintet performance of “The Tortoise and the Hare (The Race)” for Miller and Pioneer Extended School Programs in Bismarck. University educators specializing in brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments offer engaging demonstrations on their instruments. MVCO encourages youth attendance at season concerts by offering one free child admission with each paid adult or senior ticket, and generous donations allow school music teachers to distribute complimentary student tickets.

MVCO is dedicated to reaching underserved audiences through complimentary tickets to Burleigh County Senior Adults, performances at BisMarket farm and vendor show, and a recent performance at Edgewood-Mandan at Lakewood serving the assisted living residents with a popular music panorama. Performances are held in welcoming venues, such as the YMCA, Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, St. George’s Episcopal Church, and Kiwanis Park.