Community Women’s Orchestra of Oakland, CA
Women’s Philharmonic Advocacy will present the prestigious AMY award to the Community Women’s Orchestra of Oakland, CA, at their concert this Sunday (May 17). Celebrating their 30th anniversary, CWO has included works by one or more women on all their programs since their inception. The award, which consists of a beautiful sculpture (by artist Rita Blitt) and a cash prize, will be presented by WPA President Liane Curtis.
CWO was founded in 1985 by Nan Washburn, also one of the founders of The Women’s Philharmonic and now serving on the Board of Women’s Philharmonic Advocacy. That CWO Music Directors Ann Krinitsky and Kathleen McGuire also are members of WPA’s Board speaks to the intersection of the mission of the two organizations. CWO puts into action the goals and ideals of Women’s Philharmonic Advocacy. In their 30 years, every concert has featured a work composed by a woman, ranging from the Concerto 12 Instruments, composed by Anna Amalia Duchess of Saxe-Weimar in the 18th century, to premieres of exciting new pieces like the work we will hear on Sunday’s concert (commissioned new work, Concerto for Four Bassoons by June Bonacich). We are happy to celebrate the 30 years of the Community Women’s Orchestra by the presentation of our AMY Award. Information on the two previous awards is here and here.
More information about Sunday’s Concert, “Sirens of the Stage”, is available here. Congratulations to the Community Women’s Orchestra for 30 years of inclusive programming and educating your audiences!