The Manhattan Chamber Orchestra

Manhattan Chamber Orchestra (MCO) is an American classical ensemble, based in New York City and founded in 1987 by Richard Auldon Clark, who currently serves as a conductor and artistic director. The orchestra is notable for its innovative, multi-cultural repertoire, with a special emphasis on contemporary American music. MCO has premiered and recorded music by William Grant Still, Alec Wilder, Victor Herbert, Henry Cowell, Alan Hovhaness, Otto Luening, Dominick Argento, Randall Thompson, Eric Ewazen, David Amram, David Soldier and other notable composers. In 1995, the orchestra received the NAIRD "Indie" award for Best Classical Album for Mountains And Rivers Without End CD, as well as the Lincoln Center Arts Project Award, appearing on stage at Alice Tully Hall. The MCO recorded over 30 albums for Newport Classic, Koch International Classics, Avant, VOX (6), Kleos Classics, Mulatta, and other independent labels. In addition to concert tours across the United States and Asia, the Manhattan Chamber Orchestra gives 8-10 concerts per season in New York City as part of 'Mostly American' series at Merkin Hall, with regular appearances at Trinity Church Wall Street, as well as educational program for elementary schools in Harlem. The orchestra also appeared on stage at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Symphony Space, and Weill Recital Hall.