Welcome to the Verde Valley Sinfonietta

Originally named the Verde Valley Chamber Orchestra, this ensemble was founded in September 2002 by Lelia Schoenberg, violinist and former arts administrator, and Dr. Tom Leenhouts, cellist and retired ophthalmologist. Together, they recruited well-known northern Arizona conductor Clarence Shaw as the organization’s first musical director.

Initially sponsored by Yavapai College's Sedona Center for Arts & Technology, beginning with the 2005-2006 Season, the Verde Valley Chamber Orchestra witnessed a "rebirth" as it established itself as a non-profit corporation [501(c)(3)] and expanded its Mission Statement, all under the new name of “Verde Valley Sinfonietta.”

Mission
The Verde Valley Sinfonietta is committed to contributing to the artistic variety and quality of life enjoyed by Northern Arizona residents and to building community through presentation of live performances of the best in music literature for small orchestra.

Welcome
I am pleased to be able to announce our third season with three exciting programs plus a Family Concert and Pizza Party.  Each program will be presented in both Cottonwood and Sedona.  Making it even more interesting is that each program will have a different guest conductor from whom we will choose a music director for the 2008-'09 season.

Each concert will be a real treat as each of these well seasoned conductors has a lot to offer not only to our audiences but in helping our orchestra develop. We hope you'll come and share the excitement with us at our concerts!

Northern Arizona audiences have long been fortunate to hear first class chamber music and music for full symphony. The Verde Valley Sinfonietta fills an important niche, combining the intimacy of chamber music with orchestral sound and instrumentation. This third season is a milestone in Northern Arizona's continually growing musical offerings.

Rock of the Ages Lutheran Church in Sedona is a beautiful venue for our concerts. Performances are on Sundays at 2:30. We will also be performing the same concert on Saturday nights at 7:00 PM at Mountain View United Methodist Church in Cottonwood. Both of the venues are ADA accessible.

We invite you to join us.

Lelia W. Schoenberg, President