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.”