Mission Chamber Orchestra San Jose CA
San Jose CA best symphony in the silicon valley area
2026–27 Season of Light
Thirty years. One community. One celebration — and you’re at the heart of it.
In 1996, Emily Ray founded the Mission Chamber Orchestra of San José on the belief that a volunteer ensemble could perform at the very highest level and bring that music to everyone. Three decades on, we’ve given world premieres, welcomed artists of international renown, invited high school musicians to share our stage, and remained committed to the idea that great music should be affordable, accessible, and alive.
This season, four concerts and four extraordinary soloists explore light in all its moods — dramatic, radiant, and purely joyful. Every program is different; every one is unmistakably MCO.
This is our 30th anniversary season, and we couldn’t imagine it without you. Welcome to the Season of Light.
“Each of you is an essential part of the MCO family, and your support and presence make everything we do possible. We can’t wait to welcome you back and share another season of exquisite music together.”
Juan Cristóbal Palacios
Music Director and Conductor
Mission Chamber Orchestra of San José
Music of Portugal ~ José Corvelo, baritone
Concert Info
“NORTHERN LIGHT ” ~ Jon Nakamatsu, piano
Concert Info
"SUNLIGHT AND DANCE" ~ Pepe Romero, guitar
Concert Info
"RADIANCE" ~ Ani Aznavoorian, violoncello
Concert Info
“SUMMER LIGHT” ~ Doreen Ketchens, clarinet
Concert Info
MCO performs 'Songs Sung by America's Children', arranged by Michael Senturia.
Click to hear children's songs from various countriesThe MCOSJ is supported, in part, by the City of San José and funded in part by a grant from SVCreates, in partnership with the County of Santa Clara and the California Arts Council. The MCOSJ is a member of the Silicon Valley Arts Coalition.
The mission of the Mission Chamber Orchestra (MCOSJ) is to present professional level performances of classical music in such a way as to encourage the growth of classical music audiences. By attracting and appealing to both traditional and non-traditional concert-goers (especially teens and young adults) MCOSJ plays an important role in expanding our community’s continuing appreciation of classical music.