Strengthening Our Community Through the Arts
CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
It takes a village to raise an orchestra!” “
As we embark on the 2024-2025 season, our 12th, I fondly recall that declaration from a mentor. Truer words have never been spoken! I founded the Worthington Chamber Orchestra (WCO) as a project of the Peggy R. McConnell Art Center of Worthington in 2013. To fully realize our mission – supporting local artists while providing diverse and dynamic programming that entertains, inspires, and fosters music education – we transitioned into an independent non-profit organization in 2022. We have become a leading arts organization impacting the Central Ohio community with the help of a cadre of dedicated community leaders and supporters. Our community is strong, and it supports an organization that enriches countless lives.
We invite you to partner with WCO to enhance our programming and demonstrate your commitment to the arts and education. Your investment will help inspire future generations and create a lasting legacy of cultural enrichment while increasing your brand’s exposure among local supporters of the arts.
Antoine T. Clark Artistic and Music Director Worthington Chamber Orchestra
2023-2024
Highlights and Impact
BENEDICTA ENRILE MASTERWORKS SERIES
Entertained 673 audience members in three concerts held at Worthington United Methodist Church.
A Sound Economic Investment
The Worthington Chamber Orchestra is not just a leading arts organization. It is a powerful contributor to Worthington’s economy. Last year, nearly $290,000 was reinvested locally through event-related spending by WCO audiences, with each attendee contributing an average of $162 to the area’s economic vitality. In addition, WCO’s cultural and educational events help sustain the equivalent of nine full-time jobs beyond its own team, supporting broader community growth.
Thematic Impact
Each season, the Worthington Chamber Orchestra curates an overarching theme that unifies its concert offerings. We present beloved classics alongside works that align with our mission to uplift local and diverse artists. Connecting music to community interests remains a hallmark of WCO. Past and current themes have explored Worthington’s history, celebrated local community groups, and emphasized nature and environmental sustainability.
Audience Growth
The Worthington Chamber Orchestra has experienced tremendous growth in audience engagement over the years. This increase reflects our dedication to educational outreach, relevant programming, and meaningful connections with local institutions, including the Worthington Partnership, Worthington Historical Society, Worthington Libraries, McConnell Arts Center, Farmer’s Market, and area churches. Our audiences have grown from an average of 70 patrons to over 300 attendees.
250 children and their parents enjoyed Ferdinard and the Bull a musical reading at Old Worthington Library
400 students from five Worthington Elementary Schools attended Danse Macabre at the McConnell Arts Center.
183 students and parents enjoyed Hansel and Gretel in partnership with The Ohio State University’s School of Music’s Opera Theatre program at the McConnell Arts Center.
FAMILY AND EDUCATION SERIES CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES
266 music lovers attended three intimate chamber music concerts at the McConnell Arts Center.
Who We Are
Worthington Chamber Orchestra, formerly known as the McConnell Arts Center Chamber Orchestra, was founded by Dr. Antoine T. Clark in 2013. Based in Worthington, Ohio, WCO serves both the local community and its neighboring areas. Our 42-piece chamber orchestra performs three masterworks programs each year alongside educational, family, and chamber concerts throughout the community. In line with the chamber orchestra’s mission to showcase the works of underrepresented artists, WCO features performers who are college professors and professional freelance musicians from diverse backgrounds. The chamber orchestra’s programming comprises standard orchestral repertoire, new music, commissions, an education and family series, chamber music, interdisciplinary artistic collaborations, and a strong emphasis on women and BIPOC composers. The Women’s Philharmonic Advocacy recently recognized WCO’s commitment to inclusive programming by awarding the chamber orchestra a three-year performance grant.
The chamber orchestra’s annual operational budget is $235,000, supported by grant funding from the Greater Columbus Arts Council, Ohio Arts Council, the Columbus Foundation, the City of Worthington, the Johnstone Fund for New Music, and the Women’s Philharmonic Advocacy.
Artistic Quality and Outreach
WCO’s masterworks programming highlights local artists and composers. Featured artists have included members of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, Montreal Symphony Orchestra, and Louisville Orchestra, as well as faculty from The Ohio State University, Capital University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. WCO regularly commissions new works from nationally and locally acclaimed composers.
The chamber orchestra’s education and family programming offers preschool to middle school students the opportunity to engage with live orchestral music in both community and classroom settings.
More Than Music
Interdisciplinary artistic collaborations are a hallmark of WCO. Over its twelve seasons, the chamber orchestra has collaborated with a sculptor, a poet, a dance company, fiber artists, and painters, showcasing how music, combined with various art forms, enhances storytelling. Through its Community Connect Series and partnership with local community organizations, the chamber orchestra aims to address important issues and initiatives by fostering opportunities to amplify diverse voices and encourage meaningful conversations.
Music has the power to bring people together – something our world needs today more than ever. Join us in making a lasting impact here in Worthington by supporting WCO’s mission to create a brighter, more connected world, starting locally.
Commissioned Art
Jack Gramman Forward March
Cynthia Lockhart Interwoven Notes
Robin Roberts A Seasonal Concerto
2024-2025 MASTERWORKS SEASON
In Nature’s Realm
This season we celebrate the beauty of the natural world through lush musical landscapes and vivid visual art. Worthington Chamber Orchestra is partnering with the Worthington Partnership’s “Green Team” to promote sustainability and to contribute to a more earth-conscious community. Additionally, WCO has commissioned original works by plein air artists from the Ohio Plein Air Society, adding an artistic dimension that brings to life the soul of the music and the “Green Team’s” vision for Worthington.
BENEDICTA ENRILE MASTERWORKS SERIES
Vivaldi and The Four Seasons
November 10, 2024, 5 pm
The Four Seasons – Antonio Vivaldi Aurelian Oprea, violin
More Seasons – Michael Abels
Symphony No. 6 in F major – Ludwig van Beethoven
Debussy and Sunsets
February 2, 2025, 5 pm
Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun – Claude Debussy Viola Concerto – Rebecca Clarke Korine Fujiwara, viola Sunsets Like Childhood – Korine Fujiwara (world premiere) Serenade in A – Ralph Vaughan Williams
Brahms, the Sea and Mountains
May 4, 2025, 5 pm
Peter Grimes: Four Sea Interludes – Benjamin Britten Mountains Upon Mountains, Like Waves Upon Waves – Evan Williams Tower Duo: Erin and Michael Torres, flute and alto saxophone Symphony No.1 in C minor – Johannes Brahms
Worthington United Methodist Church
EDUCATION AND FAMILY SERIES
Peter and the Wolf with Hixon Dance
October 12, 2024, 11:00 am & 3:00 pm
October 13, 2024, 3:00 pm
McConnell Arts Center
WorthingTunes
Kate and the Beanstalk – Jennifer Bernard Merkowitz
April 12, 2025, 10 am
Old Worthington Library
Engage with Us in Enriching Lives Through Music!
Business Meets Community
Engaging with WCO benefits not only the chamber orchestra and your business but also enriches our entire community. We offer sponsorship opportunities at all levels, and our team is dedicated to making each partnership meaningful and impactful for your organization.
Why Support the Worthington Chamber Orchestra?
When you partner with WCO, you help create a vibrant soundtrack that connects and inspires our community. Your sponsorship nurtures the next generation of musicians and music lovers, brings top-quality performers to Worthington, and provides educational, family, and community experiences that foster meaningful connections. WCO is committed to presenting a wide range of programs that appeal to people from all backgrounds, ages, and experiences, and our education and family concerts provide students and families with opportunities to engage with live orchestral music. At the same time, partnerships with local organizations enhance these experiences. Join us in supporting local artists and transformative programming that inspires, entertains, and fosters music education. Together, we can enrich lives through music!
SPONSORSHIP LEVELS
Conductor’s Circle
$25,000 and up
As a member of the Conductor’s Circle, you make a transformative impact on our organization.
While the benefits listed below can be included in your sponsorship, we can also tailor benefits to meet your company’s goals.
Impressario
$10,000-$24,999
Join the ranks of our esteemed Impresarios and help elevate our mission.
♦ Recognition on WCO Donor
Maestro
$5,000-$9,999
Become a Maestro and support our artistic endeavors.
♦ Recognition on WCO Donor Wall and in the Masterworks
Symphony
$2,500-$4,999
Support our Symphony level and contribute to enriching our community.
♦ Recognition on WCO Donor
Concerto
$1,000-$2,499
As a Concerto supporter, your contribution helps us reach more audiences.
♦ Recognition on WCO Donor
Suite $500-$999
Join the Suite level and enjoy the benefits of partnership.
♦ Recognition on WCO Donor Wall and in the Masterworks
Overture
$250-$499
Support us at the Overture level and be recognized for your generosity.
♦ Recognition on WCO Donor
Prelude $50-$249
As a Prelude supporter, your contribution makes a difference.
♦ Recognition on WCO Donor
2024 - 2025 SEASON DONORS*
CONDUCTOR’S CIRCLE
($25,000 and up)
Anonymous
IMPRESSARIO
($10,000-$24,999)
Benedicta Enrile
Greater Columbus Arts Council
Ohio Arts Council
MAESTRO
($5,000-$9,999)
The Columbus Foundation Johnstone Fund for New Music
SYMPHONY
($2,500-$4,999)
Julie Dawson
Nancy Elkington and Ted Dziemianowicz
New England Development Company
Darnell and Carmen Perkins
Frank and Connie Shepherd
CONCERTO
($1,000-$2,499)
City of Worthington
Mick and Beth Ann Ball
James C. Bieber
Dan and Ginny Bryan
Linda and Eric Burden
Carolyn Carter
D. J. Falcoski and Christina Corl
Michelle Geissbuhler
Carolyn Harding
Art and Judy Hecker
Bronwynn Hopton
Lori and Don Overmyer
Darnell and Carmen Perkins
David and Lorraine Robinson
Linda Royalty
Kevin and Patty Showe
Ellen Stukenberg
Charlie and Betsy Warner
Women’s Philharmonic Advocacy
Worthington Libraries
SUITE
($500-$999)
Marcy Adhesives
Ben Cooper and Carly Edelstein
Matt Chamberlain
Linda Mercadante
Robert and Ann Oakley
Ann Olszewski
OVERTURE
($250-$499)
Joyce Fisher
Evelyn Stratton
PRELUDE
($50-$249)
Anonymous
Bill and Jennifer Best
Greg Browning
Rachael Dorothy
Mike Duffey
Scott Green
Arianne Yang and Philip Hinkle
Laura Justice
Jane Karras
Jane Marland
Paul Niswander
Bill and Joyce Roberts
Matt Sullivan
Scott Taylor
Paul Watkins
Jonathan Wentz
*Names listed are those who have made contributions between July 1, 2024 to November 12, 2024.
