About COT

The Civic Orchestra of Tucson (COT) was founded in the spring of 1975 by George Schwartz so that he and his friends could play classical music together. Drawing largely from his private library, the group presented standard small orchestra literature from Baroque to light opera. In 1980, Dr. Kreloff became the orchestra’s artistic and musical director, and it has grown to full symphonic instrumentation. Each year COT features at least one professional guest artist in addition to soloists from the orchestra. In 2005, and again in 2009 COT participated in Ford Made in America—a consortium of 65 orchestras coordinated by the League of American Orchestras and Meet the Composer. Our effort culminated in the Arizona premier of Joan Tower’s "Made in America," and Joseph Schwantner's "Chasing Light." Tower's composition went on to win a classical Grammy, and the entire Ford Made in America program was given the League's Golden Baton award for "vision and leadership which...(brought) vibrant energy of new orchestral music to communities in all 50 states."

Now in its 36th year, the Civic Orchestra of Tucson enriches the cultural life of the Tucson area by presenting free concerts at various sites around the city and this year in Green Valley too. We also offer music education opportunities for children through our instrument petting zoos and Young Artist's Competition. Herschel Kreloff conducts this all-volunteer community group which fosters and cultivates Tucson-area musical talent by featuring elementary, secondary, college-age and other local musicians as guest artists.