Founded in 1975, the Civic Orchestra of Tucson is a 75-piece community orchestra presenting free concerts to residents of Tucson and Southern Arizona. Our accessible concerts enrich the cultural life of the greater Tucson area. Soloists are well-known musicians from Tucson and across the country as well as winners of our Young Artists’ Competition.

Each year we partner with Dancing in the Streets Arizona by providing live orchestral music for one of their productions. In December 2022 we will once again collaborate with them in performances of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet.

Our Pops concerts are filled with familiar tunes that all ages will enjoy.

Please visit our Concert Schedule page for information about our season. We are hopeful that we will be able to present all concerts as scheduled this year.

Mission Statement

The Civic Orchestra of Tucson (COT) is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3), all-volunteer symphony orchestra, dedicated to enriching the cultural life of greater Tucson and Southern Arizona through its free concerts and outreach programs to the community. These include sponsorship of students, presentation of professional guest artists, and innovative educational programs designed to foster an interest in symphonic music and develop future performers and audiences. COT is also committed to providing opportunities for adult musicians to develop their skills through performance in an orchestral group. COT continues to program music that includes traditionally underrepresented cultures and styles to broaden the experience for musicians and audience members.

Our Commitment to Youth

We are dedicated to encouraging young musicians through innovative educational programs. At our Instrument Petting Zoos, children enjoy a hands-on musical experience as they hold and play a variety of instruments. COT also plays a critical role in cultivating local and statewide musical talent by sponsoring an annual Young Artists’ Competition.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings from early September through mid-May.

Musicians Welcome

Our community orchestra provides local musicians with an opportunity to play in a full symphony orchestra. If you are a musician who enjoys playing symphonic music—and occasionally Pops music—we invite you to join us. Learn more.

Our 2022–2023 season is supported in part by the Arizona Commission on the Arts, which receives support from the State of Arizona and the National Endowment for the Arts.

and also by the City of Tucson