From its beginning, the Montpelier Chamber Orchestra has offered performing opportunities for talented string players in the Central Vermont area.

In the early 1990's, the late cellist and physician, Dr. Tom Moore began discussing ideas to attract Central Vermont's growing number of accomplished string musicians to form a single ensemble. The concept of creating a fine ensemble continued to take shape with the performance of a Bach Brandenburg Concerto, and Gabriel Faure's Requiem. The organization continued to grow and in February of 1995, the MCO presented its first official concert series to enthusiastic audiences and glowing reviews. In February of 1998, the Montpelier Chamber Orchestra Society, Inc. was incorporated as a nonprofit corporation in the state of Vermont.

Since then, the MCO has grown from a small committed group of 12 string players to a full chamber orchestra. In addition to works from the standard repertoire, the MCO has performed new works by Vermont composers and others, including Michael Close, David Gunn, Dennis Bathory-Kitsz, Gwyneth Walker and Mary Lou Newmark.

An important part of the MCO's commitment to serving the Central Vermont community is its youth engagement program known as Project Outreach. Every year members of the orchestra present master classes and a side-by-side concert with young musicians that come together from across Central Vermont for this special event. Project Outreach has served to inspire hundreds of students over the years and is vital element of the MCO's mission to engage and inspire audiences of all ages.

The Montpelier Chamber Orchestra is a lively bunch of Vermont friends and neighbors committed to bringing wonderful music to Central Vermont.