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

Not just another community orchestra, the MCOS truly strives for creating the best possible musical experience and continued musical development of its musicians. Its members, composed of conservatory-trained musicians and talented vocational players, are dedicated to creating a unified and distinguished chamber orchestra sound that can only be accomplished through persistent, hard work.

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 MCOS 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.

In its 10 years, the Montpelier Chamber Orchestra has grown from a small committed group of 12 string players to a thriving group of 22 strings, plus pairs of woodwinds and brass, plus percussion. MCOS has created interesting programs both for its musicians and for the audiences it inspires. Frequently it has concentrated on music from one era or one country: baroque, Vivaldi's Four Seasons, all-Mozart, all-Beethoven, all-French, all-Italian, Paris in the 20s. In addition it has commissioned and performed new works by Vermont composers and others: David Gunn, Dennis Bathory-Kitsz, Gwyneth Walker, Mary Lou Newmark. MCOS is a lively bunch of Vermont friends and neighbors committed to bringing wonderful music to Central Vermont.