Major Programs
WMPA is comprised of eight major programs and initiatives:
Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic
WMP is an auditioned symphonic orchestra composed of approximately 65 professional, semi-professional, and amateur musicians. It performs five regular season concert sets in Alexandria, Virginia at Bishop Ireton High School and in Washington, D.C. at Church of the Epiphany.
Washington Metropolitan Youth Orchestra
WMYO is an auditioned symphonic orchestra for advanced student musicians. It performs four free regular season concerts in Alexandria, Virginia at Episcopal High School, where it is the orchestra-in-residence.
Washington Metropolitan Concert Orchestra
WMCO, launched in 2008, is a small ensemble created for string musicians not yet prepared for entrance into the youth orchestra but who are interested in performing with their peers with the guidance of a specialist in music education. This ensemble will rehearse and perform at Bishop Ireton H.S.
Lyceum Summer Concert Series
The Lyceum Summer Concert Series is held between mid-June and September of each year in historic Old Town Alexandria. These weekly performances are free and open to the public. The performances feature small ensembles and soloists, primarily from WMP and the local arts community.
WMPA Master Class Invitational
Young musicians aged 18 years and under are eligible to apply to participate in a unique Master Class led by renowned music teachers and performers. The Master Class is held live in Alexandria and is open to the public for observation as part of WMPA’s Annual Summer Chamber Music Series at The Lyceum.
WMPA Composition Competition
WMPA sponsors an annual composition competition to support talented composers from the Mid-Atlantic region, inviting them to submit samples and recordings of their works for consideration. Three finalists are chosen by a panel composed of the Music Director, musicians from WMP, and members of the Board of Directors. WMP performs works by all three finalists during the first year of the two-year competition cycle. At the end of that season, a winner is selected. The following season, during the second year of the competition cycle, WMP performs two major compositions of the winner.
WMPA Guild
Formed in 2008, the Guild is composed of volunteers whose purpose is to support the fundraising and support staff needs of WMPA.
Friends of WMPA
Every two years, the Friends of WMPA spend approximately one week touring interesting locales around the world and sampling the area’s music scene. Previous destinations have included France, Italy, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Ireland). The trips are organized by professional travel consultants who arrange major donations to WMPA as part of their efforts.
