Meet The Philharmonic
Anna Binneweg
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Timothy Kidder
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Slavica Ilic
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Concert Candids
Our Story
Former National Symphony Orchestra principal bassist H. Stevens Brewster founded the Mount Vernon Youth Orchestra and Mount Vernon Orchestra in 1971 and 1972, respectively. After Mr. Brewster’s tragic death in an automobile accident in 1984,
Ulysses S. James became the Director of both orchestras.
The first two years of Ulysses James' tenure were spent rebuilding the groups. Concerts were performed mainly at St. Aidan's Episcopal Church in Mount Vernon, Virginia. The groups raised funds through modest concert donations and membership dues. In 1987 the orchestras became part of Mount Vernon Orchestra Association, a not for profit 501(c)(3).
The Association began offering the Lyceum Chamber Series in 1991 with free performances each Sunday at the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum during the months of July and August. In 1996, the summer concert season was expanded to two and a half months from June through September.
In 2004 Mount Vernon Orchestra Association changed its name to Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association. Similarly, Mount Vernon Orchestra became Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic, and Mount Vernon Youth Orchestra became Washington Metropolitan Youth Orchestra. The Washington Metropolitan Concert Orchestra was formed in 2008. 2021/2022 marked the 50th Anniversary Season of the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic.
Under the leadership of Dr. Anna Binneweg from the 2023/2024 Season, the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic continues to flourish and has earned a reputation for bringing high quality, adventurous, and interesting musical programs to the community. The Association places consistent emphasis on the performance of new and exciting music compositions and the support of local and emerging artists, while working to make high quality musical performance accessible to all members of the community.
Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic is a modern, symphonic orchestra of approximately 65 professional and semi-professional musicians dedicated to creating innovative and exhilarating live music experiences through memorable performances for the community and adventurous programming of both well-known and rarely played classical repertoire. As a firm proponent of diversity and inclusion, its identity has been shaped by a strong focus on presenting American music, championing works by living composers, and presenting works by underrepresented composers.
Ulysses S. James became the Director of both orchestras.
The first two years of Ulysses James' tenure were spent rebuilding the groups. Concerts were performed mainly at St. Aidan's Episcopal Church in Mount Vernon, Virginia. The groups raised funds through modest concert donations and membership dues. In 1987 the orchestras became part of Mount Vernon Orchestra Association, a not for profit 501(c)(3).
The Association began offering the Lyceum Chamber Series in 1991 with free performances each Sunday at the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum during the months of July and August. In 1996, the summer concert season was expanded to two and a half months from June through September.
In 2004 Mount Vernon Orchestra Association changed its name to Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association. Similarly, Mount Vernon Orchestra became Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic, and Mount Vernon Youth Orchestra became Washington Metropolitan Youth Orchestra. The Washington Metropolitan Concert Orchestra was formed in 2008. 2021/2022 marked the 50th Anniversary Season of the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic.
Under the leadership of Dr. Anna Binneweg from the 2023/2024 Season, the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic continues to flourish and has earned a reputation for bringing high quality, adventurous, and interesting musical programs to the community. The Association places consistent emphasis on the performance of new and exciting music compositions and the support of local and emerging artists, while working to make high quality musical performance accessible to all members of the community.
Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic is a modern, symphonic orchestra of approximately 65 professional and semi-professional musicians dedicated to creating innovative and exhilarating live music experiences through memorable performances for the community and adventurous programming of both well-known and rarely played classical repertoire. As a firm proponent of diversity and inclusion, its identity has been shaped by a strong focus on presenting American music, championing works by living composers, and presenting works by underrepresented composers.
