The purpose of the Westmont Orchestra is to honor God through the gifts given to each member of the orchestra as together they create an artistic and expressive ensemble.
Psalm 33: 1-3 (NIV)
Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous;
it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
Praise the Lord with the harp;
make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.
Sing to him a new song;
play skillfully, and shout for joy.
Westmont Orchestra concerts typically begin with a hymn.
These hymns invite both the musicians of the orchestra and all those
in attendance to remember the source of the musical gifts before us.
The Westmont College Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Ruth Lin, has a distinguished history of performing masterworks of the orchestral repertoire. Included in its performances are works for full orchestra, string orchestra, and small ensembles. Founded in 2006 as an all student ensemble of the Westmont College Music Department, the orchestra has a strong history of performing American orchestral repertoire including the commissioning of new works from contemporary American composers. Recent commissioned composers have included Emma Lou Diemer, James Stephenson, J.A.C. Redford and Daniel Gee. The orchestra performs two major independent concerts each semester, as well as a combined Christmas concert with the choral ensembles and a major works program in the spring with the College Choir. The Westmont orchestra tours annually, rotating domestic tours with international tours. The orchestra has traveled in recent years to Italy, China, Hungary, Austria, Ireland, the United Kingdom and throughout the United States. Typically, the orchestra is made up of circa 60 student musicians. Faculty specialists coach each section of the orchestra, including Dr. Han Soo Kim (strings) and Dr. Paul Mori (wind, brass and percussion).
Orchestra Tour to Vienna
In May of 2022, the orchestra visited Salzburg, Vienna and Prague on a special Beethoven tour. Originally scheduled for May of 2020, this tour was delayed due to the COVID-19 shutdowns.
The Westmont Orchestra wants to visit you on its next tour!
The Westmont Orchestra is always looking for tour hosts. We've performed in venues of all shapes and sizes and YOURS could be next! In exchange for an evening concert for your organization and community, hosts typically provide an evening meal upon arrival, overnight accommodations, breakfast the next morning, and sack lunches for the bus ride out. If you are interested in having your organization added to our touring roster please fill out our tour contact form found below:
Pursue your calling as a music student at Westmont