The Allegro Chamber Orchestra


Founded in 1986, the ALLEGRO CHAMBER ORCHESTRA has grown from a small nine piece string ensemble into a full string orchestra representing over 70 students from ten school districts and adults from all over Orange county. It is important to note that students who are accepted are required to participate in their school orchestra. The member range from young students to equally young at heart adults who have taken up the challenge to actively participate in the arts by either learning or relearning their instrument. In effect the orchestra has evolved into a wonderful community of supportive players who come each week throughout the year to improve their skills and serve the community through their musicianship.

The orchestra performs often and can always be heard either in established concert series in the county, at public malls and museums. Described by Chris Farlekas of the TIMES HERALD RECORD as ... "one of Orange County's treasures", the orchestra is gaining recognition throughout the county. Their 1995 appearance at the Paramount Theater in Middletown was the second largest audience the concert hall saw last season. In addition to local performances the orchestra has toured as far south as Florida to perform at Disney's Magic Kingdom (1993), Washington D.C. where they gave two performances on the West Front Terrace of the Capitol(1994) and Boston which featured appearances at the State House and the J.F.Kennedy Library (1995). Plans are currently underway for our 1996 east coast tour culminating at Disney's Magic Kingdom. 1997 will be the Tenth Anniversary for Allegro and will feature a AUSTRIA/BELGIUM Tour with the Performance Orchestra to celebrate the past ten years of growth and service to the community. Lead by Mr. Viktoras A. Prizgintas, he has been its artistic director from the start to its current standing representing three separate orchestras (TRAINING, CONCERT & PERFORMANCE) which serve students at various levels. Not only does the orchestra perform by itself, but other concert formats are pursued to enhance the audience and appreciation for what the students are able to accomplish. The orchestra has performed with chorus and is currently preparing a program to accompany live ballet performances. Other projects in preparation include a small musical which would feature solo voice, chorus, drama and dance - all to the accompaniment of the orchestra! According to Mr. Prizgintas, "Our goals are defined more by the endless possibilities of the student who is eager to learn and exceed our imagination. With that in mind, the goal serves more as momentum in a direction to guide rather than a finishing point to reach."

The ALLEGRO CHAMBER ORCHESTRA is pleased to be an active part of the arts in Orange County. Though financed primarily through student tuition, the concerts and rehearsal space are supported by a grant administered through the Orange County Arts Council Decentralization Fund. Mr. Prizgintas feels that it is important to note that before accepting any public funding, the orchestra worked for two years to first establish both itself and the audience that it serves.

Should you require any additional information, please contact Mr. Prizgintas at (914) 928-9711 during the day and (914) 928-8291.

Return To AMS