About Us

Aiken Civic Orchestra began in 2012 with the vision of providing an ensemble experience to local musicians across the greater Aiken and Central Savannah River Area. It began as a volunteer string ensemble of 12 players. After 5 years of building a reputation among string players, ACO added winds, brass, and percussion to become a full, symphonic orchestra. In February of 2018, ACO became a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. With an emphasis on featuring local talent, ACO performs about 10 programs a season with music ranging from popular to masterpieces and even contemporary works, covering a dynamic range of composers.

Mission

​Aiken Civic Orchestra seeks to provide an artistic home that engages musicians  and audiences from the greater Aiken and Central Savannah River communities through the performance of orchestral repertoire, educating and enriching the human spirit.

 Board members left to right – Diane Berry, Adam DePriest, Karen Wilson, Linda McLellan and Tom Dettman

Outreach

Aiken Civic Orchestra has collaborated with many area vocal ensembles including Aiken Choral Society, Aiken Singers, Augusta Chorale, Belles Canto, Columbia County Choral Society, South Boundary Singers, and church choirs from Cornerstone Baptist, St. John’s United Methodist, and St. Paul Lutheran. ACO has also partnered with Aiken Youth Orchestras, Carolina Academy of Music, South Carolina Suzuki Institute, as well as USC Aiken and the All-Steinway campaign. Last season ACO performed for the CSRA Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Celebration. This season ACO will add Aiken Composers’ Guild as another organization to call as friends. ACO also sponsors a concerto competition open to youth performers. The winners of this competition enjoy the opportunity of performing with the orchestra.

Go here to see the many ways ACO works with other organizations in our community.