Eclipse Chamber Orchestra, one of the nation's premiere chamber ensembles, has rapidly become well known for its exceptional performances and diverse repertoire. Founded in 1992, and comprised of twenty-one members of the world-renowned National Symphony Orchestra, the membership also represents a convergence of members from Washington's great chamber ensembles, including the American Chamber players, the Capitol Woodwind Quintet, the National Musical Arts Society, and the Chamber Soloists of Washington. Its members have been featured as soloists in all of the finest recital series, including the Corcoran, the Phillips Collection, the Dumbarton Concert Series, the Terrace Theater and the Library of Congress and also as concert soloists with the National Symphony and orchestras throughout the country. Eclipse Chamber Orchestra takes great pride in featuring at least one of its members as a soloist for each concert series.
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We believe the beauty and richness of live classical music must be made available to all people regardless of their station in life. The universal language that music speaks needs to be heard all across the land. The accessibility to the arts is part of what makes our great country. Founded and incorporated in 1992, the primary mission of the ECLIPSE and its youth organization, Brass of Peace, is to bring world class performances to people of every age, ethnic background and economic means where they live at a price that any person can afford. Our current roster includes 23 virtuoso members of the National Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra presents three concerts per season at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial of Alexandria. A fourth non-subscription Brandenburg Festival is held annually in November, and three fundraising musicales are presented during the season.
The Brass of Peace Scholarship Program (BOP), a tuition-free program for talented high school students sponsored by Eclipse Chamber Orchestra (age 15-18), is an intensive training program which prepares its members for greater success in the very competitive field of music. For a period of 36 weeks during the school year, the Brass of Peace Scholars, a group of 13-15 gifted children, are given two-hour weekly coaching sessions with Eclipse Music Director and National Symphony Orchestra hornist, Sylvia Alimena. Scholarship members prepare and perform several demanding programs over the course of the year. Members are also given individual attention during the rehearsals and at the annual Brass of Peace Masterclasses.
Caryl Bernstein, President
Barbara Moore, Vice President
Mitchell Schneider, Treasurer (ex officio)
Priscilla Linn, co-Secretary
Edward Newman, co-Secretary
Sylvia Alimena (ex officio)
Jim Allison
Seth Arenstein
Carole Bean
Barbara Finkelstein
