Download 1990-2015 Founded in 1990, the Atlantic Classical Orchestra (ACO

25th ANNIVERSARY
1990-2015
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF MUSIC
Founded in 1990, the Atlantic Classical Orchestra (ACO) will celebrate its landmark 25th
Anniversary in 2015. Composed of members drawn not only from Florida's principal musical
organizations, but also from major orchestras throughout the United States, the Orchestra's
artistic vision, high caliber of playing, prominent guest artists, and variety of works performed
have earned it a reputation as a world-class performing arts organization dedicated to presenting
performances of both orchestral and chamber music in Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast.
The ACO has thrived under the guidance of two remarkable musicians: founder Andrew
McMullan, who led the orchestra during its first 14 seasons, and Grammy-nominated Maestro
Stewart Robertson, the ACO’s second and current artistic director and conductor.
HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS
1990
 Andrew McMullan establishes the ACO.
1991
 Inaugural concerts in Vero (November 21) and Stuart (November 22) feature an AllMozart program.
1992
 Opening performance of the 1992 Concert Season features Saint-Saens Carnival of the
Animals narrated by film star Phyllis Thaxter.
1993
 ACO’s Young Artist Discovery Program debuts with 13-year-old violinist Hilary Hahn,
one of today’s most renowned musicians. Over the years, Ms. Hahn makes return
appearances, performing five of her own premieres of major concertos with the ACO.
1996
 Cora Witten and Raz Allen begin their two piano musicale series, performing during a
morning coffee hour or afternoon/evening wine and cheese event.
1998
 ACO commissions a multi-media presentation based on Vero Beach native Debra
Frasier’s book, On the Day You Were Born.
1999
141 NORTH US ONE | FT. PIERCE, FLORIDA | 34950 | 772.460.0850 | WWW.ACO-MUSIC.ORG

WQCS broadcasts an abbreviated replay of the ACO’s concert series each week
following the performance.
2000
 The ACO presents a special lyrical tribute to Peanuts’ creator Charles Shultz. Composed
by Ellen Taafe Zwilich, The Peanuts Gallery is performed by the ACO one day before
the death of the beloved Charlie Brown cartoonist.
2001
 The 10th Anniversary Season features Elmar Oliveira, winner of the Russian International
Tchaikovsky violin competition, performing Mozart Violin Concerto A major.
 Andrew McMullan receives the prestigious Laurel Award for Outstanding Performance
from Vero’s Cultural Council.
2002
 The ACO debuts a matinee performance at the Lyric Theatre in Stuart.
2003
 Andrew McMullen champions the works of American composer Norman Dello Joio,
including two world premieres.
 Paul Covill establishes the Andrew McMullan Founders Society.
 Vero Beach’s Cultural Council presents the Laurel Award for Outstanding Volunteer to
Raz Allen.
 ACO hires its first Executive Director.
2004
 The ACO moves its Vero Beach Concert Series to the Waxlax Center for the Performing
Arts at St. Edward’s School.
2005
 Stewart Robertson takes the baton as artistic director and conductor for the 2005 Concert
Season.
 ACO introduces the pre-concert lecture, which quickly becomes a favorite offering for
concertgoers.
 Jon Nakamatsu, the 1997 Van Cliburn Gold Medal winner, makes his first of three
appearances with the ACO, performing Saint-Saens Concerto #2.
2008
 Young Artist Discovery Program: Caroline Goulding joins the ACO for the first time,
performing Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto E minor.
 The ACO begins its longstanding educational relationship with the Treasure Coast Youth
Symphony (TCYS).
 TCYS and Vero Beach High School musicians perform a “side-by-side” concert with the
ACO in Tchaikovsky’s 4th Symphony.
2009
 The ACO forms a partnership with Miami’s Dranoff International Two Piano
Competition, performing special education programs throughout South Florida.
 Further expanding its programming, the ACO establishes a Chamber Music Series that
continues today at the Blake Library in Stuart and the Vero Beach Museum of Art.
 Young artist Caroline Goulding returns for her second appearance, pairing up with Chris
O’Riley for Mendelssohn Concerto for piano, violin and orchestra.
141 NORTH US ONE | FT. PIERCE, FLORIDA | 34950 | 772.460.0850 | WWW.ACO-MUSIC.ORG
2010
 The ACO begins its adult educational series, Behind the Baton, featuring Maestro
Robertson. The lectures, held on the Stuart and Vero Beach campuses of Indian River
State College, continue to grow in popularity.
 Guest artist Elmar Oliviera returns for his second performance, a Mozart Violin Concerto
A major.
2011
 Caroline Goulding makes her third appearance with the ACO, performing Bruch Violin
Concerto #1.
2012
 The ACO and guest artist Elmar Oliviera perform a Robert Schumann Violin Concerto,
recording live at Lynn University in Boca Raton on March 5.
2013



The ACO releases its first recording, an all-Schumann CD on the Artek label, featuring
renowned violinist Elmar Oliveira.
A Composers Advisory Council (CAC) is formed, bringing together some of the nation’s
most distinguished composers, including Pulitzer-winning Paul Moravec, John Harbison,
Michael Daughtery, David Conte, David Dzubay and Stephen Hartke. The CAC is
responsible for helping the ACO identify and secure the most promising new American
composers for Commission Project concerts.
ACO celebrates founder Andrew McMullan’s 90th birthday at benefit concerts featuring
pianist Daniel Grimwood and ACO musicians performing the American premiere of
Adolf von Henselt’s Piano Concerto in F minor Op. 16.
2014
 The Rappaport Prize for Music Composition, which premieres commissions by the ACO
from today's most promising young American composers, is established. World
premieres include American Vignette by Emmy Award-winning composer Garth
Neustadter and Concerto for Clarinet and Chamber Orchestra by Jeffrey Parola.
 Open dress rehearsals are held at the Eissey Campus Theatre in Palm Beach Gardens,
introducing more than 2,000 guests to the ACO’s artistic programming.
 The ACO formally announces plans to expand to Palm Beach County for the 2015
Concert Season.
Today, the ACO’s original concert series continues to take place at Stuart’s Lyric Theatre and
Vero Beach’s Waxlax Center. With the addition of a third concert series at the Eissey Campus
Theatre, the Atlantic Classical Orchestra is poised to continue its rich tradition and strengthen its
role as a primary cultural resource serving Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast.
141 NORTH US ONE | FT. PIERCE, FLORIDA | 34950 | 772.460.0850 | WWW.ACO-MUSIC.ORG