Our Mission Statement

To present live classical music in Miami-Dade County at little or no cost to our patrons, and to provide the opportunity for amateur and professional musicians to continue a lifelong study and performance of classical music.

The Alhambra Orchestra is a community orchestra of approximately 60 members dedicated to a rewarding musical experience for amateur and professional players of orchestral instruments. At least an intermediate proficiency on the instrument is expected. A short, informal audition is required. The orchestra rehearses at Ransom Everglades School every Wednesday night from 7:30-10:00 pm, from approximately September through June.

Eight to twelve performances are scheduled during the season. Besides four concerts at Ransom, performances are sometimes requested by various private organizations, as educational outreach, or at publicly-owned facilities, such as libraries or parks. Each December the orchestra shares the stage with the Civic Chorale of Greater Miami for a performance of Handel’s Messiah.

Leo Walz, DMA, founded the orchestra in 1990. Dr. Walz led the orchestra for 10 years. Reginald Nicholson led the orchestra as Artistic Director/Conductor from 2003 until his death in 2009. A 9-member board of directors governs the orchestra. Membership dues are $50 a year for adults. Full time students are exempt from dues.

The orchestra is partially funded by small grants from government agencies. However, the great majority of our funding comes from patron donations and business sponsorships, which are instrumental to our financial health. Donors are gratefully recognized and donations are tax-deductible.

Orchestra members are other volunteers are welcomed to assist with the business of the orchestra:  publicity, fund-raising, hospitality, recruitment, and logistics.