About Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra

The Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra (MCO) was founded in February 1979 by a 

group of amateur musicians with ambitions to play chamber music. The orchestra members 

represent a wide range of ability.  Some are semi-professional, some are beginners.  Ages 

have ranged from ninety-three to fourteen.  The common denominator is enthusiasm 

and dedication.

MCO has enjoyed a succession of professional 

conductors.  Our first conductor was Timothy 

Russell, present conductor of ProMusica of  

Columbus.  He was followed by Timothy Muffitt, 

 Steve Wedell,  Kenichiro Matsuda, Richard Ciofarri,

and Luis Biava, our present conductor and music 

director.  Luis is principal cellist of the Columbus 

Symphony Orchestra, and he has in recent years 

developed a conducting career, featuring appearances 

at the Aspen Festival and in his native country of Columbia.

Luis Biava

The MCO funds itself primarily through quarterly dues from members. 

However, it gratefully accepts any donations offered for performances.  Central 

Presbyterian Church provides free rehearsal space in return for occasional performances. 

Our conductors have received the same token amount per rehearsal that was offered in 

1979 - a testament to their dedication to offering professional conducting to the 

amateur-musician community.

MCO plays regularly at retirement centers. We have played for religious 

services in various churches and synagogues, for Church Women United, and for 

the YWCA.  We have performed at schools, for graduation services, and even for a 

high-school prom banquet. During warm weather, we have performed in parks and 

on the river front.