KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY: The Westminster Community Orchestra, led by Ruth Ochs, focuses on musical families in their upcoming concert.

The Westminster Community Orchestra (WCO), conducted by Ruth Ochs, will present a concert titled “Family Matters” on Sunday, November 5, at 3 p.m. in Hillman Hall, in the Cullen Center, on the Westminster campus, Walnut Lane. A suggested donation of $10 will be accepted at the door.

With the orchestra’s new performance season exploring the historical thread of musical families, the “Family Matters” concert will feature overtures by Felix Mendelssohn and his sister Fanny Hensel, as well as ballet pieces by 18th century French composer André Grétry and the Overture to Le marriage d’Antonio by his daughter, Lucille. The performance will also include Beethoven’s Second Symphony, which dates to the period when the composer became aware of the onset of his irreversible deafness.

Now in her 19th season as conductor and music director of the Westminster Community Orchestra, Ochs has led the group in performances of major orchestral and choral-orchestral works, including symphonies by Beethoven, Brahms, Haydn, Mozart, Saint-Saëns, Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky. Under her leadership, the orchestra continues to feature ensembles and soloists from the Westminster Conservatory and highlight works by local and under-represented composers.

Now in its 39th season, the Westminster Community Orchestra is known for performances that showcase the artistry, commitment and passion of a true community ensemble. The group presents popular programs noted for their diverse repertoire and widespread appeal. Members are professional and gifted amateur musicians from New Jersey and Pennsylvania. They come from all walks of life but share a common goal: the desire to make wonderful music for themselves and their community.

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