A NEW SEASON: Ruth Ochs leads the Westminster Community Orchestra’s opening concert November 5 in the Cullen Center on the campus of Westminster Choir College, Walnut Lane.

The Westminster Community Orchestra (WCO), conducted by Ruth Ochs, announces its 2023-2024 season, which will include five concerts that explore the historical thread of musical families. Four of the five concerts take place at Hillman Hall, in the Cullen Center, on the campus of Westminster Choir College on Walnut Lane.

“While the Bach family of musicians was a dynasty, and of course, there’s the Mozart family, we will showcase some of the other musical families in our programming in the hopes of uncovering new musical gems,” said Ochs in describing the upcoming season.

The series begins on Sunday, November 5 at 3 p.m. with a concert featuring works by Felix Mendelssohn and his sister Fanny Hensel, as well as pieces by 18th century French composer André Grétry and his daughter, Lucille. The performance will also include Beethoven’s Second Symphony.

The orchestra’s annual Holiday Sing-along concert will take place on Wednesday, December 13 at 7:30 p.m., with soprano Danielle Sinclair, a member of the Westminster Conservatory faculty, in a performance of seasonal favorites. The audience will be invited to sing along on a variety of Hanukkah and Christmas selections. All ticket donations will be distributed among several local food pantries and service organizations.

On Sunday, February 4 at 3 p.m., the WCO will present the annual Conservatory Showcase, featuring the winners of the Westminster Conservatory Concerto Competition, as well as a world premiere by a Conservatory student composer, along with other musical elements of the Conservatory.

The Guitars of Westminster, directed by Mark Johnstone, will be highlighted in the orchestra’s March 3 program at 3 p.m., performing a new work composed for them and the WCO by Kathleen Scheide. May 19 will mark the end of the season with a 3 p.m. concert featuring the orchestra performing works by the Johnson brothers, in addition to other pieces.

There are no tickets required for the Hillman Hall concerts, although a $10 donation will be collected at the door. Conservatory Showcase tickets will be available closer to the concert through the Princeton University box office.

Now in its 39th season, the WCO 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 music for themselves and their community.

For more information, visit Facebook.com/Westminstercommunityorchestras.