The CMO was founded in January 1996 by Cincinnati-area musicians.
We are proud to be a part of the Seton/Elder Performance Series, with concerts in the Seton Performance Hall. We also perform in the summer throughout our region, with both indoor and outdoor shows.
Our Mission
The mission of the Cincinnati Metropolitan Orchestra is to perform free orchestral concerts of music chosen for the mutual pleasure of audience and musician, while developing a sense of musical community within the structure of well-organized rehearsals, balanced sections, and a 12-month performance season.
Our Musicians
The CMO is currently home to nearly 65 musicians of all ages from all over the greater Cincinnati area, which is why the orchestra chose its “Metropolitan” name. We have musicians from throughout the Greater Cincinnati area, as well as traveling from West Chester, Harrison, Loveland, Pleasant Plain, and Verona, Kentucky.
Our Conductor, David F. Allen
Besides being well-known as a regional favorite on the choral music scene, conductor David F. Allen is also an accomplished pianist, with a performance degree from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.
Mr. Allen, who has worked with many of the CMO musicians for decades, is music director at St. William Church and teaches at Elder High School. Mr. Allen directs The Seton & Elder Performance Series and the Starlight Singers and is also very much in demand as a pianist. A supportive yet critical conductor, Dave has placed special emphasis on improved ensemble playing within the orchestra. The orchestra welcomes his musicality and appreciates his hard work!
Our CMO Singers
The CMO Singers is a group of local vocalists who perform regularly with the Cincinnati Metropolitan Orchestra for the Summer Concert Series and are also occasionally seen performing with the CMO during its regular Concert Series.
These musicians can be heard singing a variety of music with the CMO – from opera to jazz to musicals to “everything in between”. Please check our listing of Upcoming Concerts for when you might have a chance to hear these great voices once again join the Cincinnati Metropolitan Orchestra.
Our History
It was 1996…
The Cincinnati Metropolitan Orchestra (CMO) found early success becoming an established performing symphony orchestra. In their first year (1996) they completed three formal concerts, one college graduation, one church dedication, one country club soiree (collaborating with vocal quartet “The Jazz Connection”), one benefit, a young-audience outreach concert, and one free outdoor pops concert.
Appropriately deemed an “instant orchestra” by Jim Knippenburg of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the CMO was founded in January of 1996 by a group of area musicians, well- acquainted by shared performance experience, who were highly motivated to find a challenging musical experience in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. “It was amazing, really, how everything just fell into place, and we had a full orchestra right from the first rehearsal after only two months of planning,” says concertmaster Gail Harmeling.
At that first rehearsal, conductor David Allen was already pleased with the orchestra’s musical balance, proficiency, and sound. “This is such a nice group of people. They really enjoy playing music and working hard together to create something wonderful.” Allen, who has worked with some of the musicians for at least 15 years, is music director at St. William Church, an accomplished pianist (Cincinnati Conservatory of Music piano performance degree graduate), and music educator at Elder High School.
An independent, non-profit organization, the CMO is currently home to nearly 75 musicians of all ages from all over the greater Cincinnati area, which is why the orchestra chose their “Metropolitan” name. “We have musicians from throughout the Greater Cincinnati area, as well as traveling from West Chester, Harrison, Loveland, Pleasant Plain, and Verona, Kentucky.” says founding member Kathy Klug. Most of the group have been musical friends for years, performing around town in other ensembles. The CMO is a very social group, too, with members gathering at nearby restaurants after rehearsals and concerts.
Blessings and Gifts
In terms of the nuts and bolts (or strings and reeds) that are the mechanics behind a successful orchestra, the group has been “unusually blessed” says founding member, Fred Martens. Seton High School came on board as an initial sponsor providing equipment and music as well as performing and rehearsal space. Soon to follow was a local printing company to provide all printing, from programs and posters to stationery and announcements.
A large music library (over 50 complete works) was donated by a now-defunct local pops orchestra. “Other sponsors, both individuals and businesses, have expressed interest