fwco
The Fort Worth Civic Orchestra brings high-quality symphonic music to the community through free and accessible performances. Composed entirely of volunteer musicians, the orchestra presents concerts for audiences of all ages while offering meaningful opportunities for players and young musicians to learn, perform, and grow.
@fwco
Description
The Fort Worth Civic Orchestra is a community-driven ensemble dedicated to enriching the cultural life of Fort Worth and Tarrant County through the performance of great symphonic music. As a nonprofit organization, we strive to foster a deeper public appreciation for orchestral music by presenting engaging, high-quality concert experiences that remain accessible to everyone. Our orchestra brings together passionate volunteer musicians to explore a rich repertoire drawn from symphonic and chamber traditions. We believe that music is a lifelong pursuit, and we provide a welcoming artistic outlet for players who seek to learn, rehearse, and perform as an avocation. Supporting young people is central to our mission. The orchestra offers opportunities for student performers, composers, and conductors, presents family-focused concerts, and partners with local organizations that serve children and youth. Through these efforts, we aim to inspire the next generation of musicians and music lovers.
Organization Type
Performing Arts OrgLOCATION
DEC 14, 2025
Teddy Bear Concert(Teddy Bear Concert): Since 2002, our annual holiday concert for children has been dedicated to collecting stuffed toys for local children in crisis. Though the concert is free – as are all of our home concerts – we ask our patrons to bring one stuffed animal to donate to the Fort Worth Police Department. The police officers carry the toys in the back of their patrol cars to hand out to children when responding to domestic disturbance calls. The experience can be frightening and traumatic to a young child, but having a lovey to hold onto can calm a distressed boy or girl caught in a fearful and confusing situation. (Holiday Carol Contest): In 2004, FWCO music director Kurt Sprenger conceived an annual songwriting contest expressly for elementary schoolchildren. The students – working either individually or in groups and with help from their school music teacher – compose words and music to a seasonal carol of their own creation. The entrants are judged by the quality of the melody and the lyrics, and the selected songs are professionally arranged for voice and orchestra. The annual unveiling of these “brand new” holiday carols has become a FWCO tradition and one of the highlights of our Teddy Bear Concert.