Orchestra of the Eastern Shore

Location: Eastern Shore of Virginia
Music Director: Amanda Gates

The Orchestra of the Eastern Shore, founded in Onancock, Virginia in 1999, is a community orchestra of amateur musicians concentrating in classical repertoire. Musicians are drawn from Eastern Shore and Hampton Roads communities and include people of wide professional and musical experience united by their love of classical music.

The Orchestra regularly presents fall, winter, and spring concerts in Accomack and Northampton Counties, including participation in the annual Christmas in Onancock concert in December and occasional Messiah sing-alongs. Concerts are free; donations welcome. Orchestra musicians are also sometimes available to play for church services, weddings, and private parties. The Orchestra welcomes new members of all orchestral instruments to audition with the music director throughout the year.

Music Director – Amanda Gates

Amanda Gates began her position as music director and conductor for the 2024-25 season. She currently works as music director and department chair of instrumental music at the Governor’s School for the Arts in Norfolk and is a longtime member of the violin section of the Virginia Symphony. She succeeds Dr. Paul Kim, the Orchestra’s acclaimed music director from 2014/15 through the 2023/24 season. Lee Jordan-Anders, a professional pianist who served as music director from 2009/10 through 2013/14 continues to perform with the orchestra on both piano and harpsichord. The Orchestra was founded and originally directed by Dr. Peter Dundon, a person of extraordinary musical breadth and talents. The Orchestra was incorporated in 2004 and awarded non-profit 501c3 status the following year.

Farewell & Farandole

Telemann Viola Concerto with soloist Beverly Kane Baker, Haydn Farewell Symphony, and Bizet L’ArlÃsienne Suite #2

Friday, November 1 7:30 pm at Market Street United Methodist Church, Onancock
Sunday, November 3 4:00 pm at Hungars Episcopal Church, Bridgetown

Christmas at Cokesbury

Handel Messiah #13-21 (“Linus’ Version”) and Hallelujah Chorus (Sing-along)

Saturday, December 14 2:00 pm at Cokesbury Church, Onancock

Three B’s

Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1 with soloist Vahn Armstrong, Beethoven Egmont Overture, and Bartok Romanian Folk Dances

Friday, February 28 7:30 pm at Market Street Methodist, Onancock
Sunday, March 2 4:00 pm at Hungars Church, Bridgetownl Church, Bridgetown

Ending & Beginning

Faure Elegie with cello soloist Michael Daniels, Hindemith Five Pieces for String Orchestra, and Beethoven Symphony No. 1

Friday, June 6 7:30 pm at Market Street Methodist, Onancock
Sunday, June 8 4:00 pm at Hungars Church, Bridgetown

Venue Addresses:

Market Street Methodist – 75 Market St., Onancock
Cokesbury Church – 13 Market St., Onancock
Hungars Church – 10107 Bayside Rd. in Bridgetown, beside Machipongo. (For detailed directions, go to www.hungarscure.org.)