History and Mission

Mission Statement

Ensemble Monterey Chamber Orchestra enriches the cultural life of the Central Coast, performing music that is adventurous, challenging and unique.

Our History

Ensemble Monterey was founded in 1992 by Dr. John Anderson. Its goal has been to present outstanding works for chamber ensembles of 8 to 25 musicians, works that are seldom performed because of the number of players required, or because they are unusual and outside the repertoire of pieces most often performed by classical orchestras.

EMCO provides an avenue of creative expression for local professional musicians and composers and provides stimulating and exciting educational experiences for audience members of all ages and backgrounds. In addition, we add to the repertoire of classical music by commissioning new works such as 2017’s Sunset in My Hand  by  Ēriks Ešenvalds and 2024’s Pastures of Heaven by local composer John Wineglass.

Honoring Dr. John Anderson

Founder & Conductor Emeritus

After 32 extraordinary seasons at the helm of Ensemble Monterey Chamber Orchestra, Dr. John Anderson has officially passed the baton. As our beloved Founding Artistic Director and Conductor, John built this ensemble from the ground up—transforming a bold idea into one of the region’s most innovative and respected musical institutions.

A Legacy of Artistic Brilliance

Since founding Ensemble Monterey, John led with a vision rooted in curiosity, courage, and connection. His programming often featured “the greatest music you’ve never heard,” introducing audiences to underperformed masterpieces, contemporary composers, and daring works that challenged and inspired. Under his direction, the ensemble became a vital cultural force on California’s Central Coast.

In his own words:

“It has been an honor to create music with and for this community. Your unwavering support has allowed us to dream big and perform with heart—and it’s thanks to you that this orchestra continues to thrive.”

A Distinguished Musical Career

A native of Cupertino, California, John earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Flute Performance and a Master’s in Music Education and Aesthetic Philosophy from UCLA, followed by a Doctorate in Conducting from the University of Northern Colorado. He studied under legendary teachers, including Elizabeth A.H. Green, Nicolas Slonimsky, and Eugene Corporon.

John began his career as Assistant Conductor of Colorado’s Breckenridge Music Festival, a role he held for seven years. He made his Carnegie Hall debut with the premiere of Sunset in My Hand by Latvian composer Ēriks Ešenvalds—who called John “a powerful and smart conductor.”

In addition to conducting, John built a parallel career as a classical recording engineer, working with the Aspen Music Festival, and producing major works such as Handel’s Messiah in Dublin under conductor Simon Carrington. His scholarly writings on Edgard Varèse have been published in The Musical Quarterly and the CBDNA Journal.

A Lifelong Educator & Mentor

John’s influence extends far beyond the concert stage. He spent 38 years as a college professor, including 29 years on the music faculty at Monterey Peninsula College, where he taught music history, theory, and performance studies, serving as Chair of the Division of Creative Arts for 18 years. His dedication to education has shaped generations of musicians, many of whom have gone on to lead in their own right.

Passing the Baton

Now named Founder and Conductor Emeritus, John leaves Ensemble Monterey with a legacy of excellence and a bright path forward. Several of the ensemble’s longtime Principal musicians have stepped into artistic leadership roles, with principal Clarinetist Erica Horn serving as Board President.

In Erica’s words:

“John’s artistic vision has been the heart of Ensemble Monterey for over three decades. I’m honored to support and sustain that vision as we move forward. Together, we’ll continue to champion bold programming, exceptional musicianship, and the powerful role of music in our community.”

With Gratitude

We thank Dr. John Anderson for his tireless dedication, his artistry, and his generous spirit. Ensemble Monterey will always carry his imprint—one of imagination, excellence, and deep love for music.

Thank you, John.
Your legacy lives on in every note we play.

DEI Statement

At Ensemble Monterey Chamber Orchestra, we believe that classical music is for everyone. Since our founding as a consortium of local professional musicians in 1992, this has remained our core belief.

We are committed to providing challenging and enriching opportunities for local musicians, composers, and audiences from all backgrounds across the Central Coast. As part of this mission, we actively support young performers from underserved areas, ensuring they have access to both performance opportunities and the chance to experience live classical music.

Through our music, we strive to break down barriers and create a more inclusive, dynamic, and diverse classical music community.

Action Plan

Ensemble Monterey Chamber Orchestra strengthens the cultural fabric of the Central Coast by providing and encouraging an avenue of creative expression for professional musicians and composers who are residents of the community. Our student musician outreach provides valuable and unique performance opportunities for their generation. 

Ensemble Monterey provides welcoming access and exciting educational experiences to those audience members who might not otherwise consider classical music a relevant or available part of their lives.