The Women’s Orchestra of Arizona (WOA) celebrates its 2025–2026 season cinematically and with more female musicians than ever.
Founded in 2016 by conductor Livia Gho, the orchestra initially began as a strings-only ensemble and has since expanded to include winds and brass. This fall, WOA welcomes 56 musicians, its largest group to date.
The season includes three main performances, plus a collaboration with the Arizona Masterworks Chorale for the annual Messiah Sing-Along. Each concert has a central theme, and Gho, along with Associate Conductor Cindy Petty, says they aim to make the music accessible and family-friendly.
As a mother of two young boys, Gho says she understands how busy families are and enjoying a concert in the afternoon can be an enjoyable experience for everyone.
“That’s why we keep things brisk, with programs kept to under an hour without intermissions. We share tidbits on what the pieces are about and so we like to make it very informative.”
A Gallery in Sound
The season opens with “Picturesque” on Sunday, Oct. 12, at 3 p.m. at North Scottsdale United Methodist Church.
The program begins with Rossini’s Barber of Seville Overture, followed by British composer Doreen Carwithen’s Suffolk Suite.
“A child prodigy who began her musical training at the age of four, Carwithen was a pioneering force in the mid-20th century,” a press release noted. “The performance of her work underscores WOA’s commitment to celebrating the contributions of women to classical music.”
Also featured will be Samuel A. Ward’s America the Beautiful, conducted by the winner of WOA’s “Pass the Baton” raffle. Finally, a selection from Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, inspired by paintings of the Russian artist Viktor Hartmann.
The piano suite portrays a tour through an art gallery of Hartmann’s works, with audiences experiencing a video presentation set to Mussorgsky’s music.
“Mussorgsky fell in love with those paintings and wrote this wonderful piece that depicts your journey as the viewer, walking from picture to picture,” Gho said. “The audience can connect and feel as though they’re at an art gallery.”
The orchestra celebrates its ninth season. (Photo courtesy of Women’s Orchestra of Arizona)
Upcoming Concerts
Nov. 30, 3 p.m. – Messiah Sing-Along with the Arizona Masterworks Chorale.
Feb. 1, 2026, 3 p.m. – Feel the Love featuring Bizet’s Carmen Suite No. 2 and Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, 1st movement, with soloist Daga Suchon.
April 26, 2026, 3 p.m. – Spring Concert, including Heather Price’s winning composition and Louise Farrenc’s Symphony No. 2.
WOA concerts are free and open to the public.
“It’s not just entertainment for entertainment’s sake, it’s also educational and informative,” Gho said. “Hearing an all-women’s orchestra come together and play is a powerful experience. I think women are generally better at emoting, and that really comes through in the music-making.”
The Women’s Orchestra of Arizona performs at North Scottsdale United Methodist Church, 11735 N. Scottsdale Road. For more information about the concerts and the Women’s Orchestra of Arizona, visit womens-orchestra-arizona.org or contact woa@womensorchestraarizona.com.
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