Westchester Philharmonic
The Westchester Philharmonic orchestra is the only fully-professional symphony orchestra devoted to serving the people of Westchester County. Now celebrating its 25th anniversary season, the Philharmonic fulfills its mission in the concert hall, in the community, and in the classroom. Under the direction of esteemed conductor Paul Lustig Dunkel, the Philharmonic performs a main stage Concert Series at the Performing Arts Center Purchase College. The Philharmonic also partners with local agencies to present free and low-cost concerts for all County residents, and its award-winning education program serves over 2,000 elementary school students.
The orchestra is comprised of the finest musicians from the greater New York area and has worked with the world’s finest soloists, including Itzhak Perlman, Midori, Joshua Bell, and the late Isaac Stern. With a focus on presenting the best music of the past and present, the orchestra places particular emphasis on providing young musicians with an opportunity to perform with, or compose for, a professional symphony orchestra early in their careers. The Philharmonic has become a home for living American composers and has proudly commissioned many orchestral works such as Melinda Wagner’s Concerto for Flute, Strings and Percussion, which was awarded the Pulitzer Prize.
The orchestra is dedicated to inviting and attracting people of diverse backgrounds to its concerts and continues to explore new partnerships with local schools, libraries, and community centers, so that all in the community have the opportunity to experience the joy of a live, classical music concert.
