Welcome

SARATOGA ORCHESTRA of Whidbey Island, was formed as an expansion of the Saratoga Chamber Players founded by Whidbey Island’s legendary violinist and arts supporter, Michael Nutt. Previously known as Saratoga Chamber Orchestra, the name is derived from the beautiful Saratoga Passage that flanks the east side of Whidbey Island and the stand of trees known as the Saratoga Woods. In 2007, Legh W. Burns, Music Director Emeritus, began a regular concert series performing throughout the island for Whidbey audiences. Anna Edwards has led the orchestra as Music Director since 2015, and has brought national attention to the ensemble for its innovative programming, especially championing women and BIPOC composers.

MISSION STATEMENT The Saratoga Orchestra of Whidbey Island is a professional orchestra whose mission is to entertain, educate, and enrich the Whidbey Island community through music. ​

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OUR OBJECTIVES and VALUES are: 

• to present a unique and varied musical repertoire, and to perform in a professional manner with the highest standard of artistic integrity;

• to enhance the awareness and reputation of Whidbey Island as a cultural destination;

• to collaborate with other artistic disciplines to augment and enhance the concert experience; and

• to foster and mentor exceptional local music students in study and performance.

• Saratoga Orchestra is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion throughout our organization, not only as a priority but as a core value. ​

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We will strive to: 

• Feature performers, composers and leadership who embody and bring forward the diversity and richness of our musical community;

• Treat all who engage with this organization with respect, peace, equality, and kindness; and

• Celebrate and promote the lives and music of a wide and diverse spectrum of people to include race, gender, gender identity, creed, age, color, and sexual orientation. ​

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Saratoga Orchestra acknowledges we live and create on the ancestral land of the Coast Salish and Lower Skagit people which touches the shared waters of all tribes and bands within the Tulalip, Snohomish, Swinomish, the Suquamish, and Stillaguamish Tribal nations.

We honor the inhabitants of the island of Tscha-kole-chy and its pre-colonial history.

For more information, please visit: https://southwhidbeyhistory.org/special-topics/the-native-peoples