The MCO was formally established replacing the Marlborough Youth orchestra in June 2014 with the objectives of benefiting the entire community; producing affordable orchestral concerts and providing the musicians in Marlborough, of all ages and levels of experience, with the opportunity to extend their skills and play in a variety of orchestral settings.

The MCO is entirely made up of voluntary members whose love for music has helped create Marlborough's first community orchestra in over 40 years. With few exceptions, instruments are player-owned and we pay for our own lessons. We gratefully receive masterclasses and orchestral training from professional orchestra members as funding allows (see funding agencies below). 

As part of the MCO's commitment to the local community the orchestra aims to perform special free primary school concerts every year at the ASB Theatre Marlborough.  The Marlborough Civic Orchestra (MCO) aims to showcase a diverse repertoire from standard classical fare to popular music (shows, tv or film) - from memorable traditional pieces to catchy contemporary tunes. We choose the music according to what our members want to play and what you the audience want to hear.