Location: Eastern Shore of Virginia
Music Director: Amanda Gates

The Orchestra of the Eastern Shore, founded in Onancock, Virginia in 1999, is a community orchestra of amateur musicians concentrating in classical repertoire. Musicians are drawn from Eastern Shore and Hampton Roads communities and include people of wide professional and musical experience united by their love of classical music.

Amanda Gates begins her position as music director and conductor for the 2024-25 season. She currently works as music director and department chair of instrumental music at the Governor’s School for the Arts in Norfolk and is a longtime member of the violin section of the Virginia Symphony. She succeeds Dr. Paul Kim, the Orchestra’s acclaimed music director from 2014/15 through the 2023/24 season. Lee Jordan-Anders, a professional pianist who served as music director from 2009/10 through 2013/14 continues to perform with the orchestra on both piano and harpsichord. The Orchestra was founded and originally directed by Dr. Peter Dundon, a person of extraordinary musical breadth and talents. The Orchestra was incorporated in 2004 and awarded non-profit 501c3 status the following year.

The Orchestra regularly presents fall, winter, and spring concerts in Accomack and Northampton Counties, including participation in the annual Christmas in Onancock concert in December and occasional Messiah sing-alongs. Concerts are free; donations welcome. Orchestra musicians are also sometimes available to play for church services, weddings, and private parties. The Orchestra welcomes new players of all orchestral instruments to join throughout the year. See the Musicians tab for more information. String players are especially welcome.