Location: Eastern Shore of Virginia
Music Director: Alexander Chen

The Orchestra of the Eastern Shore (OES), founded in Onancock,Virginia in 1999, is a community orchestra of  amateur musicians concentrating in classical repertoire. Members are drawn from the Eastern Shore and Hampton Roads and include people of wide professional and musical experience united by their love of classical music. The Orchestra welcomes new players of all orchestral instruments. 

The Orchestra begins its 2026-27 season with a new music director/conductor. Alexander Chen is a Taiwanese-American conductor and cellist who moved to Hampton Roads in 2023 and soon became active in its diverse musical community. A gifted musician noted for his artistry, creative concert programming, and commitment to education and community engagement, Chen holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Cello Performance and a Master’s degree in Conducting. He currently serves as guest and cover conductor for the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Assistant Conductor of the Augusta (Georgia) Symphony as well as local affiliations with Batten University and Governor’s School for the Arts. Alex succeeds music director Amanda Gates who has taken a position as CEO with the New Mexico Philharmonic Orchestra, Dr. Paul Kim, who continues his career as associate professor of music at ODU in Norfolk, and pianist Lee Jordan-Anders, former GSA teacher and emeritus faculty member at Virginia Wesleyan. Lee continues her involvement with the orchestra as well as giving occasional piano recitals. The Orchestra was founded and originally directed by Dr. Peter Dundon, a person of extraordinary musical breadth and talents. It 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. If you are interested in joining the Orchestra, please be in touch with Mr. Chen (see contact page)  to arrange an audition or provide a video.

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