The Orchestra

The Cape Community Orchestra, formerly known as the First Congregational Church of Harwich Orchestra, was formed in 1990 to maintain an orchestra on Cape Cod for musicians of all ages who have the ability to read and perform music on their chosen instrument. The group performs orchestral programs consisting of classical, popular, show, operatic, march, and ballet music. Our members come from the entire Cape Cod area and represent a broad slice of professions, including public school musicians, retired persons, and many others.

Although the orchestra is well staffed with over forty five members, we always welcome string players, particularly violists, and occasionally have openings in other sections. Anyone interested in joining is encouraged to contact us at the orchestra email, capecommunityorchestra@gmail.com.  

Cape Community Orchestra is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) compliant, licensed public charity and is supported by grants, including from the Cape Cod Melody Tent, annual supporter donations, and free-will donations received at our fall and spring concerts. Donations received by the orchestra are tax deductible.

Conductor and Music Director

Nancy Torrente is honored to be the conductor and music director of the Cape Community Orchestra since her appointment in December 2021. Her work with the CCO includes programming and conducting performances, developing relationships with the community, and furthering the orchestra’s goal of providing a musical home to play and hear accessible orchestral music for the greater Cape Cod community.Ms. Torrente holds performance degrees from Philadelphia College of the Performing Arts and Queens College. In addition to her performance career, she is an active conductor and clinician. Nancy has been a featured string clinician presenting workshops at Villanova University,  the NJ String Teachers Association, and the Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association. Before moving to Cape Cod, she was the Orchestra Director in the Yorktown Central Schools, NY, for 22 years leading the school’s orchestras, consistently earning the highest ratings at national and international music festivals. Her past teaching experiences include starting the orchestra program at St Francis Prep HS in Queens, NY, and piloting the first cello classes in the East Harlem, NY, string program made famous by the film “Music of the Heart.” Nancy leads an active and varied professional life as a cellist. She has played and recorded music from Latin and jazz to classical. Nancy can be heard playing duets with jazz saxophonist David Liebman on his albums “A Walk in the Clouds” and “Dedications.” An avid chamber music player, she performs yearly in Wausau, Wisconsin’s ‘South Beach Up North Chamber Music Festival.’  She has been a member of the Orquesta Philharmónica de Caracas (Venezuela), Opera Barga (Italy), and the Hudson Valley Philharmonic (NY). Nancy is the principal cellist with the Taconic Opera Company (NY) and plays numerous freelance performances across NY and Massachusetts.

Board of Directors

Kwon Faith – President
Paul Chatelain – Vice President
Mary Robinson – Treasurer
Linda Grice – Secretary

Diane Caliri –Director
Francis Cattuti  – Director
Susan Saposnik – Director
Bill Walsh – Director

Teresa Katuska – Director
Salvatore Chines – ex officio
Donald Gauland – ex officio
Nancy Torrente – ex officio