Reno Concerts

Washoe County Concerts, an all volunteer organization, is the oldest performing arts presenter in Nevada. Beginning in 1934, they are in their 73rd season offering an eclectic mix of music that is artistically and culturally diverse. They are one of the resident companies of the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts. Over the years the mission of the organization has changed from just being an entertainment venue to providing a variety of musical opportunities to 1000’s of students every year.

Washoe County Concerts Mission

Enhance the musical arts in the Truckee Meadows and to broaden the musical appreciation of local residents by celebrating culturally diverse music, and bringing international artists as well as American performers to our community so that all may enjoy a wide range of music at an affordable price.
Example: One of our goals is to keep our family membership close to the price of taking your family to the cinema.

Give outstanding young musicians an opportunity to perform outside the traditional recital experience. We recognize and encourage outstanding young musicians by providing them a performance venue at the Pioneer Center.
Example: This year we have showcased an 11 year old cellist and her 14 year old piano accompanist, the Latino dancers from Wooster High, and 110 band students from local high schools.

Provide both a concert and interactive experience at local schools with professional musicians. We want to inspire and educate young musicians as well as engage and encourage young people to support the arts as they become the community leaders of tomorrow. Support and enhance local school music programs.
Example: This year alone we have sponsored programs at Hug High, Elmcrest and Echo Loder Elementary Schools, Wooster High, and middle and high school band students from 17 schools. Our final student outreach for the season will be at Smithridge Elementary on April 30.

We provide 300-450 free tickets for students and their families for each concert. This has been particularly rewarding as the diversity of our audience begins to reflect that of our community.

In doing all this, we are providing the Truckee Meadows with exposure and introductions to musical styles and artists of which they may not have been aware or that are not represented in the local area. It is our hope that audiences young and old can come to appreciate, take pleasure in, and value all types of musical genres and cultures.

This project is funded, in part, by a grant from the Nevada Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.