Columbia Civic Orchestra

08/26/2026

A message from our music director 🎶

08/19/2026

New staff ✨

Our new librarian for the season Dominick

Originally from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Dominick DeStefano is a composer, musician, and music educator. As a composer, Dominick has written works for a wide variety of ensembles, including orchestra, wind ensemble, big band, brass ensemble, and various chamber ensembles. His works have been recorded and performed by numerous groups including the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, Network for New Music, Constellation Men’s Ensemble, the Criterions Jazz Ensemble, and the West Chester University Wind Symphony. In addition to his work as a composer, Dominick also performs regularly as a bassoonist. He holds a bachelor’s degree in composition from West Chester University and is currently pursuing his master’s degree at the University of Missouri. In his free time, Dominick enjoys the outdoors, biking, and hiking.

06/24/2026

🎻 A Legacy of Music: The Geenen Family Takes the Stage 🎻

The Columbia Civic Orchestra is delighted to celebrate a family whose name has become synonymous with musical excellence in Mid-Missouri.

For more than two decades, our Concertmaster, Siri Heglund Geenen, has inspired audiences and musicians alike through her artistry, leadership, and dedication to music education. Siri earned her Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from Northwestern University and her Master of Music in Violin Performance and Suzuki Pedagogy from the University of Colorado Boulder. She has served as Concertmaster of the Columbia Civic Orchestra since 2003 and has performed with the Missouri Symphony Orchestra since 2005. In 2019, she was honored as the Missouri ASTA “Studio Teacher of the Year” and continues to shape the next generation of musicians through her Suzuki violin studio and community outreach programs.

One of Siri’s greatest joys has been sharing her love of music with her daughters, Solveig and Linnea Geenen, both of whom have followed in her footsteps and built impressive musical careers of their own.

✨ Solveig Geenen is a professional violinist and educator currently based in Michigan. A graduate of Northwestern University and the University of Michigan, she has performed with numerous distinguished ensembles including the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Opera Orchestra, Lansing Symphony Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Sarasota Orchestra, and New World Symphony. She is also an accomplished chamber musician, soloist, and dedicated teacher.

✨ Linnea Geenen, a senior at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, began violin studies at age two with her mother. She has appeared with orchestras throughout the Midwest, participated in prestigious festivals including the National Orchestral Institute Festival, and earned recognition through state and national competitions. Her talent, dedication, and artistry continue to earn admiration wherever she performs.

This summer, Solveig and Linnea will take the stage together as featured soloists with the Missouri Symphony Orchestra in Joseph Bologne’s Symphonie Concertantes as part of the Fiery Legacies concert. The performance celebrates one of the most fascinating composers of the Classical era and showcases the extraordinary artistry of these hometown sisters.

From teaching a young child her first notes to watching two accomplished daughters perform as professional musicians, Siri’s story reminds us that music is more than an art form—it’s a legacy passed from one generation to the next.

Please join us in congratulating Siri, Solveig, and Linnea Geenen on this remarkable achievement. We are proud to call them part of the Columbia Civic Orchestra family and can’t wait to cheer them on as they share their talents with audiences across Missouri.

👏🎻 Bravo, Geenen family!

05/22/2026

04/19/2026

Let’s take a moment to thank Dr. Stefan Freund for 22 years of outstanding service. Last night was nothing short of magical as we celebrated the retirement of Stefan and honored the incredible legacy he leaves behind.

Surrounded by friends, musicians, and many of the key members who helped build the orchestra from the very beginning, it was a truly special evening filled with memories, laughter, and gratitude. Hearing Sally and Bruce speak about the impact Stefan has had on the orchestra over the years was both moving and inspiring. From the music to the stories shared, every moment reflected the passion, dedication, and heart Stefan poured into this organization. His influence will continue to resonate for years to come.

Thank you, Stefan, for everything you’ve given. What a beautiful night celebrating an extraordinary chapter. Thank you to all those who joined us!

Thank you to Dale Loyd for the amazing photos!

04/17/2026

Just a tiny bit of our night!

04/16/2026

There has been so much collaborative hard work poured into this concert, and we would love to see a full house tonight 💕 Come experience some wonderful music with us!

04/16/2026

Tomorrow is our concert with the choral Union at Jesse Hall Schubert Mass you don't want to miss it 😉

For tickets 🎫 https://mizzouarts.missouri.edu/event/spring-choral-union-concert/?fbclid=IwdGRjcARMetlleHRuA2FlbQExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR5kG7finr1rxUJw78KISb37LsG7HTa967kyT-ffix19HZjc-AjYPwAvdDlNtg_aem_OV8_jbGT0difZS-4cB9tnQ

04/15/2026

We’re so excited!

Our last concert of the season is this Thursday, April 16th! 🎶 Don’t forget to grab your tickets. Join us at Jesse Hall at 7:00 PM we can’t wait to see you there!

https://mizzouarts.missouri.edu/event/spring-choral-union-concert/?fbclid=IwdGRjcARMetlleHRuA2FlbQExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR5kG7finr1rxUJw78KISb37LsG7HTa967kyT-ffix19HZjc-AjYPwAvdDlNtg_aem_OV8_jbGT0difZS-4cB9tnQ