Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico - In addition to the previously publicized 2016 Christmas Concerts, the Puerto Vallarta Chamber Orchestra is delighted to announce plans for February's concert, 'An American in Puerto Vallarta,' and the Spring concert in March, which will feature music from the Balkans and local Gypsy Jazz Trio, Moruno.

The PVCO is an intercultural cross-generational project that has grown to the size of a full orchestra, with the gorgeous sound of over 45 musicians as the result of auditions this year adding ten new members.

Now the name "chamber orchestra" is a bit of a misnomer. It also houses and supports different ensembles, like the new Flute Ensemble, which will be performing on December 10 at Sheraton Bugambilias for a fundraiser for Angeles de Libertad to raise money for people who cannot afford medical care; and the Salty Paw Jazz Orchestra, a student Big Band that has been performing in several venues around town.

The orchestra's first concerts of the winter season, the 2016 Christmas Concerts, will be held on Sunday, December 11, at 8 pm at the American School of Puerto Vallarta (in between Plaza Marina and the Airport), and on Monday, December 12, at 8 pm at Salon Paraiso in Paradise Village in Nuevo Vallarta. In addition to the Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky and other Christmas favorites, Ivan Arias Castellanos, a special guest French horn soloist, will grace the stage with Mozart's Horn Concerto #1. A suggested donation of 150 pesos for adults and 50 pesos for children is requested.

The PVCO is also delighted to introduce wonderful changes this season. There will be three programs instead of the usual two. February's concert, "An American in Puerto Vallarta," will highlight music by North American composers, including George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue with virtuoso pianist Rachid Bernal as guest soloist.

The Spring concert in March will feature music from the Balkans, including Antonin Dvorak's Slavonic Dances and New World Symphony. The very popular, ultra-talented gypsy jazz group Moruno will also perform then with the orchestra. Stay tuned to Puerto Vallarta's Liveliest Website! for date and venue details.

The PVCO is a volunteer organization and relies on community support. Importantly, for several years the American School of Puerto Vallarta has generously provided PVCO with rehearsal space, storage space, a performance venue, and an overall appreciation of who and what the orchestra stands for - these are immense contributions that the orchestra members deeply appreciate.

As the orchestra grows, so does the need for a dedicated physical home - a space for lessons, rehearsals, performances, meetings, and always the possibility of new student and professional activities - all with the opportunity to give to the community.

The Puerto Vallarta Chamber Orchestra appreciates your donations. They are needed for music stands and chairs for new members, purchase of timpani (kettle drums) and other instruments, music purchase, costs of concert set ups, sound and light equipment, videography, and printing, to name a few, and of course a home base.

If you wish to make a donation, please contact Daniel Oliveros by phone (cell) at 322-105-8344, on Facebook or at d_oliveros(at)yahoo.com.