About Us

The NCO brings together professional musicians, emerging artists, and music educators in a collaborative environment that values both excellence and shared growth.

Our Story

The Nashville Civic Orchestra was born from the simple conviction that a city growing as quickly as Nashville creates space for new kinds of musical organizations to take root. The NCO exists to build on a foundation that Nashville arts organizations have spent decades laying. We are Nashville's first semi-professional civic orchestra - a home for dedicated musicians who want to grow, a stage for emerging composers and artists, and a bridge between the concert hall and the classroom. Built in Nashville, for Nashville.

We hope you'll join us as we grow alongside the city we love!

Our Movement

We believe orchestral music is for everyone, so we’re building this for YOU.

For Musicians

Professional Mentorship
Orchestral Masterworks
Social Events & Community
Performance Excellence

For Students

Immersive Fellowship Program
Open Masterclasses
School Visits
Side-by-Side Concerts

For New Voices

World Premieres
Composer Reading Sessions
Nashville Spotlights
Living Composers

For Nashville

Behind-the-Scenes Access
Open Dress Rehearsals
Social Mixers & Jams
Local Partnerships

Meet the Conductor

Elias Salazar

Founding Artistic Director & Conductor

Elias Salazar is a distinguished Venezuelan American conductor residing in Nashville, Tennessee. Known for his “precision, clarity, energy, and passion” on the podium, he has significantly impacted the Nashville music community for over a decade.

Salazar recently completed a 10-year tenure as the Director of Choral and Orchestral Music at Ensworth School where he also founded and directed the Ensworth School of Music. His dynamic and innovative approach to music education helped the school’s music program flourish during his tenure. He also recently served a five-season tenure as Artistic Director and Conductor of the Trevecca Symphony Orchestra and served a one-season appointment as Music Director of the Belmont University Opera, Salazar’s professional affiliations include serving on the Board of Directors for the Gateway Chamber Orchestra, as the Contemporary Music Chair of the Tennessee American Choral Directors Association, and as a member of the Leadership and Action Council for the Nashville Singers. He has performed as a vocalist with the acclaimed Portara Ensemble, featured at the 2017, 2018, and 2023 CMA Awards and the 2018 CMA Country Christmas program. Salazar currently serves on the board of the Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra and as Associate Music Director and Choir Director of The Village Chapel.

Salazar’s experience further includes a two-season tenure as Conducting Fellow with the Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra under Dr. Christopher Norton, a season as Interim Music Director for the Music City Youth Orchestra, and numerous guest conducting engagements with groups such as the Tennessee Philharmonic Orchestra, the Decatur Orchestra Sul Ponticello, the Nashville Cinematic Symphony, and various university ensembles. In 2014, Salazar founded the Nashville Collegiate Orchestra and led the group as Artistic Director until 2020.

Driven by a passion for education, community, and leading ensembles, Salazar strives for excellence in his technique, preparation, interpretation, and performances. His dream is to lead world-class ensembles unwaveringly into their communities and to inspire audiences worldwide through exhilarating and unforgettable performances.