The Texas Medical Center Orchestra: A Symphony of Healing, Harmony, and Community Engagement
The Texas Medical Center Orchestra (TMCO), founded in 2000 by their visionary conductor, Libi Lebel, has emerged as a beacon of artistic excellence and community impact. What began as a gathering of healthcare professionals swapping stethoscopes for instruments has blossomed into one of Houston’s most esteemed cultural institutions. TMCO is known as one of the finest community orchestras in the nation, winning the American Prize for best community orchestra. From its humble beginnings in hospital conference rooms to its current status as a celebrated ensemble, TMCO has remained true to its mission of harnessing the healing power of music.
The mission of TMCO is to provide health care professionals with a high-quality outlet for creative expression through the world of symphonic music; perform regularly at affordable concerts that are open to the public and in an accessible venue; attract a diverse audience by commitments to select popular programming reflecting Houston’s diversity; and bring public attention to, and provide programmatic support for, medically related and/or educational charities. Since its inception, TMCO has been a source of solace and inspiration for its members, offering a respite from the demands of their medical professions.
Dr. Grace Liao Lee, TMCO concertmaster, says this about the orchestra’s significance: “TMCO is very special. It provides an outlet for all of us from our busy lives as health care professionals, and it provides the camaraderie and the opportunity to develop friendships with individuals who are both medical professionals and musicians.”
Under the direction of Maestra Lebel, TMCO has garnered acclaim both locally and nationally. Voted the Best Community Orchestra in Houston and a recipient of the American Prize since 2017, TMCO has captivated audiences with its exceptional performances and innovative programming. TMCO takes great pride in their commitment to collaborating with local musicians and arts organizations, enriching the cultural fabric of Houston and strengthening bonds within the local arts community.
TMCO performs at Methodist
Throughout its 25-year history, TMCO has celebrated numerous milestones and accomplishments, from sold-out concerts at Carnegie Hall to a humanitarian virtual collaboration with Grammy award-winning songwriter Diane Warren during the COVID pandemic. The latter resulted in a viral video that raised over $7 million for the UN COVID-19 fund. Through these and many other efforts, the orchestra has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Houston.
TMCO’s home venue, The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, serves as a central hub for its vibrant performances. Additionally, TMCO has graced the stages of many other renowned venues across Houston, including Jones Hall, Stude Hall, Moores Opera House, Miller Outdoor Theatre, Round Top, and the Wortham Theater Center.
TMCO’s impact extends far beyond the stage. Through its education initiatives, community engagement programs, and philanthropic endeavors, the orchestra has touched the lives of countless individuals. TMCO has an active presence in the Texas Medical Center community, delighting audiences with frequent performances through their Community Pop-Up Concerts. This year alone, the orchestra hosted an impressive 35 pop-up concerts, averaging one every other week! From jazz trios to string, woodwind, piano, and brass ensembles, the opportunities to perform for residents and patients at locations such as Texas Children’s Hospital, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Veteran Affairs Hospital, and various senior living facilities drives the organization’s passion to continue to share the joy of music and spread hope and healing within its community.
In addition, TMCO has taken a significant step forward in expanding its education initiatives with the ZINN Education Program at their partner school, Pilgrim Academy, which serves a diverse community. TMCO’s dedicated team offers biweekly high-quality instruction, instilling essential values like teamwork and discipline alongside music enrichment. Additionally, the orchestra provides exciting opportunities for advanced chamber music studies, allowing talented students to showcase their gifts in community performances.
Barbara Bush narrates Saint-Saëns' Carnival of Animals
Throughout its 25-year history, TMCO has celebrated numerous milestones and accomplishments, from sold-out concerts at Carnegie Hall to a humanitarian virtual collaboration with Grammy award-winning songwriter Diane Warren during the COVID pandemic. The latter resulted in a viral video that raised over $7 million for the UN COVID-19 fund. Through these and many other efforts, the orchestra has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Houston.
TMCO’s home venue, The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, serves as a central hub for its vibrant performances. Additionally, TMCO has graced the stages of many other renowned venues across Houston, including Jones Hall, Stude Hall, Moores Opera House, Miller Outdoor Theatre, Round Top, and the Wortham Theater Center.
TMCO’s impact extends far beyond the stage. Through its education initiatives, community engagement programs, and philanthropic endeavors, the orchestra has touched the lives of countless individuals. TMCO has an active presence in the Texas Medical Center community, delighting audiences with frequent performances through their Community Pop-Up Concerts. This year alone, the orchestra hosted an impressive 35 pop-up concerts, averaging one every other week! From jazz trios to string, woodwind, piano, and brass ensembles, the opportunities to perform for residents and patients at locations such as Texas Children’s Hospital, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Veteran Affairs Hospital, and various senior living facilities drives the organization’s passion to continue to share the joy of music and spread hope and healing within its community.
In addition, TMCO has taken a significant step forward in expanding its education initiatives with the ZINN Education Program at their partner school, Pilgrim Academy, which serves a diverse community. TMCO’s dedicated team offers biweekly high-quality instruction, instilling essential values like teamwork and discipline alongside music enrichment. Additionally, the orchestra provides exciting opportunities for advanced chamber music studies, allowing talented students to showcase their gifts in community performances.
Per-concert performance by Pilgrim Academy students
Gran Fondo check presentation
Scenes from Doctors Life with Psophonia Dance Company
Per-concert performance by Pilgrim Academy students
TMCO’s philanthropic efforts extend to the community as well, with initiatives like the Gran Fondo Texas charity bike ride benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Montgomery County Food Bank, and TMCO. With over 14,000 riders and a remarkable 96 percent approval rating, Gran Fondo Texas has raised over half a million dollars since its inception, showcasing the orchestra’s dedication to making a positive impact beyond the concert hall.
As TMCO embarks on its next chapter, the orchestra remains steadfast in its dedication to innovation, inclusivity, and artistic excellence. With each note played and each heart touched, TMCO continues to inspire, uplift, and unite communities, proving that music truly has the power to heal, harmonize, and transcend boundaries. With 25 years of experience, the TMCO is “just the right medicine.”
For more information about the orchestra and upcoming concerts, please visit www.TMCOrchestra.org