History
In January 2026, local Businesswoman Wanda Bowman and Maestro Lonnie Klein convened a meeting to explore the community interest in offering professional orchestra performances in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The vision was to offer more opportunities for professional musicians in the area to perform, to feature nationally or internationally renowned guest artists, and to offer programs that were affordable to the community. Their proposal was met with enormous enthusiasm, which led to the creation of the “Festival Orchestra de Las Cruces.”
Seven weeks from inception, on March 10, 2026, Festival Orchestra de Las Cruces presented its first performance at St. Paul’s Methodist Church. The program— “Baroque Concerti Classics” — featured renowned musicians Vincente Campos (Trumpet), Joy Zalkind (Flute), and Pancho Romero (Trumpet).
Many donors and sponsors contributed to support the concert and to provide the foundation for the concert on September 6, 2026 featuring music by great American composers.
Festival Orchestra de Las Cruces’ Inaugural Concert
Our Donors and Sponsors
Thank you for supporting the Festival Orchestra de Las Cruces
The generosity of our patrons, donors, and community partners makes it possible to bring outstanding orchestral performances to Southern New Mexico. We gratefully acknowledge the following supporters.
🎼 Maestro Circle ($5,000-$20,000)
Patricia Rothengrass
🥇 Golden Baton Circle ($2,500-$4,999)
Wanda Bowman and Jerry Strange James Gerwells
🎻 Virtuoso Circle ($1,500-$2,499)
Aprendamos Early Intervention Clifford Ross and Cooper
Del Valle Printing Drs. Ammu and Rama Devasthali
Marci Dickerson Catering Double Eagle
Hacienda / La Posta L&P Building Supply
New Mexico Farm and Ranch Museum New Mexico State University
Picture Frame Outlet Red Hawk Golf Club
Diane Seward, Edward Jones Dr. Christa Slaton
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church Sunset Grill
Donna Tate Vado Speedway
🎵 Orchestra Circle ($600-$1,499)
Academy for Learning in Retirement - LC Caliches
International Film Festival Steve Lopez, MD
RT Electric / Kevin Tegmeyer The Game
Mick and Ana Vaskov
Patron Circle ($100-$599)
Adam Amador American Document Services
Andele Ashley Furniture
David Binns Allen and Emilie Bottorff
Brian and Liz Bowman Zach Brown Cosmetology
Tim Clifford Denice Cooper
Karen Dunn First American Bank
Doreen Gallegos Jerry and Connie Hines
Barb Hubbard Hubbard Music
Royal Jones Shari Jones
Sylvia Lauer Georgina Lavery
Frank Leto Farrah Marquez
Wanda McCormick James McGuire
Erin O’Donnell Steve and Sheryl Parsley
Premier Painting JB and Libby Pruett
Buddy Ritter Cris Salazar
Diane Schutz. Sisbarro Dealerships
Greg Smith Kiki Vigil
Thank you for helping us bring great music to our community!