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
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–$15,000
Patricia Rothengrass
🥇 Golden Baton Circle
$2,500–$4,999
Wanda Bowman and Jerry Strange
🎻 Virtuoso Circle
$1,500–$2,499
Dr. Christa Slaton
🎵 Orchestra Circle
$1,000–$1,499
Wanda McCormick, DD
Ammu and Rama Devasthali
RT Electric / Kevin Tegmeyer
James Gerwells
Patron Circle
$100–$999
James McGuire
Donna Tate (Provided meals for musicians)
Libby and JB Pruett
Our Sponsors
Sunset Grill
Friends of the Ne Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum
L & P Building Supply
Clifford, Ross & Cooper, CPAs, LLC
Del Valle Desiign & Imaging
Diane L. Seward, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones
Caliche’s
La Posta de Mesilla
Academy for Learning in Retirement in Las Cruces, NM
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
Hubbard’s Music
First American Bank
Red Hawk Golf Club
RW Rentals Property Management and Rental
Double Eagle Special Events
Apprendamos Family of Services
Vado Speedway Park
The Game Bar and Grill
Hacienda De Mesilla
Las Cruces International Film Festival
Brandi Selby, CEO. American Document Services
Las Cruces Bulletin
Armando Estrada, Jr., Premier Painting of NM, LLC
Jesus Duran, General Manager, Ashley Furniture
Mike Tourtillott, Sisbarro Dealership and Sales Director
Thank you for helping us bring great music to our community!