An avant-garde community orchestra in Northampton, MA
LED BY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR JOSEPH RICKER
Upcoming Events
Saturday May 24, 2025 at 7pm
Bombyx
This will be our final concert of the season! Join us at Bombyx in Florence and listen to works from Inti-Illimani, Yumiko Kanki (F-Zero), Igor Stravinsky and more. The HVGO will be joined by guest artist, drummer Eliezer Martinez. Tickets available for purchase here.
About Happy Valley Guitar Orchestra
The Happy Valley Guitar Orchestra is a unique large ensemble that combines the distinctive timbres and techniques of electric, acoustic, classical and bass guitars. The orchestra plays an eclectic array of repertoire–ranging from Bela Bartok to James Brown, surf guitar to Chopin – an ever-evolving musical melange handpicked and arranged by HVGO’s Musical Director, Joseph Ricker. Based in the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, HVGO is made up of both professional and amateur musicians all fearlessly dedicated to excellence in avant-garde community music making.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I audition for the Happy Valley Guitar Orchestra?
Yes! The Orchestra is made up of players like you from our community. Get in touch with Artistic Director Joseph Ricker via the contact page of this website for more information.
Where can I see that Happy Valley Guitar Orchestra?
We perform regularly around the region. See the “Live Performances” section of this website for all the details.
Is the Happy Valley Guitar Orchestra a non-profit organization?
Yes we are! Our mission is to enrich the cultural landscape with our unique sound and provide a musical home for guitar players from a variety of backgrounds. The financial support of our community is necessary to keep us doing what we do. Your tax-deductible contribution is very much appreciated and can be made via the donate button of this website or to: Happy Valley Guitar Orchestra P.O Box 1689 Northampton, MA.
Performances
Stone Flower
HVGO performs “Stone Flower” by Antonio Carlos Jobim in an arrangement by their Artistic Director, Joseph Ricker with special guest Richie Barshay on drums.
Pavane
Artistic Director Joseph Ricker directs the Happy Valley Guitar Orchestra in his surf-inspired arrangement of Gabriel Faure’s great melody.
Rainbo Conversation
HVGO performs “Rainbo Conversation” by Stereolab in an arrangement by their Artistic Director, Joseph Ricker.