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History of the Montgomery Symphony
For more than 30 years, the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra has played
a key role in Montgomery's artistic community. Through the years,
many people have given generously of their time, talent and
resources to ensure that residents of Montgomery's River Region and
the state of Alabama have the opportunity to hear great orchestral
works performed.
The Montgomery Symphony Orchestra began in 1976 under the direction
of First United Methodist Church Music Director John Dressler who
originally organized the group to accompany the church's choirs.
Wind, brass and percussion players were recruited and a close
relationship was developed with the City of Montgomery's Parks and
Recreation Department through the efforts of Joanna Bosko, the
city's Cultural Arts Supervisor and a member of the orchestra. The
MSO rehearsed at the church and as it grew, began to offer concerts
in the community. Maestro Dressler guided the young orchestra with
great success and retired from the podium in 1979.
MSO trombonist Marshall Brown was the Orchestra's second conductor
and led the MSO for three seasons. It was during this time that the
orchestra's structure began to take shape. A Board of Directors was
formed in 1980 and incorporated in 1981 under the leadership of
Stanley Gregory, President. The Montgomery Symphony League formed a
year later with Barbara Barnes serving as the first president.
Following a year-long search for a new Music Director and Conductor,
Thomas Hinds stepped onto the MSO's podium at the beginning of the
1983-84 season where he remains today. Many of the Symphony's best
known concerts and programs, including the Children's Concerts,
Broadway Under the Stars, the Montgomery Symphony Radio Show and the
Fellowship Program, were instituted under his direction. His debut
as Music Conductor coincided with the MSO's debut on the Davis
Theatre stage.
In the late 1980's the organization turned its combined efforts
toward nurturing the artistic development of the Orchestra. The
Fellowship Program brought a world class violinist into the MSO's
midst to help lead and inspire the strings. A new scholarship
program sponsored by the League supported the musical development of
the orchestra's volunteer musicians by subsidizing lessons and
promoting attendance at music festivals. An instrument loan fund
allowed players to purchase more professional caliber instruments.
Finally, the MSO moved its weekly rehearsals from its longtime home
at First United Methodist Church to the Davis Theatre. A
professional administrative staff member was added in 1986,
expanding the orchestra's capability to establish and maintain
programs.
A focus on music education inspired the development of several
programs in the 1990s. The Montgomery Symphony Radio Show first
aired in 1992 and continues today, providing a weekly opportunity to
educate listeners on all aspects of music. Two other programs, the
Trawick Players and the Stringfellows Summer Music Seminar were
initiated to provide musical learning opportunities for elementary
and junior high students.
The key to the success of the Montgomery Symphony has always lived
in the hearts of those who loved it. Through the years, hundreds of
musicians have devoted nearly a half million volunteer hours to
rehearse and perform the great music of the ages. Many musicians
have pledged their Monday nights to the MSO for 20 years or more,
including several charter members. The maturity they bring to the
Orchestra's performances under girds its artistic success. In
appreciation, they have been supported by the time, energy and
resources of an entire community and sustained by the enthusiastic
applause of a grateful audience.
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