Springfield Symphony Orchestra CONTACT:1350 Main Street Springfield, MA 01103 413-733-0636, ext. 17 SpringfieldSymphony.orgMichael Jonnes, Executive Director
DESCRIPTION:Founded in 1944 to enhance quality of life in western Massachusetts, and now in their 65th season, the quality and scope of SSO is phenomenal. This is the largest professional orchestra in Massachusetts outside Boston—over 80 musicians from the Pioneer Valley, New England generally, Canada, and the Boston and New York metropolitan areas. Since 2000 their Musical Director has been Kevin Rhodes, who has guest-conducted at the Paris and Vienna operas, as well as of the Springfield Symphony Pops; Nikki Stoia directs the 120-voice volunteer Springfield Symphony Chorus, and Marsha Hassett the Springfield Youth Sinfonia. SSO musicians participate in 100 performances annually, with over 80,000 audience members; their local concerts are nearly sold-out, with an average of 2300 tickets for a hall of 2500 seats. They have featured well-known international stars—including Yo-Yo Ma, Ithzak Perlman, Andre Watts, Nadja Solareno-Sonnenberg, Marvin Hamlisch, Marilyn Horne, Art Garfunkle, Duke Ellington, and Doc Severinsen—this season Peter Serkin, and Eartha Kitt. SSO also sponsors a Springfield Youth Sinfonia for very young and very talented musicians, and a full schools program for the area. Moreover, since 2000 they have run on a balanced budget. So on their 65th anniversary, let’s hear some bravos! (2008: CULTURE: Arts: Performing: Music)
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