|
Williamsport Symphony Orchestra
Williamsport Symphony Orchestra is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization funded in part by grants from the Williamsport-Lycoming Foundation, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Council on the Arts--and by generous contributions from individuals and businesses.
WSO History
While the City of Williamsport has been blessed with community
orchestras since the nineteenth century, the idea of a regional
symphony began in 1964. Dorothy Baumwoll, a violinist from
Lewisburg, along with semi-professional oboist Dr. William
Barrison, solicited musicians from four counties to launch
the Susquehanna Valley Symphony Orchestra. Functioning under
a volunteer management, the SVSO braved numerous crises to
keep the orchestra alive.
The SVSO became involved with young people by establishing
an annual Free Family Concert, a Youth Orchestra, and a Young
Artists’ Competition. Some of these musicians have
gone on to solid, professional music careers.
As time passed, music industry professionals and corporate
sponsors took an interest in the SVSO. In 1982, the SVSO recruited
Rolf Smedvig as music director. He was once principal trumpeter
with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and is founder (and still
member) of the Grammy-winning Empire Brass Quintet.
In 1984, the SVSO changed its name to the Williamsport Symphony
Orchestra. Smedvig passed the baton to Robin Fountain in 1992. Under Fountain’s leadership, the
WSO has expanded its reach and has become a full-fledged semi-professional
orchestra. The uniquely talented Fountain has risen to the
task of making the WSO a stand-out orchestra in a small city.
Members of the WSO include award-winning authors, composers,
educators, entertainers, and recording artists. They have been
engaged in music projects heard around the world, participating
in major film soundtracks and working behind artists ranging
from Mantovani to the stars of Motown. The “collective
pedigree” of the WSO represents thousands of hours in
music education and performance.
The Youth
Orchestra was founded by Walt Straiton, who passed the baton to Rick Coulter. This adjunct to the WSO is now guest-directed by world-renowned conductor Christopher Para, who will conduct two concerts in the fall/winter and in the spring. The WSYO is perceived by its members as a very special opportunity--one in which the love of orchestral playing and the ability to do it well are nurtured at the highest possible level. The Youth Orchestra provides an educational and performance
medium for aspiring musicians under eighteen years of age.
The WSO adds more concerts to the calendar every year, as
well as more radio and television broadcasts. The orchestra
enriches and supports the economic and cultural growth of
our region. The WSO is truly "in concert with the community."
 |
WSO Music Director/Conductor
During the Season of the Maestros, the following people will guest-conduct as part of the application process for the position of Music Director:
Rebecca Miller
Cheung Chau
Gerardo Edelstein
Viswa Subbaraman
Tomasz Golka
WSO Board
Gary Boerckel, William Ciabattari (Players' Rep), Richard Coulter, Ken Danielsen, Tom Dempsey, Mindy Facey, Katharine Falco (Treasurer), William Hodrick, Bill Hoffmann, Fred Holland, Phil Johnson, Timothy LeVan, Mary Fran Liddell, Mike Loeh, Beverly McCauley, Dean Muller, Jacqueline Murray, Veronica Muzic (Secretary), Thomas O’Connell, Bharti Patel, Dianne Peeling, Michelle Rebeck (Vice-President), Jeri Sims, Gregory Smith (President), Jean Staiman, Jack Schmidt (Players' Rep), Jack Strite
WSO Staff
Valerie Whyman (Executive Director)
John J. Blair (Marketing Coordinator)
Tim Breon (Stage Manager) |
