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 mission

The WSO aims to be a cultural asset to the community by providing quality orchestral music, education and performance opportunities for regional talent to an ever-expanding audience.

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 expanded its reach and has become a full-fledged semi-professional orchestra. The uniquely talented Fountain greatly contributed to making the WSO a stand-out orchestra in a small city.

After fifteen productive years at the helm, Fountain took on a new post in Michigan. WIth its 2007-08 "Season of the Maestros," the WSO began its search for a replacement. On May 29, 2008, Tomasz Golka was chosen to fill the position.

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. Jennifer Sacher Wiley was appointed as Music Director in August 2008. An adjunct to the WSO, 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."