A History of the Springfield Symphony: 1934-Present
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) came to life in the spring of 1934 after a group of Springfield High School students approached their music teacher, James Robertson, about forming a civic orchestra. With Robertson as the conductor, the orchestra performed its first concert on February 26, 1935, in Clara Thompson Hall, on the campus of Drury University. In 1936 a Board of Directors was formed, and beginning in 1943, orchestra members began receiving payment for their services – 50 cents an hour!
In 1942, the Symphony joined 39 other orchestras from across the country in founding the League of American Orchestras, formally known as the American Symphony Orchestra League. The League of American Orchestras is still the largest and most prestigious international body representing the orchestral industry today.
Springfield Symphony Orchestra Timeline
1930
1934
1935
1941
1942
1943
1946
1949
1950
1955
1956
1963
1966
1967
1970
1973
1976
1978
1979
1982
1983
1984
1985
1987
1989
1992
1994
1995
2002
2003
2004
2005
2012
2013
Springfield Symphony Society was formed with James Robertson conducting and composed of approximately 40 local musicians.
First concert was presented in Clara Thompson Hall on the campus of Drury College.
Springfield Symphony Board of Directors was formed.
Symphony performances moved to Central High School Auditorium to accommodate larger audiences.
Springfield Symphony joins 39 other orchestras across the nation to help found and become charter members of the American Symphony Orchestra League. Now know as the League of American Orchestras, it is the largest and most prestigious international body representing the orchestra industry.
Orchestra members begin receiving pay for their services; $.50/hr or $1.25 per service.
Springfield Civic Symphony Association incorporated in the State of Missouri.
Richard Rodgers, of the legendary duo Rodgers and Hammerstein, guest conducts a performance of the Springfield Symphony.
David Blumenthal is appointed conductor, a position he holds until 1955
Chester Moffatt succeeds Blumenthal as conductor of the orchestra.
Springfield Symphony Women’s Division (now the Springfield Symphony Guild) is organized.
Two performances of each concert scheduled to accommodate every growing audiences.
Charles Hall appointed conductor to succeed Moffatt.
State charter amended to reflect new name: The Springfield Symphony Association, Inc.
First annual children’s concerts presented.
Springfield Symphony sponsors first Young Artists’ Competition.
Ensembles-In-Schools program introduced into the Springfield Public School system.
Charles Bontrager is hired as conductor to succeed Charles Hall; Bontrager becomes first full-time conductor of the orchestra; serves until 1993.
First Carols of Christmas concert performed under Bontrager’s direction.
Springfield Symphony inaugurates first Firefall concert at the fairgrounds.
Springfield Symphony moves season performances to Evangel College Auditorium to accommodate increasing crowds; annual Firefall concert moved to Springfield/Branson National Airport to accommodate demand.
Springfield Symphony celebrates 50th anniversary season.
Pops concerts and Chamber music series begin.
Annual Young People’s Concerts expanded to include regional, private and home schools in addition to Springfield Public School students.
First televised Carols of Christmas concert performance aired on KYTV-3.
Springfield Symphony moves to the new Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts.
Bontrager announces his retirement; national search put into play to find new conductor.
Apo Hsu becomes sixth conductor of the Springfield Symphony.
Hsu announces that her 8th season (2002-2003) will be her final season with the orchestra; national search for replacement begins.
National search results in 183 applicants from 35 states, District of Columbia, and 5 foreign countries. Search narrowed to six finalists who each conduct one concert during the 2003-2004 season. Ron Spigelman named seventh conductor of the orchestra in May 2004.
September concert officially begins Spigelman’s career with the orchestra; annual Holiday Concert returns as part of orchestra’s season in December 2004.
The Spigelman family move to Springfield and Ron becomes first resident conductor in ten years.
Spigelman’s tenure ended in May 2012. During the 2012-2013 season, six finalists auditioned to become the next Music Director/Conductor of the Springfield Symphony. The conductor who had the highest composite score from audience, orchestra, board, and staff votes was chosen.
Kyle Wiley Pickett named eighth conductor of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. Kyle and his wife, Alice, an actress and theatre director, along with their two sons move to Springfield, MO.
