History
1933
Springfield Symphony Society was formed with James Robertson conducting and composed of approximately 40 local musicians
1934
First concert was presented in Clara Thompson Hall on the campus of…
1950
David Blumenthal is appointed conductor, a position he holds until 1955
1955
Chester Moffatt succeeds Blumenthal as conductor of the orchestra
1956
Springfield Symphony Women’s Division (now the Springfield…
1970
First annual children’s concerts presented
1973
Springfield Symphony sponsors first Young Artists’ Competition
1976
Ensembles-in-Schools program introduced into the Springfield Public School system
1978
Charles Bontrager is hired as…
1982
Springfield Symphony inaugurates first Firefall concert at the fairgrounds
1983
Springfield Symphony moves season performances to Evangel College Auditorium to accommodate increasing crowds; annual Firefall concert moved to Springfield/Branson…
1992
Springfield Symphony moves to the new Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts
1994
Bontrager announces his retirement; national search put into play to find new conductor
1994…
2002
Hsu announces that her 8th season (2002-2003) will be her final season with the orchestra; national search for replacement begins
2003
National search results in 183 applicants from 35…
