American Symphony Orchestra

The American Symphony Orchestra (ASO) is a distinguished musical institution with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1962 by the renowned conductor Leopold Stokowski. The ASO was established with the noble aim of democratizing orchestral music, making it accessible and affordable to the general public. This vision was further expanded upon by Leon Botstein, who became the Music Director of the ASO in 1992. Botstein introduced innovative thematic concerts that integrate music with various other disciplines, such as the visual arts, literature, religion, and history. This approach not only provides audiences with a unique concert experience but also revives rarely-performed works, offering listeners the rare opportunity to experience live performances of underrepresented compositions. The mission of the ASO is to rejuvenate live orchestral music as an essential and dynamic element of contemporary American culture. The orchestra achieves this through its thematic programming strategy, which brings together musical works curated around concepts and ideas from diverse fields, including history, visual arts, science, politics, and literature. The ASO is committed to innovation in concert presentation and places a strong emphasis on musical education. Under the leadership of Leon Botstein, the ASO has continued to flourish. Botstein's extensive musical involvement includes his role as the music director of The Orchestra Now, an innovative training orchestra that gathers exceptional musicians from across the globe. He is also the co-artistic director of Bard SummerScape and the Bard Music Festival, further showcasing his dedication to the arts. The orchestra itself has achieved international recognition, having embarked on several tours across Asia and Europe. It has also performed at numerous benefit events for various organizations, including the Jerusalem Foundation and PBS. The ASO has collaborated with many of the world's most esteemed soloists, such as the cellist Yo-Yo Ma, soprano Deborah Voigt, and violinist Sarah Chang, adding to its reputation for excellence. The American Symphony Orchestra remains true to the words of its founder, Leopold Stokowski: "We offer concerts of great music within the means of everyone." Through its history, mission, and the leadership of figures like Leon Botstein, the ASO continues to be a vital force in the world of orchestral music, enriching the cultural landscape and providing audiences with unforgettable musical experiences.