Greenville Symphony

The Greenville Symphony Orchestra (GSO) is a prominent musical institution located at 200 S. Main Street in Greenville, South Carolina. Established with the mission to enrich the cultural life of the region, the GSO offers a diverse range of concerts and educational programs to the community. The orchestra's concert season typically includes a variety of performances categorized under Masterworks, Chamber, Pops, and special series such as Artists Up Close and Pop-up Music. These concerts showcase the talents of the GSO's musicians, guest artists, and music director candidates, providing audiences with a rich selection of classical and contemporary works. The GSO is composed of professional musicians who play instruments from four basic families: Strings, Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion. The Strings section, which forms more than half of the orchestra, is arranged in a semicircle in front of the conductor and includes violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. The Woodwinds, positioned a few rows back from the conductor, feature flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, and related instruments. The Brass section, known for its loudness, is located at the back of the orchestra and consists of trumpets, horns, trombones, tubas, and similar instruments. Lastly, the Percussion section, also at the rear near the Brass, includes various drums, bells, and auxiliary instruments. An interesting tradition of the GSO is the tuning process, where the oboe plays the note A before the concert starts. This is because the oboe's penetrating tone and secure pitch make it easy for all players to tune their instruments accordingly, ensuring a harmonious performance. The GSO is also committed to educational outreach and community engagement. It offers programs such as Lollipops & Once Upon an Orchestra, free concerts designed for children of all ages, and provides other educational opportunities to foster an appreciation for symphonic music. The organization encourages the attendance of children ages five and up at their concerts, with tickets being required for all attendees regardless of age. For those new to the GSO or symphony performances in general, the organization provides a comprehensive guide addressing frequently asked questions to ensure a welcoming and enjoyable experience for first-time attendees. This guide covers concert etiquette, including attire, late arrivals, and policies regarding recording devices. The GSO is supported by the generosity of its patrons through ticket sales, donations, and contributions to its Annual Fund and Endowment. It maintains an active online presence through its website and social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, where it shares information about upcoming concerts, musician auditions, and ways to get involved with the orchestra. As a cultural cornerstone of Greenville, SC, the Greenville Symphony Orchestra continues to inspire and entertain audiences with its commitment to musical excellence and community involvement.