Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra

The Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra (TSO) is a distinguished regional orchestra with a history steeped in community involvement and support. Established in 1979 by Dr. Michael Gattozzi and Margaret McCain, the orchestra was initially known as the Tuscaloosa Area Community Orchestra (TACO), comprising both professional and amateur musicians who were committed to rehearsing every Thursday night. Rehearsals were hosted by Calvary Baptist Church, and the first public performance took place on November 11, 1979, at the Bama Theatre with Dr. Gattozzi conducting. Initially, TACO operated as a volunteer assembly and was incorporated as a non-profit organization with 501(c)(3) status thanks to the organizational efforts of Margaret McCain. The founding board, chaired by Emmett Gribbin, included prominent community members who were instrumental in the orchestra's early development. The orchestra's early concerts were free, with donations encouraged. As TACO evolved, it began to offer children's concerts and moved performances to Saturday evenings, introducing season ticket packages. Recognizing the potential for a professional symphony to serve as a cultural beacon and contribute to the economic development of Tuscaloosa and West Alabama, the board transitioned TACO into a professional orchestra in 1984, renaming it the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra (TSO). This change required musicians to undergo professional auditions and receive compensation for their performances. The Tuscaloosa Symphony Guild was founded in the same year by Elizabeth Hamner with the mission to support and promote the TSO through volunteer-led events and season ticket sales efforts. The Guild has since been integral to the TSO's success, organizing fundraising events, educational programs like the Musical Petting Zoo, and the Young Artist Competition. In 1988, the TSO found a new home at the Concert Hall in the Moody Music Building of The University of Alabama, enhancing the orchestra's performance capabilities. Over the years, the TSO has been led by several esteemed music directors, including Ransom Wilson, Adrian Gnam, Louis Lane, and Shinik Hahm, each contributing to the orchestra's rich musical heritage. In 2011, Adam Flatt was unanimously chosen as the music director after an extensive search. Under his leadership, the TSO has continued to deliver high-quality concert performances. The orchestra is comprised of faculty and students from The University of Alabama's School of Music, members of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, and professional musicians from across the region. Today, the TSO is recognized as one of the finest regional orchestras in the United States, with a dedicated professional staff and a diverse Board of Directors responsible for fundraising and governance. The TSO's mission is to foster the appreciation of music through live performances and educational programs that are diverse, enriching, and of the highest quality, a testament to its commitment to the cultural enrichment of the community it serves.