Binghamton Philharmonic

The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra is a cornerstone of the cultural landscape in the Southern Tier of New York, renowned as the region's largest and longest-serving symphony orchestra, as well as the sole professional symphony orchestra in Broome County. Established in 1955 by the esteemed cellist and conductor Fritz Wallenberg, alongside his wife, violinist Marianne Wallenberg, the orchestra was originally named the Binghamton Symphony and Choral Society. Its founding mission was to enrich the Southern Tier with live, full-scale orchestral performances. After Fritz Wallenberg's retirement in 1976, the orchestra underwent significant changes, including unionization and the transition to a fully professional ensemble. In 1996, the orchestra merged with the BC Pops, an orchestra created in 1974 by Russell Hawkes and violinist/conductor David Agard. This merger not only broadened its audience base but also marked the transformation of the ensemble into the Binghamton Philharmonic. Throughout its history, the Binghamton Philharmonic has been under the artistic leadership of several distinguished Music Directors. Fritz Wallenberg led the organization until his retirement in 1976, after which David Loebel took up the baton. John Covelli served as Music Director from 1982 to 2003, followed by José-Luis Novo, who held the position from 2003 to 2016. Since 2016, Maestro Daniel Hege has been at the helm, initially as Principal Guest Conductor for two seasons before assuming the role of Music Director in 2018. The orchestra's commitment to community engagement and cultural contribution is evident in its updated mission statement from 2017, which emphasizes "building community through the power of live music." This mission extends beyond the concert hall to include social outreach, educational programs, and collaborations that stimulate and expand the possibilities for music appreciation among a broad regional audience. Annually, the Binghamton Philharmonic serves around 10,000 people through its innovative, engaging, and affordable programming. It connects professional musicians with audiences to not only stimulate the local economy but also to extend the reach and impact of music. The Binghamton Philharmonic continues to be an indispensable contributor to the artistic life of the Southern Tier, ensuring that live music remains a vibrant and essential part of the community.