Delaware Symphony Orchestra

The Delaware Symphony Orchestra (DSO) is a prestigious institution with a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The earliest ancestor of the DSO was founded by Alfred I. du Pont and was known as the Tankopanicum Orchestra, named after the Native American word for the rushing waters of the Brandywine River. Initially comprised of local amateur musicians from diverse professions, the orchestra fostered a burgeoning interest in musical performance within the community. Following the disbandment of du Pont's original ensemble, the Wilmington Orchestra was established in 1906 by two prominent businessmen, Major Kellogg Kennon Venable (K.K.V.) Casey and Cyrus Peter Miller (C.P.M.) Rumford. With a mission to promote "the better things in music," they recruited friends and the talented conductor August Rodemann from the Philadelphia Orchestra. The orchestra's growth necessitated formal organization and larger venues, leading to their first concert at the Garrick Theater on May 27, 1907. The Wilmington Symphony Club, formed in 1912 after the Wilmington Orchestra dissolved due to financial challenges, was led by conductor Harry Stausebach, a violinist from the first Tankopanicum Orchestra. Renamed the Symphony Club of Wilmington in 1929, the group evolved with an increasing number of professional musicians joining the amateur ranks. By 1940, the orchestra boasted 90 members. A significant organizational development occurred in 1946 with the creation of the orchestra's first executive board and a program committee to advise the conductor. After Stausebach's retirement in 1955, Van Lier Lanning took the helm, insisting on more auditions and expanding the orchestra. During his tenure, the orchestra was renamed the Delaware Symphony Orchestra in 1971, reflecting its wider regional influence. Lanning's leadership saw an increase in the number of concerts and the professionalization of the ensemble. Stephen Guzenhauser succeeded Lanning in 1979, further elevating the orchestra's professionalism and quality during his 23-year tenure. Under his direction, the DSO embarked on its first professional tour to Portugal and debuted in New York City and Washington D.C. In September 2003, David Amado became the conductor and music director after a comprehensive search. His appointment marked a new era for the DSO, enhancing its reputation and expanding its audience through diverse programming. After two decades, Amado was named the DSO's first Music Director Laureate in 2023. The DSO, as Delaware's sole professional orchestra, continues to bring symphonic music to a wide audience with its Classical and Chamber Series, special concerts, and educational and community outreach programs. In tribute to its founder, the DSO and the Alfred I. du Pont Foundation annually present an award to a distinguished living American composer or conductor for their contributions to contemporary classical music. The Delaware Symphony Orchestra is supported by generous sponsors, including Tatiana and Gerret Copeland, the C.E. Bennett Foundation, the Alfred I. du Pont Foundation, Inc., the Delaware General Assembly, the Aware Foundation, the Charles Delmar Foundation, and the Nor'easter Foundation. The DSO maintains an active presence on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, providing updates and engaging with its community.