Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra

The Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra (TSO) is a distinguished cultural institution that has been a part of the Tallahassee community since its founding in 1979. It was established by Nicholas Harsanyi, who led the orchestra until his death in 1987. The TSO has since seen several changes in leadership, with David Hoose taking over as the third music director in 1993. He served the orchestra for 11 years before being succeeded by Maestra Miriam Burns in 2006. The current dynamism of the TSO can be attributed to Maestro Darko Butorac, who was appointed in 2013 and has since brought a fresh approach to all aspects of the organization. The TSO's mission is to engage, enrich, and inspire individuals at all stages of life through the power of great music. This mission is underpinned by a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, with a focus on intentional organizational policies and operational practices that respect the diversity of the community stakeholders. The TSO Board is dedicated to creating a culture that recognizes and respects the humanity of its diverse community. Throughout each season, the TSO presents a variety of music events to the community, along with educational programs for both the young and the old. The TSO is a member of the League of American Orchestras and relies on the generous support of patrons, businesses, private foundations, and grants. Florida State University and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, with their outstanding faculty, also play a significant role in supporting the orchestra. The TSO is located at 515 E Park Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32301, and can be contacted at 850.224.0461. It is a vibrant part of the Tallahassee community, contributing to the local culture through events like the 'Return to Ruby' concert and educational initiatives that bring music from female composers and composers of color to the forefront, as exemplified by the efforts of violinist Megumi Terry. Terry, a doctoral candidate at the Florida State University School of Music, is known for her mission to spotlight a diverse array of female composers and her involvement in a TSO string quartet initiative aimed at sharing music from underrepresented composers in an interactive format. The TSO's commitment to the community and dedication to musical excellence make it a treasured institution within Tallahassee, continually striving to bring people together and inspire change through the universal language of music.