Juneau Symphony

The Juneau Symphony is a prominent musical institution that has been providing high-quality orchestral experiences to the residents and visitors of Alaska's Capital City since its inception in 1962. Founded by music teacher Cliff Berge, the Symphony started as a community orchestra with volunteer musicians and conductors. Over the past 60 years, it has evolved into a semi-professional orchestra, boasting over 100 musicians, many of whom hold advanced degrees in music performance. Initially, the Symphony was conducted by Berge and other volunteers, but as the ensemble grew in size and stature, the need for a professional conductor became apparent. Mel Flood was the first to fill this role, leading the orchestra for 17 years before stepping down in 1999. His successor, Kyle Wiley Pickett, served as the Music Director and Conductor from 2000 to 2014. Pickett was instrumental in elevating the Symphony's musical quality and expanding its repertoire to include a broad range of classical and contemporary works. During Pickett's tenure, the Juneau Symphony Chorus was formed, allowing for performances of monumental works such as Beethoven's 9th Symphony and the Requiems by Mozart and Verdi. The Symphony also introduced a series of summer Pops Concerts and family-friendly Halloween concerts. The orchestra has featured principal players in concertos and has invited guest soloists to perform a variety of pieces, including concertos for less common instruments like the euphonium, djembe, and maracas. The Symphony has been a vital part of the community, collaborating with local arts organizations and schools. It has sponsored events like the Children's Concert and the annual youth concerto competition. The orchestra has also performed at significant events such as university graduations and gubernatorial inaugurations. Tours to other Alaskan communities have been a part of the Symphony's outreach when funding allowed. After a global search for a new music director, Dr. Troy Quinn was appointed to the position in 2015 and served for three seasons. His tenure was marked by growth and continued musical excellence. Following an interim period with guest conductors, Dr. Christopher Koch was named the Music Director in 2021. The Juneau Symphony has adapted to changing circumstances, including the COVID-19 pandemic, by producing virtual concerts and partnering with local media for broadcasts. As the Symphony celebrated its 60th anniversary in the 2022-2023 season, it continued to thrive under the leadership of Dr. Koch, offering a testament to its enduring commitment to fostering musical culture in Juneau.