New Bedford Symphony Orchestra

The New Bedford Symphony Orchestra (NBSO) is a cornerstone of the cultural life in the South Coast community, with a mission to bring the finest music to the forefront of community engagement. The NBSO strives to enrich the lives of both adults and children through the transformative power of music, delivering concerts of the highest professional standards and educational programs that foster a deep appreciation and understanding of music as an integral part of daily life. The NBSO's inception dates back to 1915, when founder Clarence Arey, a talented musician and educator, established the orchestra to provide his community with access to high-quality classical music performances. Arey's pioneering efforts also led to the creation of the first public high school orchestra program in Massachusetts. His dedication to both the symphony orchestra and music education set the foundation for the NBSO's enduring commitment to these dual objectives. Over the past century, the NBSO has seen significant growth and development, guided by strategic planning and a commitment to its founding principles. Over the last fourteen years, the organization has completed four strategic plans, each covering a three to five-year span, with reviews every three years to ensure continued relevance and effectiveness. This strategic approach has resulted in a tenfold increase in the NBSO's budget, a doubling of the number of concerts presented, and an expansion of educational programs from serving 2,000 children annually to over 8,000. The NBSO is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit corporation, managed by a volunteer Board of Trustees from the South Coast region, ensuring that its governance remains closely connected to the community it serves.