Geneva Concerts

Geneva Concerts was founded in 1946 as the Geneva Civic Music Association and incorporated as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in 1964. Concerts were initially held in the Geneva High School auditorium, but moved in that year to the then Geneva Theater, otherwise known as the Seneca Street Movie House, its early days of grandeur as the Smith Opera House but a memory. The move, though, brought live performances back to the house with leading artists and celebrated performers of the day. In 1973, Geneva Concerts entered into an agreement with Syracuse Symphony to jointly present four concerts, with the Symphony assuming all profits, thereby ensuring the Symphony’s survival. Sadly, though, by the mid-1970s “the Smith” was in seriously deteriorated condition. Unable to maintain it, its owners listed the building for sale.