Shreveport Symphony Orchestra

The Shreveport Symphony Orchestra (SSO), founded in 1948, holds the distinction of being Louisiana's oldest continually operating professional orchestra and is recognized as one of the most esteemed regional orchestras in the United States. The SSO's mission encompasses embracing and being embraced by the community it serves, broadening its supporter base and their engagement, collaborating with various arts organizations across the region, educating and enlightening the public, providing unique aesthetic experiences through live orchestral music, and fostering cultural diversity. The orchestra's inception was the result of efforts by a small group of local citizens and its founding Music Director, John Shenaut. Under Shenaut's leadership, the SSO saw significant growth until his retirement in 1981. The SSO's baton was then passed to Principal Conductor Paul Strauss, followed by Interim Music Director Marjorie Deutsch. In 1984, Peter Leonard took over as the second Music Director and Conductor, a position he held until 1996. Dennis Simons succeeded Leonard, serving as the third Music Director from 1996 to 2003. Following an international search that began in the summer of 2003, the SSO welcomed five finalists to conduct during the 2004-2005 season. This search culminated in the appointment of Maestro Michael Butterman as the fourth Music Director in August 2005. Butterman brought a wealth of experience to the SSO, having previously served as the Associate Conductor of the Jacksonville Symphony, Music Director of Opera Southwest, and Principal Conductor for Education and Outreach of the Rochester Philharmonic. During the three-year transition period leading up to Butterman's appointment, Kermit Poling, who had been the SSO's Concertmaster for 20 years, served as the Interim Music Director/Resident Conductor. The Shreveport Symphony Orchestra is an active member of the Louisiana Association of Symphony Orchestras and continues to contribute to the cultural landscape of the region through its concerts and community engagement efforts. The SSO is headquartered at 616 Jordan Street in Shreveport, Louisiana, with a mailing address at P.O. Box 205, Shreveport, LA 71162-0205. The orchestra maintains an active presence in the community, offering a range of educational programs and community outreach initiatives.