West Michigan Symphony

The Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra (SMSO) has been a vital cultural institution since its inception in 1951. Originating from the vision of community leaders in St. Joseph and Benton Harbor, the orchestra was first conducted by Carl Anton Wirth, who assembled it under the St. Joseph School Corporation to accompany Handel's Messiah. Formally incorporated as the Twin City Symphonic Society, it initially featured local amateurs and professionals, performing four concerts per season. Harold Newton, the second music director, introduced children's concerts in 1956, reaching over 150,000 students since. In 1962, Hendrik de Blij took over as music director, succeeded by Dr. Robert Vodnoy in 1974. The orchestra was renamed the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra to reflect its broader appeal. It has since expanded its repertoire to include pops and specialty concerts, attracting diverse audiences and featuring both international and local artists. The SMSO emphasizes music education, particularly through the Lake Michigan Youth Orchestra, established in 1978, and programs like Music Makers and Musicians-in-Schools. The orchestra also hosts Pre-concert Conversations and summer concerts at various venues. Under the leadership of Maestro Robin Fountain, who became the music director in 2006, the SMSO has grown into a premier regional orchestra, offering a mix of classical and popular music through series like the Mainstage Series, Water's Edge Summer Beach Series, and Casual Classics Series.