West Michigan Symphony Orchestra

The Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra (SMSO) is a distinguished cultural institution that has been contributing to the musical landscape of southwest Michigan since its inception. The organization was formally incorporated in April 1951 as the Twin City Symphonic Society, following the vision of community leaders in St. Joseph and Benton Harbor and the efforts of Carl Anton Wirth, the Symphony's first conductor. Initially, the Symphony was comprised of local amateur musicians and a few professionals, and it performed four concerts each season to a modest but appreciative audience. The SMSO has a rich history of musical direction and evolution. In 1956, under the baton of the second music director, Harold Newton, the Symphony introduced children's concerts, which have since reached over 150,000 students through children's and in-school performances. The baton was passed to Hendrik de Blij in 1962, and later to Dr. Robert Vodnoy in 1974, marking a period of growth and expansion for the orchestra. It was during this time that the organization changed its name to the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, reflecting its widening appeal across the region. Throughout the years, the SMSO has continued to attract talented professional musicians from the tri-state area and has expanded its audience base. The introduction of Pops concerts and other specialty performances has diversified the orchestra's offerings, appealing to a broader range of musical tastes. The Symphony has also placed a strong emphasis on music education, particularly for young people, with the establishment of the Lake Michigan Youth Orchestra in 1978, which performs multiple concerts annually and collaborates with the SMSO in a Side-by-Side concert. The SMSO's commitment to education extends to programs such as Music Makers at the Boys & Girls Club in Benton Harbor, Musicians-in-Schools, and Master Classes. For adult audiences, the Symphony offers Pre-concert Conversations with the Maestro, enhancing the concert-going experience. Under the leadership of Maestro Robin Fountain, who became the Symphony’s fifth Music Director in 2006, the SMSO has continued to flourish. The Symphony now boasts an extensive performance schedule, including the Mainstage Series, the Water’s Edge Summer Beach Series, and the Casual Classics Series, which feature a mix of classic and popular live music across unique venues. The SMSO's mission is to transform lives through music, with a vision of becoming a destination orchestra that leverages the transformational power of live music to foster creativity, promote joy, and unite the community. The organization strives for artistic growth while maintaining financial soundness and remains an integral part of southwest Michigan's cultural fabric. The SMSO is supported by a dedicated staff, a board of directors, the Lake Michigan Youth Orchestra (LMYO) conductors, and the Southwest Michigan Symphony Chorus. It also offers various opportunities for community involvement, including volunteer positions, sponsorship, and the Conductor’s Circle for donors. The Symphony's commitment to its mission and the community is evident in its continued pursuit of excellence and innovation in programming and educational outreach.