Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra

The Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra (SMSO) is a distinguished cultural institution that has been an integral part of the community in southwest Michigan since its inception in 1951. Originally founded under the auspices of the St. Joseph School Corporation to accompany an annual performance of Handel's "Messiah," the Symphony was formally incorporated as the Twin City Symphonic Society in April of that year. The vision of the founding community leaders and the first conductor, Carl Anton Wirth, was to create and sustain a symphony orchestra in the twin cities of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor. Throughout its history, the SMSO has seen a series of music directors who have contributed to its growth and development. The second music director, Harold Newton, introduced children's concerts in 1956, which have since allowed over 150,000 students to experience live orchestral music. In 1962, Hendrik de Blij took over as the music director, followed by Dr. Robert Vodnoy in 1974. It was during this period that the Twin Cities Symphony evolved into the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, reflecting its expanding geographic reach and appeal. The SMSO has consistently worked to broaden its audience base and has attracted talented professional musicians from the tri-state area. The orchestra has diversified its offerings by incorporating Pops and specialty concerts into its regular season, thus attracting a wider audience. Internationally renowned artists, as well as local talent, regularly perform with the SMSO, showcasing the orchestra's commitment to artistic excellence. Education has been a cornerstone of the SMSO's mission, with a particular emphasis on youth. The Lake Michigan Youth Orchestra was established in 1978, providing young musicians the opportunity to perform in three annual concerts and a special Side-by-Side concert with the SMSO. Additionally, the SMSO has initiated the Music Makers program at the Boys & Girls Club in Benton Harbor and offers the Musicians-in-Schools program and Master Classes. For adult audiences, the Symphony hosts Pre-concert Conversations with the Maestro, enhancing the concert-going experience. The SMSO's season has expanded to include more than fifteen concerts in various venues, including the Mainstage Series, the Water’s Edge Summer Beach Series, and the Casual Classics Series. These performances offer a mix of classic and popular music in unique settings, catering to an ever-growing audience. In 2006, Maestro Robin Fountain became the fifth Music Director of the SMSO, under whose leadership the orchestra has continued to thrive and is recognized as a premier orchestra in the region. The SMSO's vision is to be a destination orchestra that leverages the transformative power of live music to foster creativity, promote joy, and unite the community. With innovative programming, a commitment to artistic growth balanced with financial soundness, and a focus on educational opportunities, the SMSO continues to be a dynamic and vibrant part of southwest Michigan's cultural fabric. The organization's mission, "Transforming Lives Through Music," reflects its dedication to making a lasting impact through the arts.