Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra

The '''Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra Society''' (GPSO) is a community-based orchestra located in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. The concept of establishing an orchestra in the area was conceived in early 1953 during a casual coffee meeting between Thomas Nestor, Stanley Scotford, and Alois Chronowski. The idea gained momentum in March of the same year during a gathering at Mrs. Robert MacDonald's home, where Bernard Whitley and Thomas Nestor, alongside Mrs. MacDonald, decided to create the society with the aim of promoting and managing a community orchestra. Other founding members included Cass Piotrowski and John Sweeny III. GPSO held its inaugural rehearsal in January 1954 at Pierce Junior High School, and the first concert took place on March 7, 1954, at Parcells Junior High School. The concert was conducted by Wayne Dunlap, who also served as the conductor of the Plymouth Symphony Orchestra, with Fred Kendall, a tenor from radio station WJR, featuring as the first soloist. Over the years, the orchestra has been under the baton of several conductors. Wayne Dunlap was succeeded by Henri Nosco, a former Assistant Concertmaster of Arturo Toscanini's NBC Symphony. In 1959, Felix Resnick became the permanent conductor and music director, a position he held until his death, marking 50 years of service with the orchestra. Following Resnick's tenure, Joseph Striplin, a member of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, took up the role of conductor and musical director starting from the 54th season. The Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra Society is recognized as a Michigan nonprofit corporation and maintains its tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The organization's mission is multifaceted, aiming to sustain the symphony orchestra as a community project in the Grosse Pointes, offer a full season of symphonic music featuring outstanding soloists each year, provide performance opportunities for both non-professional and professional musicians, and promote music appreciation across all ages. Membership to the GPSO is open to musicians with interests in strings, winds, and percussion, with specific contacts provided for each section. Soloists interested in performing with the orchestra are encouraged to reach out to the Conductor and Musical Director, Joseph Striplin. The GPSO is governed by a board and also offers the Nester Scholarship, among other initiatives. Information about upcoming concerts, orchestra members, and various organizational plans can be found on their official website. The society proudly asserts its rights with the statement "2015 Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra All rights reserved," reflecting its established history and ongoing commitment to the community and the arts.