Philharmonic Society of Belleville

The Philharmonic Society of Belleville is a historic institution with a rich legacy in the realm of classical music. Founded on November 19, 1866, it has the distinction of being the nation's second oldest symphony orchestra in continuous operation. The inaugural concert of the Society took place on January 26, 1867, under the baton of its first conductor, Theodore Decker. Since its inception, the Belleville Philharmonic Society has maintained an unbroken annual schedule of concerts. The Society has been home to a dedicated group of talented volunteer musicians who have made significant contributions to the community across a variety of professions. This tradition of volunteerism and community service continues with the Society's various ensembles to this day. In 1966, marking its centennial, the Philharmonic Society expanded its musical offerings by forming the Philharmonic Chorale, initially directed by Charles Laughlin. The Chorale has since become an integral part of the Society, performing both independently and alongside the Philharmonic Orchestra. It frequently collaborates with other choruses in the St. Louis metropolitan area, showcasing a commitment to fostering musical partnerships. The Society has seen a number of distinguished conductors over its long history. Following Theodore Decker, the baton was passed through a succession of maestros including Julius Liese (1869-1885), Gustave Neubert (1885-1910), and a series of leaders in the 20th century such as Frederich Fischer (1914-1919), Rudolph Magin (1944-1953), and George Tuerck (1954-1961), after whom one of the Society's competitions is named. The most recent retired conductors include Carmine Ficocelli and Robert J. Hachmeister (1974-1975) and Laurent Torno (1971-1974). The Belleville Philharmonic Society continues to enrich the cultural landscape of its community through its concerts, competitions such as the Stars of Tomorrow and George N. Tuerck Concerto Competitions, and educational initiatives like the Youth Orchestra and Beginning Strings programs. The Society's commitment to the arts is evident in its sustained presence and evolution over more than a century and a half, making it a cornerstone of Belleville's cultural identity.