Fort Wayne Philharmonic

The Fort Wayne Philharmonic, originally founded as the Verweire Symphony Orchestra in January 1924 by conductor John L. Verweire, underwent several transformations and reorganizations due to financial challenges. After disbanding and reforming under different leaderships, it was rebranded as the Fort Wayne Civic Symphony Orchestra in 1928, marking the city's first permanent orchestra. In 1944, dissatisfaction among musicians led to the formation of the Philharmonic Society of Fort Wayne, Inc., with Hans Schwieger as the first full-time music director. The orchestra's inaugural concert was held on October 18, 1944, at the Palace Theater. Throughout its history, the Philharmonic has seen various music directors, including Igor Buketoff, who led the orchestra from 1948 to 1966, and Ronald Ondrejka, who served from 1978 to 1993. The orchestra has been recognized for its artistic excellence, featuring renowned soloists and innovative programs. It moved to the Embassy Theatre in 1975 and established the Freimann String Quartet and Chamber Music Series in the 1980s. In 2009, Andrew Constantine was appointed as the seventh music director. The Philharmonic's endowment fund, established in 1966, has significantly contributed to its growth and stability, currently valued at approximately $16 million. The organization continues to play a vital role in Fort Wayne's cultural landscape, supported by a strong community and dedicated musicians.