Southeastern Pennsylvania Symphony Orchestra

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Symphony Orchestra (SPSO) is a distinguished cultural institution founded in 1972 with the mission to deliver performances of the highest artistic caliber. The SPSO aims to entertain, educate, enrich, and expand the cultural lives of residents in the Southeastern Pennsylvania region. The orchestra was originally known as the North Penn Symphony and has become a cultural fixture of the North Penn area. Under the leadership of nationally known conductor Allan R. Scott, who has been the Music Director since the 2002-2003 season, the SPSO has reached new heights of professional excellence. Allan R. Scott succeeded founding Music Director Leonard Murphy, who was instrumental in shaping the orchestra's early years. Maestro Scott, who is also recognized for his work with the Helena Symphony Orchestra in Montana, has significantly enhanced the SPSO's performance level, repertoire, and outreach initiatives. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Symphony Orchestra is involved in various educational and community engagement programs. These include Pre-Concert Conductor’s Crash Courses, which provide insights into the music and composers featured in concerts; the Young Artists Competitions, which foster the development of emerging musical talent; and the Kid Konductors program, which gives children the chance to conduct the orchestra during the annual holiday family concert. As a testament to its commitment to the community and the arts, the SPSO is designated as an exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, highlighting its status as a non-profit entity. The organization is supported by a dedicated staff including Allan R. Scott as Music Director & Conductor, Carol Mattes as Marketing Assistant, Beth Vilsmeier as Personnel Manager, Jane Nechin as Librarian, Shawn Touhill as Stage Manager, and Monica Meilleur as Operations Manager & Personnel Manager, among others. The marketing efforts of the SPSO are bolstered by Edge Marketing Design, with team members such as Diana Norton in Public Relations, Lori Pederson as Graphic Artist, Deanna Johnson as Webmaster, and Amy Balmain as Content Manager. The governance of the SPSO is overseen by a Board of Directors, which includes officers such as Kiran Padgaonkar as President, Lorie Milano Taylor as Vice President, Robert Bugge as Treasurer, and Wilson Nagle as Secretary. The board is composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds who are committed to the orchestra's success and its contribution to the cultural fabric of the community. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Symphony Orchestra remains a beacon of musical excellence and cultural enrichment in the region, continuing to inspire audiences with its dynamic performances and educational initiatives.