Bangor Symphony Orchestra

The Bangor Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is a distinguished musical institution with a storied history dating back to its founding in 1896. As one of the oldest continuously operating orchestras in the United States, the BSO has played a significant role in the cultural life of Bangor, Maine, and the surrounding regions. The inception of the BSO can be attributed to the vision and determination of Abbie N. Garland, a revered Bangor piano teacher and composer. At the age of 44, Garland recognized the need for a symphony orchestra in her community and took the initiative to bring her vision to life. The orchestra's inaugural concert was held on November 2, 1896, at the Bangor City Hall, under the baton of Symphony Conductor Horace Mann Pullen. The 16-member ensemble performed a program that included Schubert's Unfinished Symphony. Throughout its extensive history, the Bangor Symphony Orchestra has experienced both artistic growth and a steadfast commitment to its community roots. It has been instrumental in fostering musical education and appreciation, starting with the introduction of Young People’s Concerts in 1909 and the establishment of the Maine High School Concerto Competition in 1980, aimed at nurturing local musical talent. Today, the BSO continues to thrive under the leadership of Grammy Award-winning Music Director and Conductor Lucas Richman. The orchestra's mainstage performances are held at the Collins Center for the Arts and include a series of 5 Masterworks Concerts, The Nutcracker in collaboration with the Robinson Ballet, and the annual Young People’s Concerts. The BSO's educational and community outreach extends to programs such as the Maine High School Concerto Competition, the Maurice P. King & Constance K. Barnes Master Class, the Bangor Symphony Youth Orchestras, and a Music & Wellness Program that benefits area hospitals. Additionally, the orchestra engages in various initiatives at the Bangor Arts Exchange. Over the years, the BSO has been led by a total of ten Music Directors, with many guest artists gracing the stage and contributing to the orchestra's rich performance history. The BSO has also seen a variety of venues throughout its existence, including Society Hall in The Nichols Block, Bangor City Hall, Andrews House of Music, Symphony House (Isaac Farrar Mansion), Peakes Auditorium, Bangor Opera House, and its current home at the Collins Center for the Arts. The Bangor Symphony Orchestra's mission is to deliver powerful, enriching, and diverse musical experiences through live performances and high-quality education programs. With a vision to be a leader in the community and region, the BSO strives to be essential to audiences beyond the concert hall, innovative in its approach, and educational in its engagement with music. The organization is committed to maintaining a culture of enthusiasm, rigor, and quality, ensuring fiscal responsibility, smart governance, and the nurturing of its unique attributes. The BSO's dedication to organizational transparency, artistic excellence, and community engagement has made it a cherished institution, continuing to resonate with audiences and musicians alike as it moves forward into the future.