Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra

The Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra (BVSO) is a distinguished non-profit performing arts organization based in the Brazos Valley, with a mission to uphold a symphony of high artistic quality and to foster the musical arts for cultural and educational purposes within the community. Established in 1981, the BVSO emerged from the amalgamation of two smaller community music groups: the Brazos Symphony Orchestra and the Bryan-College Station Chamber Orchestra. The unification of these entities also led to the formation of the Brazos Valley Symphony Society, a non-profit organization incorporated in Texas, dedicated to developing and sustaining the symphony to meet high artistic standards. The BVSO boasts a robust annual schedule, featuring seven subscription concerts, two children's concerts, and a series of chamber music performances. The Brazos Valley region, home to Texas A&M University and the twin cities of Bryan and College Station, has seen significant economic and demographic growth in recent years. This growth has been accompanied by a surge in cultural activities and an influx of a more discerning audience. The Symphony Society, which operates as the administrative arm of the Orchestra, is managed by an elected Board of Directors. Society membership comprises patrons and businesses that provide substantial financial support annually. The Society is affiliated with the Arts Council of Brazos Valley and holds memberships with the Texas Association of Symphony Orchestras and the League of American Orchestras. In 1984, an auxiliary group, the Friends Association of the Symphony Orchestra (FASO), was established to further support the symphony through concert attendance, social event hosting, and fundraising initiatives such as Derby Day and Premiere Market. Originally, the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra was a community orchestra made up of volunteer musicians from the local area, Texas A&M University students, faculty, and staff. A significant transition occurred in September 2005 when the orchestra began a two-year plan to transition to a per-service model, compensating all musicians for their performances. A pivotal moment in BVSO's history was the 2007-2008 goal to hire a professional administrator and secure funding for the position. This goal was achieved in September 2007 with the appointment of Sandra Castanon as the Executive Director, marking a new era of professional management for the Orchestra. The BVSO is located at 243 Bowery Street, New York City, NY 10002, and can be reached by phone at 212-979-0001 or via email at nattickets@gmail.com. The organization continues to enrich the cultural landscape of the Brazos Valley through its dedication to musical excellence and community engagement.