Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra

The Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is a distinguished professional orchestra that serves the city of Cheyenne and the southeast region of Wyoming. Under the leadership of Maestro William Intriligator, the CSO has established itself as a cultural beacon in the community, dedicated to providing musical enjoyment, growth, and cultural outreach. The organization also acts as a catalyst for other cultural and educational events, thereby contributing significantly to the quality of life for residents of Cheyenne and the surrounding areas. The Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra was originally formed as the Cheyenne Little Symphony in 1935 by Mr. Clyde G. and Mrs. Alice Ross, who were both prominent local musicians. The early orchestra consisted of twenty-five members, with Mr. Ross conducting and Mrs. Ross accompanying on the piano. In 1951, the orchestra was reorganized as the Cheyenne Civic Symphony with Mrs. Ross serving as its first president, and Mr. Eugene Adams taking on the role of conductor. A pivotal moment in the orchestra's history occurred in July 1954 when the Cheyenne Civic Symphony merged with the Cheyenne Community Chorus. This collaboration, which lasted nearly three decades, helped to forge strong ties with local choral ensembles, a relationship that continues to influence the CSO's activities today. The transition from an amateur to a professional ensemble began in earnest in 1981, driven by community support and the demand for high-quality entertainment. This transformation was facilitated by the hiring of Robert Carter Austin as Music Director. Since then, the orchestra has been under the baton of several internationally acclaimed conductors, including David Lockington, Mark Russell Smith, Stephen Alltop, and the current Maestro William Intriligator. The CSO is a 501(c)(3) organization that has a significant impact on the community, reaching over 10,000 adults and students through its performances each year, and an additional 6,000 students through its educational outreach programs. The professional musicians of the CSO are selected through a rigorous audition process and many hold advanced music degrees. They include faculty members from the University of Wyoming and other regional colleges and universities, and they often perform with multiple orchestras in addition to the CSO. Each season, the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra presents five Masterpiece concerts, a special Holiday concert, and a Family Matinee at the Cheyenne Civic Center. The CSO also organizes chamber music concerts in more intimate settings around Cheyenne and maintains an intensive educational outreach program for local school districts. The CSO is committed to equality and justice, embracing diversity in its programming and operations. It believes in the power of music as a uniter and seeks to inspire, enrich, and entertain audiences from all walks of life. The orchestra also endeavors to raise awareness and foster dialogue and understanding by featuring artists and composers from underrepresented groups. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors and managed by a dedicated staff, all of whom work together to ensure the CSO's continued success and relevance in the community. Supporters of the orchestra can contribute in various ways, including community support initiatives, the annual fund, and the Adopt a Musician program. The CSO also hosts an annual gala and benefits from the support of the Symphony Friends Foundation. For more information on the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra, its history, and its current activities, interested individuals can visit the organization's official website or contact their offices directly.