Sioux City Symphony

The Sioux City Symphony Orchestra (SCSO) is a cornerstone of the cultural landscape in Sioux City and the broader tri-state area, boasting a rich history that spans over a century. Established in 1915 as the Morningside College Orchestra under the baton of George Hubbard, the ensemble gave its inaugural public performance on February 27, 1916. The orchestra's early years saw leadership from conductors Fredrick Wick and Oliver Guy Mages until a pivotal moment in 1923 when a young Polish-born violin soloist, Leo Kucinski, graced the stage. Kucinski, a product of the Warsaw Poland Conservatory and further trained at Oberlin, the Cleveland Institute of Music, and Juilliard, would become a defining figure in the orchestra's development. During World War II, while Kucinski served as a Lieutenant in the Air Corps, Henri Pensis from Luxemburg temporarily took the helm. Kucinski's tenure as conductor, which lasted until 1976, was marked by his vision and commitment to musical excellence, leading to the orchestra's evolution from a 30-piece college ensemble to a professional orchestra of 90 members. His successor, Thomas Lewis, furthered the SCSO's reach, with performances broadcast statewide and nationally. The SCSO has celebrated significant milestones, including its golden anniversary in 1965 with a sold-out concert featuring Van Cliburn, and its Diamond Jubilee in the 1990-91 season with appearances by renowned artists like Itzhak Perlman. The symphony welcomed its fourth full-time Music Director and Conductor, Stephen Rogers Radcliffe, in 1995, who spurred growth in both artistic and educational spheres. A historic moment came in 2001 with the opening of the Orpheum Theatre, the symphony's new home. The SCSO has seen a succession of esteemed Music Directors, with Xian Zhang taking the podium in 2005 and Ryan Haskins assuming the role in 2009. As a regional orchestra, it draws musicians and audiences from a 90-mile radius, including contributions from educational institutions like Morningside College, Wayne State College, and the University of South Dakota. The orchestra's guest artist roster reads like a who's who of music, featuring Marian Anderson, Isaac Stern, Benny Goodman, and many others. The SCSO is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors, with a history of past presidents who have championed the orchestra's mission and vision. The Sioux City Symphony Orchestra remains a beacon of musical excellence and education, committed to innovation, cultural inclusivity, and the