Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra

The Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra (THSO) is a distinguished musical institution and the oldest professional symphony orchestra in the state of Indiana. Founded in 1926, the THSO has a rich history that reflects its evolution from a volunteer group of musicians providing community entertainment to a professional ensemble of highly skilled musicians. The orchestra's musicians are selected through a competitive audition process, ensuring a high level of performance. The Terre Haute Symphony Association (THSA) provides essential administrative and fundraising support to the orchestra, allowing it to fulfill its mission of delivering "Great Music Close to Home." The THSO offers a series of subscription concerts from September through May, in addition to educational concerts that reach approximately 3,000 fourth-grade students from the Wabash Valley each year. In 2021, the THSO expanded its reach by offering virtual programming through its YouTube Channel. This included concert recordings, educational presentations in partnership with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Indiana State University, and other free video content. The THSO is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors consisting of community leaders. The organization also employs a paid staff, which includes an Executive Director, Artistic Director/Conductor, Office Manager, Office Assistant, Personnel Manager, Assistant Personnel Manager, Librarian, Composer-in-Residence, Stage Manager, Assistant Stage Manager, and a roster of 70 professional orchestra musicians. Throughout its history, the THSO has been supported by the local community and businesses. Notably, in 1962, local businesses began contributing financially, allowing the orchestra to invite guest artists such as Isaac Stern and transition to a fully professional ensemble. The Women's Symphony Society, later known as the Terre Haute Symphony League, was organized in 1964 to further support the orchestra. David Bowden has been a notable figure in the orchestra's history, serving as the Music Director since 1997 and continuing a legacy of distinguished conductors. Under his leadership, the THSA has expanded its offerings to include five subscription concerts, four Family Time concerts, and two free children's concerts in the Wabash Valley as of 2014. As the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra approaches its centennial, there is a concerted effort to document and celebrate its significant contributions to the cultural landscape of the Greater Wabash Valley. The community takes pride in the orchestra's long-standing tradition of excellence and its commitment to making great music accessible to all.