Magic Valley Symphony

==Magic Valley Symphony== ===History=== The Magic Valley Symphony, originally named the Twin Falls Civic Symphony, has been a cornerstone of the cultural landscape in Twin Falls, Idaho, since its inception. The symphony's roots can be traced back to the musicians who performed for the Dilettantes of Magic Valley's production of "Carousel" in March 1959. The ensemble began rehearsals in the fall of 1959, and their inaugural concert took place on February 1, 1960, at the O’Leary Junior High Auditorium. The symphony was under the direction of Richard Smith, a string teacher for Twin Falls Schools. Over the years, the Magic Valley Symphony has had only five music directors, each bringing their unique contributions and traditions to the ensemble. In 1963, Del Slaughter took over as conductor, with his wife Julienne as concertmistress, and the symphony's season expanded to feature regional soloists. The symphony experienced a significant moment in November 1969 when it performed for the first time in the new College of Southern Idaho (CSI) Fine Arts Auditorium. Around this time, due to the increasing number of musicians from outside Twin Falls, the ensemble's name was changed to the Magic Valley Symphony. Larry Curtis, a CSI music professor, assumed the role of conductor in 1975, and under his leadership, the symphony began engaging nationally and internationally renowned soloists. Carson Wong succeeded Curtis in 1983, and during his tenure, the symphony initiated a composition contest and awarded youth soloist scholarships. In 1984, the tradition of the annual spring Pops concert began. Theodore Anchor Hadley became the Director of Music/Conductor in 1990 after a series of guest conductor auditions. He expanded the season to four concerts and has since been instrumental in the development and retention of musicians, investment in youth programs, and bringing professional musicians with local ties back to perform. ===Mission and Activities=== The mission of the Magic Valley Symphony is to foster the live performance of beautiful music to enrich the lives of adults and broaden the horizons of children in the Magic Valley. The symphony is composed of unpaid volunteer musicians who dedicate their time to rehearsing and performing to high standards. The organization creates educational opportunities through workshops and scholarships and strives to make great music accessible and affordable to the community. The symphony maximizes the use of financial resources provided by generous donors to fulfill its mission. The symphony extends its reach beyond the concert season with initiatives such as Carma’s Kids, the biennial Youth Soloist Competition, a scholarship program, and support for the Magic Valley Youth Orchestra. ===Leadership=== The Magic Valley Symphony is led by Music Director and Conductor Theodore Anchor Hadley, who is in his 31st season with the symphony. Hadley, a respected educator and musician, has received numerous accolades for his contributions to music education and the community. The symphony is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, who are responsible for overseeing the production of concerts and the overall management of the organization. The board is comprised of community members who are passionate about music and the symphony's mission. They work alongside a small staff that includes a publicist, director of development, business manager, and librarian. ===Community Engagement=== The Magic Valley Symphony Board extends a warm welcome to the community, inviting everyone to enjoy the season of music with family and friends. The symphony prides itself on being comprised of local residents who share a love for music-making, and it is through the collective efforts of the board, musicians, staff, and volunteers that the symphony continues to thrive as a leader in southern Idaho's music community.