Alexandria Symphony Orchestra

The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra (ASO) is a distinguished musical institution based in Alexandria, Virginia, renowned for its innovative and professional performances. Founded in 1943 during World War II, the ASO began as a community effort when a young music teacher, Miss Lucie Neale Landen, gathered 40 amateur musicians to create what was then known as the Alexandria Civic Orchestra. Despite the challenges of the war, the orchestra provided a cultural respite for the local community. Officially incorporated in 1954, the ASO's early years were marked by the leadership of Dr. Wendell Margrave, who directed the orchestra until the mid-1960s. In 1966, Dr. George Steiner took over as Music Director, introducing the orchestra's first subscription series and the Lollipop children’s educational concerts, demonstrating the ASO's commitment to music education. Under the baton of Kim Allen Kluge, who became Music Director in 1988, the ASO transitioned into a professional orchestra. This period saw an expansion of programs and school concerts, as well as the establishment of the ASO's presence at the annual Alexandria Birthday Celebration concert. In 2001, the ASO performed the inaugural concert at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, which became its primary venue, enhancing its role in the region's cultural life. The ASO has collaborated with numerous prestigious cultural institutions and performed with world-renowned musicians such as Midori Gotō, Nadja Solerno-Sonnenberg, and Branford Marsalis. In 2012, the ASO launched Sympatico, an education program inspired by the El Sistema model, which has since expanded and now serves 180 students across two schools. In 2018, following a two-year international search, James Ross was appointed as the ASO's fifth Music Director. Ross has brought fresh concert experiences and audience engagement strategies to the orchestra, contributing to its growth and the enrichment of the local community. The ASO's dedication to music education is further exemplified by the Mary Graham Lasley Scholarship Competition, co-sponsored with the Symphony Orchestra League of Alexandria (SOLA) since 1981. This event promotes young talent and encourages college-level musicians to pursue classical music careers. The ASO's annual budget of $900,000 is sustained through ticket sales, program book advertising, and support from SOLA, the Alexandria Commission for the Arts, the Virginia Commission for the Arts, and contributions from foundations, businesses, and individuals. With a subscription season of 10 concerts, the ASO continues to be Northern Virginia’s premiere fully professional orchestra, committed to delivering quality, affordable, and accessible music to the region.