Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony

The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony (wcfsymphony) is a professional orchestra that has been an integral part of the cultural fabric of Waterloo and Cedar Falls, Iowa, since its inception in the fall of 1929. The founding members of the symphony were G.T. Bennett, Director of the East Waterloo High School Orchestra; Ralph Pronk, director of the West Waterloo High School Orchestra; Cressy Whalen, then president of the Waterloo Musicians Union; and Myron Russell, emeritus head of the School of Music at the University of Northern Iowa. The orchestra was first named the 'Waterloo Symphony Orchestra.' The wcfsymphony's mission is to share live music, champion innovation, and celebrate common humanity through inventive, contemporary approaches to ensemble performance. This mission is reflected in the symphony's commitment to engaging audiences meaningfully in live music. The orchestra is known for its innovative programming, inventive collaborations, and multimedia productions that are unique among orchestras. These include an ongoing series of collaborations with Pauline Barrertt Artistic Director Jason Weinberger’s production company, The New Live. The orchestra's first concert took place at East High School on February 6, 1930, with G.T. Bennett and Ralph Pronk sharing the role of conductor. The concert featured soloists William E. Hayes, a tenor, and Myron Russell, an English horn player, both from Iowa State Teachers College. Today, the wcfsymphony performs at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center and other venues throughout the Cedar Valley under the direction of Jason Weinberger, who has served as Artistic Director and CEO since 2002. Over the years, the wcfsymphony has been led by a total of sixteen conductors, with notable figures such as Edward Kurtz, George Dasch, and Joseph Giunta contributing to the symphony's rich history. The orchestra has also hosted a wide array of soloists, including renowned artists like Isaac Stern, Yo-Yo Ma, and Nadja Salerno-Sonenberg, as well as celebrated groups like The King’s Singers. The wcfsymphony's players consist of professional musicians from the Cedar Valley and across Eastern and Central Iowa and Southern Minnesota. The orchestra has a strong commitment to American music, with nearly a third of its repertoire over the past decade consisting of new or recent music from Iowa and across the country. Since its founding, the wcfsymphony has relied on the support of the community, with early sponsors such as the University Women’s Club and the Business and Professional Women’s Club, as well as organizations like Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce. This tradition of community giving has continued and expanded, with hundreds of businesses, foundations, and individuals contributing to the symphony's success. For those interested in learning more about the wcfsymphony or experiencing its performances, the organization offers a digital series and immersive experiences, as well as a reverse chronological list of past performances available on its website. The symphony also maintains a presence on social media and encourages patrons to stay connected through its newsletter. The wcfsymphony is located at 8201 Dakota Street, Gallagher-Bluedorn PAC, 17, Cedar Falls, IA 50614, and can be contacted at 319-273-3373. The organization's website is designed by IFC Studios, and it continues to serve as a beacon of musical excellence and innovation in Iowa.