Mobile Symphony Orchestra

The Mobile Symphony Orchestra (MSO), based in Mobile, Alabama, is a prominent cultural institution dedicated to the performance and promotion of orchestral music in the Gulf Coast region. The MSO operates with a mission to enrich the community through music and education, offering a variety of programs that engage audiences and provide musical training to individuals of all ages. The organization's educational outreach, known as MSO Education, is a cornerstone of its commitment to fostering a love for music. MSO Education encompasses a range of initiatives designed to introduce children to the world of music. These programs allow participants to experience the orchestra hands-on, with opportunities to hear, see, and play various instruments. Since its inception, MSO Education has reached tens of thousands of children, providing high-quality music education and nurturing a new generation of music enthusiasts and practitioners. The Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra (MSYO) is the flagship ensemble of the MSO's educational offerings. Under the leadership of Music Director and Conductor Iván del Prado, the MSYO serves as a premier training orchestra for the area's young and talented musicians. The youth orchestra, which includes middle school, high school, and early collegiate students up to 21 years of age, offers a rigorous program that emphasizes the study and performance of diverse orchestral literature. Throughout the season, MSYO members engage in regular rehearsals and participate in a variety of concerts, often sharing the stage with internationally acclaimed guest artists. The ensemble's performance schedule includes several concerts each year at venues such as the historic Saenger Theatre in downtown Mobile. The MSYO's dedication to artistic excellence has been recognized with awards, including the Midori Orchestra Residencies program and the Bank of America Award for Excellence in Orchestra Education. In addition to the MSYO, the MSO's education programs feature a range of other activities, including the Big Red Ticket initiative, Chamber Strings, In-School Ensembles, Preludes, String Academies, Strings in Schools, Summer Programs, Suzuki Institute, and Young People’s Concerts. These programs are supported by dedicated faculty and are made possible by the generosity of donors and supporters who believe in the transformative power of music education. The Mobile Symphony Orchestra's commitment to the community extends beyond education, with a full concert season featuring a diverse repertoire and the leadership of Scott Speck, the orchestra's esteemed conductor. The MSO's home, the Larkins Music Center, is located at 257 Dauphin St. in Mobile, where the organization's Box Office can be contacted at 251-432-2010 for tickets and information. For those interested in supporting the MSO's mission, the organization offers various opportunities for donations, volunteering, and planned giving. Contributions to the MSO not only provide tax benefits but also represent an investment in the cultural vitality of the Gulf Coast community.