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An orchestra carrying the name Stamford Symphony was originally founded in 1919. Shortly after World War II, many of its musicians returned to their European homelands and the orchestra ceased performing. Stamford Symphony was reborn in 1967, and has since grown to become an integral part of the cultural life in Fairfield County. Skitch Henderson’s appointment as Music Director in 1974 marked the turning point when the Symphony became a fully professional orchestra.
Roger Nierenberg, Music Director from 1980-2004, was an influential force in shaping what Stamford Symphony is today. By recruiting top musicians from the New York metro area, he crafted a high quality ensemble of remarkable versatility. Music Director from 2005 to 2017, Eckart Preu’s young, vibrant and unpretentious approach to classical music was welcomed by the Fairfield County community. In his 12 years, his commitment to introducing contemporary classical music in a refreshing, educational manner, and his connection with the audience on and off stage will most certainly mark his legacy.
The Stamford Symphony's home is the Stamford Center for the Arts' 1586-seat Palace Theatre, a spectacularly renovated former vaudeville house in the heart of Stamford, Connecticut’s downtown. The Stamford Symphony consists of 65 musicians, all of whom are members of professional musicians’ unions. It is the only fully professional orchestra in southern Connecticut. The Stamford Symphony’s roster of highly talented professional musicians also perform on the stages of New York’s major orchestras and ensembles such as the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, Metropolitan Opera, New York City Ballet, American Symphony Orchestra, New York Pops, Orchestra of St. Luke's and on Broadway.
In addition to its annual concert schedule of 14 performances, reaching an annual audience of over 13,000, Stamford Symphony can be found throughout our Fairfield County community. Partnerships have included the Stamford Museum and Nature Center, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Half Full Brewery, Flinders Lane Kitchen & Bar, The Basilica of St. John the Evangelist, Bruce Museum, Caramoor, Grace Farms, Mill River Park, and numerous chamber music performances at country clubs and private homes.
Music education is an integral part of the Symphony’s mission. The Symphony is dedicated to enhancing music initiatives that touch over 5,000 students every year. Programs include free tickets for children under 18 on Sundays, a pre-concert MusiKids program on Sundays, master class and mentorship opportunities for exceptional students, and a curriculum-based music program the culminates with concerts: Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute’s Link Up Program. |
