Chattanooga Symphony and Opera facts for kids

The Chattanooga Symphony and Opera, often called the CSO, is a special group in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It brings together a symphony orchestra and an opera company. When these two groups joined in 1985, it was the only organization like it in the entire United States.

History

What the CSO Does

The Chattanooga Symphony and Opera wants to inspire, involve, and enrich the community. They do this through music and music education for everyone in the greater Chattanooga area.

The Symphony's Story

The idea for the Chattanooga Symphony started a long time ago. In 1896, a group of musicians formed the Chattanooga Music Club. They wanted to share the "beauties of art" in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This club helped create many musical groups over the years.

In 1930, a member named Stella Weitzel asked for money. She wanted to support a small group of talented musicians. This group was at the University of Chattanooga. The Music Club gave them a small donation. This money helped start the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra.

The Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra (CSO) began because young people wanted to play music together. Melvin Margolin, the director, brought together students from Chattanooga High School. A few adult musicians also joined them. Their first concert was on November 5, 1933. People loved seeing the young local talent.

For the first four years, Melvin Margolin and Borden Jones led the group. In 1937, Dr. Arthur Plettner was hired to lead professionally. He became the conductor in 1938 and stayed for 11 years. After him, Julius Hegyi took over in 1956. He was also a graduate of Juilliard, a famous music school.

Later, Vakhtang Jordania became the conductor in 1985. He helped the group grow a lot. The orchestra, then called the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra Artist (CSOA), became very good. They could play many types of music, from classical to modern. Famous guest artists like Itzhak Perlman and Jean-Pierre Rampal played with them.

In 1992, Maestro Robert Bernhardt became the Music Director and Conductor. He led the CSO for 19 seasons. He helped the community get more involved and improved the music quality. More people started coming to concerts. He even organized operas like Madame Butterfly and Carmen.

The CSO celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2008–2009. Many people attended, including past and present members. In 2009, Maestro Bernhardt became the first Music Director Emeritus. This means he holds an honorary title for his past service. He helped choose the next conductor.

After interviewing nine candidates, Kayoko Dan was chosen. She made history as the first female conductor of the Chattanooga Symphony. She was also the youngest. Ms. Dan started music training in Japan at age three. She studied music in the United States. She is also a strong supporter of music education.

The Opera Company's Story

Around the same time the Symphony started, two musicians came to Tennessee. Dr. Werner Wolff and his wife Emmy Land Wolff were escaping Nazi Germany. They were important members of the German Opera House.

In 1942, they helped create the Chattanooga Opera Company. This was the first opera company in Tennessee. Dorothy Hackett Ward also helped, working as the makeup artist. Madame Wolff taught the singers how to act on stage.

The company's first performance was in February 1943. They performed Il Trovatore. Most of the singers were local. But the Wolffs knew many famous opera singers. These singers came to Chattanooga as guest artists. Some famous names included Beverly Sills and Jon Vickers.

Madame Wolff passed away in 1955. This was a sad time for the music community. Dr. Werner Wolff tried to continue but later moved to Switzerland. He died in 1960.

Joining Forces

The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera was the first combined professional symphony and opera company in the nation. They officially merged in 1985. This was a big step for both groups.

World-class conductor Vakhtang Jordania became the first conductor and artistic director of the new combined group. He was followed by Robert Bernhardt in 1992. Bernhardt left the directorship in 2011. His successor was Kayoko Dan, who started in September 2011. Bernhardt still lives in Chattanooga and holds the title of music director emeritus.

Chattanooga Youth Symphony (CYS)

The CSO also has great programs for young musicians. These are part of the Chattanooga Youth Symphony (CYS). It used to be called the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Youth Orchestra (CSOYO).

The CYS has four different groups:

• Prelude
• Etude
• Philharmonic
• Symphony

The Prelude and Etude groups are for string instruments only. They are for beginners, usually elementary and middle school students. Cellist Amy Shannon conducts both Prelude and Etude.

The Philharmonic and Symphony are full orchestras. They include strings, winds, and percussion. These groups are for older middle school and high school students. Dr. Sandy Morris conducts the Philharmonic orchestra.

The highest orchestra in the CYS is the Symphony. It is conducted by Ismael Sandoval, a former tubist. Sandoval studied at the University of Florida and the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. He also worked as an understudy conductor for the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra.