Delaware Symphony Orchestra facts for kids

The Delaware Symphony Orchestra (DSO) is a group of talented musicians who play classical music. They are based in Wilmington, Delaware, a city in the United States. Most of their concerts happen at the beautiful Grand Opera House.

The Start of the Orchestra

Early Music Groups in Delaware

Long ago, in the 1800s, a man named Alfred I. du Pont started a group called the Tankopanicum Musical Club. This was one of the very first music groups that led to today's Delaware Symphony Orchestra.

Later, in 1906, two businessmen in Wilmington created the Wilmington Orchestra. Their first concert was on May 27, 1907. However, this orchestra stopped playing in 1909 because it didn't have enough money.

In 1912, a new group called the Wilmington Symphony Club began. It was mostly made up of people who played music for fun. They performed two concerts each year. In 1929, this club joined with the Wilmington Music School and changed its name to the Symphony Club of Wilmington.

Growing and Changing Names

Harry Stausebach was the conductor for many years, until 1955. After him, Van Lier Lanning became the music director in 1955. He led the orchestra until 1979.

During Lanning's time, in 1971, the orchestra officially changed its name to the Delaware Symphony Orchestra. This is the name it still uses today. The orchestra also started playing more concerts, going from two to three, and then to four concerts each season.

New Leaders and Big Performances

Stephen Gunzenhauser became the music director in 1979. Under his leadership, the orchestra traveled to Portugal. They also performed for the first time in big cities like Washington D.C. and New York City. Stephen Gunzenhauser finished his time as director in 2002.

David Amado took over as music director in 2003. In 2009, during his time, the orchestra signed its first contract to record music. They made a CD with the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet. David Amado stepped down as music director in 2023. He now holds the special title of music director laureate.

A New Chapter with Michelle Di Russo

In November 2023, Michelle Di Russo was a guest conductor for the orchestra. She later became a top choice for the music director position. In May 2025, the orchestra announced that Michelle Di Russo would be their next music director. She will start leading the orchestra with the 2025-2026 season. Michelle Di Russo is the first woman to be named music director of the Delaware Symphony Orchestra. This is a very exciting step for the orchestra!

Music Directors

Here is a list of the people who have led the Delaware Symphony Orchestra:

• August Rodemann
• Harry Stausebach
• Van Lier Lanning (1955–1979)
• Stephen Gunzenhauser (1979–2002)
• David Amado (2003–2023)
• Michelle Di Russo (appointed, effective autumn 2025)