Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra facts for kids
The Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra (FMSO) is a group of musicians who play classical and modern music. They are based in Fargo, North Dakota. Fargo is next to Moorhead, Minnesota, across the Red River of the North. Together, these cities make up the Fargo-Moorhead area. The FMSO uses musicians from the local area and nearby regions.
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About the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony
How It Started
The idea for the FMSO began in 1912. A small group of 40 musicians played together for a Norwegian festival called a Saengerfest. Harry Rudd led this early group.
The orchestra as we know it today officially started in 1931. It was first called the "Fargo Civic Orchestra." Harry Rudd became its first official conductor. He led the orchestra until 1937.
Who Leads the Orchestra?
Many talented people have led the FMSO over the years. These leaders are called Music Directors.
Some of the past Music Directors include:
- Sigvald Thompson (1937–1974): He was also a famous teacher for people who wrote music.
- J. Robert Hanson (1974–1990)
- Joel Revzen (1990–2002)
- Bernard Rubenstein (2003–2012): He helped the FMSO celebrate its 75th birthday. For this special event, the orchestra played a new piece of music called Prairie Skies.
In 2013, Christopher Zimmerman became the current Music Director. He also leads another orchestra in Virginia.
What the Orchestra Does Today
The Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra performs about two dozen times each year. They play different types of concerts. This includes a popular series called the Pops Concerts. These concerts are also led by Music Director Christopher Zimmerman.
