Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra facts for kids
The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra (KSO) started way back in 1921. It's one of the biggest professional orchestras in Michigan. An orchestra is a large group of musicians playing different instruments together. During one recent year (2005-2006), the KSO performed over 30 concerts. More than 100,000 people came to listen! The orchestra usually plays at Western Michigan University's Miller Auditorium in Kalamazoo.
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History of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra
Early Years and Growth (1921-1950s)
The KSO played its very first concert on December 28, 1921. It started with just 25 musicians. A clarinet player named Chester Z. Bronson led this first performance.
A person named Leta G. Snow worked hard to help the orchestra grow. By 1928, the KSO had 75 musicians! David Mattern became their fourth conductor. A conductor is the person who leads the orchestra during a performance.
In 1934, Dr. Herman Felber, Jr. became the conductor. He led the orchestra for 25 years! Dr. Felber also started the first auditions for young soloists. Soloists are musicians who play by themselves with the orchestra. Famous soloists like Artur Rubinstein and Isaac Stern performed with the KSO in the 1940s.
New Programs and Conductors (1960s-1990s)
Dr. Felber left in 1959. After a year with many guest conductors, Gregory Millar became the full-time conductor and music director. He started many popular programs. These included special concerts for children. He also arranged concerts in other towns in southwest Michigan.
In 1962, the KSO started its "Starlight" summer concert series. These concerts featured famous musicians like Louis Armstrong. They were even held on a parking garage roof in downtown Kalamazoo!
After Gregory Millar, Pierre Hetu became conductor in 1968. Then, Yoshimi Takeda took over in 1974. Maestro Takeda was the Music Director for 25 years. He helped the KSO become known for its high-quality music.
Recent Music Directors
Raymond Harvey became the Music Director in 1999. He led the orchestra for many years. In 2018, Julian Kuerti became the newest Music Director for the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra.
