Missouri Symphony Society Timeline
Founded by Hugo & Lucy Vianello…
From an informal gathering of music lovers in 1970, the Missouri Symphony Society has evolved into a prominent cultural organization in the state of Missouri. Its growth in size, quality, and capability, is evidence of the viability of the Society and the dedicated work of the staff, musicians, and volunteers. A brief chronological summary highlights the milestones of the Missouri Symphony Society:
| 2005 | The Missouri Symphony Society experiences record-breaking success with the Hot Summer Nights Music Festival as more than 11,200 music lovers attend concerts featuring Maestro Kirk Trevor, the Missouri Symphony Orchestra, and world-renown guest artists throughout its eight-week summer season. |
|---|---|
| 2004 | The Missouri Symphony Society produces the first Women in Tune (WiT) Festival – four days of concerts and performances with over 100 national and local visual and performing artists participating. |
| 2003 | The Missouri Symphony Society commemorates the theater's 75th year by celebrating with the Missouri Theatre's 75th Diamond Jubilee – a gala event followed by monthly special events, concerts & films. |
| 2002 | The Missouri Symphony Society begins plans to transform the Missouri Theatre into the Missouri Theatre Center for the Arts (MTCA). Establishment of the Missouri Theatre Film Series – a collaborative effort between the Missouri Symphony Society and Ragtag Cinemacafé. Missouri Symphony Society Children’s Choir (MOSS-CC) established. |
| 2001 | Inaugural season of Music Director & Conductor Kirk Trevor. |
| 2000 | 30th anniversary of the Society. Second Season of artistic director candidates. Sponsorship of the new Missouri Symphony Youth Orchestra established. David A. White, III hired as Executive Director of the Missouri Symphony Society. |
| 1999 | First season of artistic director candidates. First Sunday Symphony Series. |
| 1998 | Seventieth anniversary of the Missouri Theatre. Stage curtain and valance restored. First Spring Choral Festival and Plant Sale. |
| 1997 | Twentieth anniversary of the Missouri Chamber Orchestra. Second compact disc recording by the Missouri Chamber Orchestra. First full-length presenting series. Restoration of proscenium arch and lobby water fountain. |
| 1996 | Gershwin Benefit Concert with pianist Paul Hadley. New oak stage floor installed. First year as a presenting organization. First outstate tour concert (Mount Vernon, IL). |
| 1995 | Twenty-fifth anniversary of the Missouri Symphony Society. Andre Watts Symphony Benefit Concert. |
| 1994 | Introduced architectural plan for historic restoration of the Missouri Theatre. |
| 1993 | First compact disc (CD) recording by the Missouri Chamber Orchestra. |
| 1992 | Received first National Endowment for the Arts grant. Designated as a Neighborhood Assistance Program recipient. |
| 1990 | Establishment of endowed orchestra chairs. |
| 1989 | Second Gala Concert (Night of Romance). First Mozart-Higday sponsored event (Leontyne Price). |
| 1988 | First Gala Concert (Night of Nostalgia) in the Missouri Theatre. First concert season in the Missouri Theatre. First annual young person's concert. |
| 1987 | Purchase of the Missouri Theatre. |
| 1983 | Women's Symphony League presents the second Designer's Showhouse (Capen Home). |
| 1981 | First professional tour concert. Women's Symphony League presents the first Designer's Showhouse (Troxel Home). |
| 1978 | Establishment of the professional Missouri Symphony Pops. |
| 1977 | First concert season of the Missouri Chamber Orchestra. First concert season of the Missouri Festival Symphony. |
| 1976 | Establishment of the professional Missouri Chamber Orchestra and the student-oriented Missouri Festival Symphony (MOSSPAC). |
| 1974 | Establishment of the Missouri String Project. |
| 1973 | Establishment of the Missouri Youth Concert Band. First Children's Concert. First Youth Symphony/Chorus/Concert Band in Fulton. |
| 1972 | Establishment of the Missouri Youth Chorus. First Youth Symphony/Chorus concert in Jefferson City. |
| 1971 | First season of the Missouri Youth Symphony. Establishment of the Women's Symphony League of the Missouri Symphony Society. |
| 1970 | Initial meetings, organization, defining of objectives. Incorporation as a non-profit organization. |