Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra

History:


This orchestra of professional musicians began 29 years ago as a community orchestra, named at first the Adirondack Concert Orchestra, then becoming the Adirondack Philharmonia. The orchestra, performing in its home at the Adirondack Community College, was led then by Sheldon Binns and William Shank. Soon after it's inception, visionary steps were taken: In 1983 the orchestra was incorporated as a non-profit cultural organization, and in 1984 Hugh Allen Wilson - legendary local keyboard performer, college professor and church musician - began a 14 year tenure as music director. During his tenure the orchestra performed a diverse repertoire, creating an arc of musical eras spanning from the St. Mathew Passion of Bach to its first commissioned work, Adirondack Light by Hilary Tann.

In 1986 the Glens Falls Symphony became a fully professional orchestra employing members of the region's American Federation of Musicians. This move to professional status demanded as well a professional management staff, a demand answered with Nicholas Buttino serving as the first paid orchestra manager. In 1998 Robert B. Rosoff, longtime board member, was named Executive Director.

Upon Maestro Wilson's retirement in 1998, the orchestra engaged in a two-year music director search - a search which attracted more than 150 applicants seeking to work with the orchestra. The result of this community wide search effort was the appointment of Charles Peltz as music director and conductor starting with the 2000-2001 season.

In the seven years since Maestro Peltz's appointment, all the members of the orchestra family - musicians, board, volunteers and management - have worked towards expansion of every facet of orchestra activities. The range of performances reflect a vigor and commitment to bringing music to all of the Glens Falls Region. Summer concerts in local parks draw enthusiastic audiences numbering in the thousands, and children's concerts teach youngsters and delight their parents. Our jazz credentials were enhanced by appearing with internationally famous composer/performer David Amram in the 2001 Lake George Jazz Festival.