The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra was founded in the year 1928. It was started by five musicians who wanted to create a community orchestra. From being a five member group, the community slowly grew and in 1931 the orchestra performed its first major program. In the following couple years, the orchestra began performing multiple concerts per season. In 1935, the control switched over to the Ann Arbor’s Department of Recreation and gave them the name “Ann Arbor Civic Orchestra”.
Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra’s first performance at the Michigan Theatre was in the year 1940. This was the first step for making the Michigan Theatre into the orchestra’s home. Throughout the years, the orchestra played various concerts, ballets, and festivals. Because of the orchestra’s growing success, it began to attract more musicians. After almost six decades of giving free concerts to the public, the orchestra began selling tickets. In the year 1986, the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra was declared as a professional orchestra. The orchestra has been led by twelve conductors and since the year 2000, Arie Lipsky became the orchestra’s thirteenth director.
Many of the members in the A2SO are college students, music graduates, teachers, and university professors from around the southeast Michigan area. Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra has hosted various well known guest artists from around the world including Matt Haimovitz, Augustin Hadelich, Eli Eban, and Pip Clarke. Also well known artist who reside in Ann Arbor include Amy Porter, Aaron Berofsky, Arthur Greene, and Stephen Shipps.
Supporters of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra play a huge role in keeping the orchestra alive. There are individuals and corporations that contribute through donations, government funding, business and community sponsors. There is also a Musician Chair Sponsorship Program. A percentage of the ticket sales add to the budget as well. Over the years, the orchestra has put out a huge effort to make music for the enjoyment of the listeners, and the audience has shown their appreciation generously.