WALLINGFORD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Professional Symphony Orchestra in Wallingford
Conductor Philip T. Ventre will celebrate 50 years as a founding member of the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra in 2024.
WSO Dedicated to Quality Music
Music heals the soul and brings joy to those who listen.
For 49 years, the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra has been dedicated to bringing quality music to Wallingford and surrounding towns. Founded in December, 1974, the WSO is composed of a 60-member ensemble of professional
musicians. The inaugural concert was endorsed and funded by the Horizons Committee of the Wallingford Bicentennial Commission as a project in tribute to our nation’s 200th anniversary. The WSO performances have grown to include not only an annual season comprised of multiple indoor concerts; but also special events throughout the area, including an outdoor summer Pops Concert. A volunteer Board of Directors oversees the operation of the orchestra; meeting monthly to monitor the budget, plan and approve the concert season and organize fundraising.
Membership & Annual Giving
Donors are the lifeblood of the Arts!
The WSO is a non-profit organization. Funding is achieved through ticket sales, individual and corporate donations, grants and various events.These donations make possible unique musical experiences and bring professional orchestral music to the Wallingford area.
Philip T. Ventre
Founder & Music Director
of the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra
When Philip Ventre and Terence Netter founded the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra in 1974 in collaboration with the Wallingford Bicentennial Commission, the intention was to enrich the cultural lives of nearby residents through music.
It has been the WSO’s mission ever since.
Maestro Ventre retired in 2020 as the Head of Instrumental Music at Choate Rosemary Hall. During his 50-year tenure, Maestro Ventre conducted the CRH Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, taught six music history courses and has been nominated three times for a GRAMMY Music Educator Award and has also been selected as a U.S. Presidential Scholar Teacher of Recognition.
UPCOMING PERFORMANCE
Broadway Musicals
March 10, 2024
Sunday, 2:00pm at the Ann and George Colony Hall
Music from the longest running Broadway musicals, Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, The Lion King, Wicked, Cats, including music for Broadway by two of America’s greatest composers, Leonard Bernstein and Aaron Copland.
