About Us

Founded in 1995, the Hanover Symphony Orchestra (HSO) is a non-profit, volunteer orchestra dedicated to fostering the love of music through entertainment, encouragement and education. The inaugural concert on November 5, 1995 featured the First Movement of the Unfinished Symphony by Schubert, The Royal Fireworks Overture by Handel and the Triumphant March from Aida by Verdi.

During its first ten years, the Hanover Symphony Orchestra has played a great and varied repertoire which includes: Peter and the Wolf by Prokofiev, the William Tell Overture by Rossini, the New World Symphony by Dvorak, Nambucco Overture by Verdi, Olympic Fanfare and Theme (1984) by John Williams, March Slav by Tchaikovsky, Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saens, the Allegretto from Symphony No. 7 by Beethoven and music from Lord of the Dance by Hardiman.

Among the HSO’s most memorable and touching concerts was the “Star Spangled Spectacular Concert” performed on November 3, 2001. Although the repertoire for the concert had been chosen in the spring of 2001, the tragic events of September 11, 2001 made the concert especially poignant for the audience and musicians alike. During the Armed Forces Salute, all service men and women, veterans and active duty, were greeted by tremendous admiration and applause as they stood and saluted when their military themes were played!

As a part of its mission, the Hanover Symphony Orchestra has established a scholarship program. In the spring of 1997, the orchestra began awarding $2,000 college scholarships to deserving high school seniors and $300 summer music camp scholarships to deserving students of any age. To date, 18 college scholarships and 21 summer music camp scholarships have been awarded.

Throughout its history, the HSO has also demonstrated a strong commitment to the community through benefit concerts. Organizations that have benefited from these concerts include: the Greater Hanover Area Red Cross, Hanover Area Council of Churches, Hanover Area Literacy Council, Hanover Public Library and the Eichelberger Performing Arts Center.

The Hanover Symphony Orchestra members, who play three to four concerts a year, are from all walks of life: professional musicians, teachers, doctors, dentists, bankers, select advanced high school players, apprentices and even a NASA engineer.

On April 10, 2005, the Hanover Symphony Orchestra celebrated the accomplishments of its first decade with a gala concert. Entering our second decade as a vital and cultural part of the community, the orchestra will continue its mission through performances by bringing together old and young, professional and amateur, audience and artist into an atmosphere filled with the joyous bond of music.

On May 15, 2011, the Hanover Symphony Orchestra joined the Hanover Community Singers in a combined concert as a "Time to Remember the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 and recognize our public servants and military". This was the last concert directed by our Music Director, Larry Kuntz. As we approach the end of the second decade we are finding ourselves at a crossroads with someone new at the helm. The Symphony is under the direction of Brian Buterbaugh our Interim Music Director.

Many thanks to each and every one of the orchestra members for their great inspiration and music as we celebrate our 18th Season.