Mission & History
OUR Vision
The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra is a home for extraordinary musical experiences that enrich and inspire our community.
OUR MISSION
The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra engages and captivates diverse audiences through acclaimed musical performances and inclusive education and community experiences of exceptional quality.
ABOUT THE MILWAUKEE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Within only a few years of its founding in 1959, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra rose through the ranks of the nation’s professional orchestras, quickly distinguishing itself as one of America’s finest symphonic ensembles. Devoted to engaging diverse audiences throughout the region, the MSO presents a wide variety of programming curated to meet the cultural needs of the state of Wisconsin. Its world-class performances encompass masterworks of the classical repertoire, semi-staged operatic and theatrical productions, vibrant arrangements of popular music, screenings of Hollywood classics accompanied by live renditions of their scores, and nationally acclaimed educational and community outreach initiatives.
Dedicated to giving voice to contemporary artists and known as an innovator among its peer institutions, the MSO regularly commissions new works from living composers, frequently giving world and regional premieres of new music. With a legacy of commercial recording extending more than half a century into the past and celebrated as the first American orchestra to offer live recordings on iTunes, the MSO can be heard on the Telarc, Koss Classics, Pro Arte, AVIE, and Vox/Turnabout record labels. In the spring of 2026, the orchestra launched a revival of its MSO Classics label, releasing the world premiere recording of David Ludwig’s bassoon concerto and making dozens of its live recordings available for purchase and through digital streaming services.
Following years of planning, restoration, and renovation, the MSO opened the doors of the Bradley Symphony Center to the public in the autumn of 2021, restoring the Warner Grand Theater on West Wisconsin Avenue to its status as a cultural destination in downtown Milwaukee and giving the MSO a permanent home in the community. Serving as a space for listeners from all walks of life to gather, the venue has opened a new chapter in the orchestra’s allegiance to civic engagement, embracing local arts and community partners as part of its programming and underscoring the orchestra’s standing as a focal point in the city’s artistic landscape.
From its earliest days, the MSO has made its presence felt in the Milwaukee metropolitan area through its award-winning educational endeavors. Programs like Arts in Community Education and Concerts for Schools serve as a role model for modern orchestras and make classical music meaningful to thousands of school children every year. The Bach Double, Teen Choral Partners, and Audrey G. Baird Stars of Tomorrow competitions provide students with the opportunity to cultivate their talent alongside the musicians of their hometown orchestra. Presented in partnership with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute and Sojourner Family Peace Center, the Lullaby Project connects local families with professional performers, arrangers, and recording artists, while the MSO’s Sensory Friendly performances provide vital resources and a safe, thoughtfully curated listening environment for people of any age on the autism spectrum or with sensory sensitivities, affirming the orchestra’s commitment to eliminating barriers and making live orchestral music accessible and engaging for every audience member.
Learn more about the MSO's history here.
Lineage of Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Music Directors
Financial Statements
Financial Statements and Supplementary Information August 31, 2025