About Us
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Under the direction of Cornelia Laemmli Orth, our fully professional orchestra performs repertoire representative of many regions and nationalities – European Classical, American Popular and Jazz, Appalachian Folk, and many varieties of World Music. Voices of the Mountains, directed by Steve Sensenig, is our 75-member chorus that continues to delight audiences with Renaissance Motets, Baroque Cantatas, Gospel Spirituals, and the music of Broadway. This broad array of repertoire allows us the opportunity to celebrate artistic music that is familiar to us and, at the same time, enrich our experience by exploring the music of other cultures.
Symphony of the Mountains also celebrates our musical heritage by offering musical education opportunities to our young people. Our two Youth Orchestras rehearse throughout the academic year and perform two concerts for the general public and one for 1,500 of their student peers as the Celia Smith Bachelder Youth for Youth Concert. We also send musicians into the public schools to introduce 6,000 children to the wonders of music. Lastly, we partner with the Bristol YWCA to offer music lessons at no charge to those students for whom music instruction might otherwise be inaccessible. Through these education programs, we are investing in our future and transforming young lives.
Symphony of the Mountains is an organization reflective of the many modes of artistic expression that have always permeated this region. Indeed in Southern Appalachia, we have always communicated the value of our humanity to one another and to our children through music and art. That expression allows us to celebrate our values, enliven our spirits and nourish our souls.
Mission
To continue the tradition of excellence in musical entertainment and education, while enriching the cultural experience of audiences of all ages throughout Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia and points beyond.
History
Symphony of the Mountains has a strong and proud heritage. The orchestra began when a small group of musicians dreamed of having a civic orchestra in 1946. At the time it was known as Kingsport Symphony Orchestra. Twenty-seven musicians attended the first rehearsal and the number quickly grew to more than 40. The first concert was free to the public and neither the conductor nor any of the musicians were paid.
Through the decades the musical enrichment included classical concerts, entertaining pops, and light musical offerings, captivating soloists, and empowering opportunities for young musicians. The Kingsport Symphony Youth Orchestra was formed in 1965 and presently consists of 80 young people representing the entire region. The mid-1980s brought the premier run-out performance in Bristol plus the beginning of the Education in the Schools Outreach program. In 1994 Musicians in the Schools began. In 2003, Kingsport Symphony was renamed Symphony of the Mountains. The chorus merged with the Bristol Concert Choir under the name Voices of the Mountains.
In the ’80s and ’90s, the orchestra grew steadily and increased its outreach. As mandated by the Board of Directors, the commitment to service encompasses the entire region, without regard for state or county boundaries. In 1998 the symphony board added to the long-range plans the goal of becoming an orchestra for the entire Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia region, a service area of approximately 450,000 citizens. They mandated the orchestra to become a fully professional orchestra. Today the orchestra consists of more than 70 professional musicians and is conducted by Cornelia Laemmli Orth.
Arts Organizations
