Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra

In 1985, in a controversial decision that coincided with the somewhat abrupt replacement of conductor Edward Szabo with Carl St.Clair, the A2SO began charging admission for concerts.

The increased budget allowed the orchestra to attain a higher standard of professionalism, which attracted better musicians and soloists, performed more concerts, and bolstered its reputation in Ann Arbor and nationally.

[1] The Women's Association of the Ann Arbor Symphony was formed in 1952 with the goal of assisting with concerts, providing refreshments for players at rehearsals, and raising money both for the orchestra and for music scholarships for area youth.

Orien Dalley succeeded Maddy in 1951 and conducted the orchestra for four years until 1955 when Emil Raab became the sixth music director.

Jack Elzay,[2] the superintendent of Ann Arbor Public Schools, wrote a letter to conductor George Wilson following the concert recognizing the importance of music in children's lives.

These educational concerts continue to be an integral part of the mission of the present day Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra.

[5] Across the 2021-22 season, the orchestra auditioned six Music Director finalists, each of whom conducted a classical main stage performance with selected repertoire.

[6] Lee made his official debut in director capacity at the orchestra's 2022-23 season opener at Hill Auditorium, leading a program of Carlos Simon, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Ludwig van Beethoven on September 9, 2022.

The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra provides opportunities for music education in the Southeastern Michigan area.

The A2SO presents two annual youth concerts (including a partnership with the Link Up program through Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute (WMI),[7] KinderConcerts (at local libraries), ensemble performances in local schools and the community and instrument petting zoos wherein children have hands-on encounters with musical instruments.