The SDSO official song is "Alleluias for Orchestra" written by South Dakota composer Stephen Yarbrough.
Michael Manley of the American Symphony Orchestra League said of the SDSO, "...from its visionary music director to its passionate musicians, from its active and dedicated donors and board to its devoted and tireless staff—the South Dakota Symphony is one of those unexpected masterpieces you happen upon, whose impact manages to encompass the world.
[1] Since the 2004-2005 season Pulitzer prize-winning composers Paul Moravec and Steven Stucky have had residencies and given concerts with the orchestra.
The SDSO was selected as one of two hosts for a week long residency by Japanese violin virtuoso Midori for the 2007-2008 season.
[3] Following a major donation, the orchestra announced plans to revive Pulitzer Prize-winning opera Giants in the Earth, which has been scarcely performed live and is currently inaccessible to the general public.