Stephen Mulligan leads the WSS in March 2022

Symphony Vision and Mission

The Winston-Salem Symphony Association, Inc. (the “Symphony”) is one of oldest and most respected professional arts organizations in North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad. Started in 1946 on the campus of Salem College as a Civic Orchestra, the Symphony incorporated as a non-profit North Carolina corporation in 1952 and hired its first full-time conductor in 1955.

The following statements guide who we are and what we do each day:

VISION STATEMENT

We envision a community where live music connects people from all walks of life to inspire a more vibrant and creative region.

MISSION STATEMENT

To Bring Music to Life.

Believing that music has the power to inspire, the Winston-Salem Symphony will fulfill this mission by enriching the community with live music. The Symphony brings performances, educational programs, and community engagement initiatives to where people live and desires for audiences to experience music in a way that is relevant and meaningful to their own lives. Through music, the Winston-Salem Symphony aspires to create shared experiences and connections that improve the quality of life in Winston-Salem and throughout the region.

Over the course of our history, we have grown into a nationally recognized regional orchestra employing 75 professional musicians on a per-service basis. Currently, the full orchestra performs 35-40 concerts per year. The Symphony also boasts a 120-voice volunteer Chorus and an inspiring music education program including in-school ensemble programs, young people’s concerts, an Academy for young students, and a Youth Orchestras program consisting of four youth orchestras. Education programs produce over 28,000 student encounters annually.

The Symphony is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of 40 elected and 6 ex-officio Directors. The administrative team is currently led by Merritt Vale, who serves as President and CEO. Several advisory councils and an engaged volunteer corps provide additional support to the organization.

In comparison to other professional orchestras across the country, the Winston-Salem Symphony is in a solid position. The orchestra is recognized as an artistic leader in the region and is lauded for its high-quality performances. We enjoy a loyal patron base, but also continue to expand our audiences and increase ticket sales.

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