Greenwich Symphony
1958-2023

The Greenwich Symphony Orchestra is a fully professional orchestra featuring world-class soloists in five concert weekends per year, performing in an acoustically excellent concert hall, the Performing Arts Center at Greenwich High School. 

Formed in 1940, the group became the Greenwich Philharmonia in 1958 under the baton of Kenneth Wendrich, with Catherine Converse as first president. The Philharmonia was renamed the Greenwich Symphony Orchestra in its 25th Anniversary season, 1982-1983. Gala benefit concerts starring Victor Borge regaled audiences in 1986 and 1999. 

In 1975, David Gilbert was named Music Director, serving for 46 years until his 2021 retirement. Patricia Handy served as Associate Conductor from 1979 to 2010, succeeded by Tara Simoncic from 2010 to 2021.

An all-volunteer Board oversees the operations of the GSO. Mary Radcliffe began her 37-year tenure as board president in 1983, leading by her example the board’s mission to serve, support, and promote the orchestra. In 2021, Peter J. Tesei, former First Selectman of Greenwich, became board chair, and Lenore de Csepel joined him in this leadership role as Vice Chair in 2022. 

Over the years, the GSO has featured outstanding soloists, many in the early years of their distinguished careers. Recent soloists include Joyce Yang, John O’Conor, Chloé Kiffer, Benjamin Hochman, Jennifer Koh, Jon Nakamatsu, Sara Davis Buechner, Juho Pohjonen, Paul Watkins, and Elmar Oliveira.

An extensive international search culminated in the selection of Stuart Malina as GSO’s new Music Director. In the 2022–2023 season, Maestro Malina brought new vibrancy and excitement to the GSO’s orchestral performances. Under his dynamic leadership, we look forward to the continuation of innovative programming and musical excellence, which so enlivened our audiences during Maestro Malina’s inaugural year.  

We thank our many friends for supporting the GSO’s presentation of live orchestral music in our community!