| In 1948,
a handful of Shreveport and Bossier City's most dedicated citizens
gathered to discuss their community and what they could do to help
make it an eve fine place to live. With $5,000 and 50 local musicians,
they found the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra. Journey with us through
time as we follow our Symphony's illustrious history. The group hired John Shenaut as their Music Director. Maestro Shenaut remained the orchestra's guiding light for 33 years, until his retirement in 1981. The orchestra began its concerts with Shenaut in Shreveport's Byrd High School Auditorium. Several years later, an agreement with local governments to provide educational concerts in schools resulted in the orchestra's movein to the the-new Civic Theatre. 1958 The Symphony founded the Shreveport Symphony Orechestra Nena Plant Wideman Piano Competition. Originally a regional competition, the event now attracts contestants from all over the world. Outstanding amoung Shenaut's many accomplishments, the orchestra commissioned three works for the United States Bicentennial - an opera, a ballet and a symphonic work - all by noted American composer, Elie Seigmeister. 1982 New artistic leadership arrived with Principal Conductor Paul Strauss and Accting Music Director Margery Deutsch. 1984 Maestro Peter Leonard became SSO's Music Director. During his first season (1984-85) the orchestra performed in the Civic Theatre; the following year the newly renovated Strand Theatre vecame the orchestra's home. In 1992, SSO returned to its original home on Shreveport's Riverfront - the Civic Theatre. 1996 Maestro Dennis Simons became SSO's new Music Director and Conductor from the Saskatoon Symphony. During his years, SSO has risen to new heights of artistic achievement. The production of its premiere compact disc, Reflections became a reality. The SSO is affiliated with the Ark-La-Tex Youth Symphony Orchestra (ALTYSO). This exciting group is comprised of music students from local schools and supported by two string programs - a novice and an intermediate. All participants are encouraged to expand on their musical abilities. ALTYSO offers an opportunity to perform before an audience several times a year and on occasion the SSO will present a program that incorporates the youth into their ranks. |
