About the Orchestra

The Holyoke Civic Symphony was formed in 1966, originally as a part of Holyoke Community College. The orchestra is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a variety of opportunities for people in the community to perform and listen to symphonic works of music. The orchestra is composed primarily of non-professional musicians who come together once a week to rehearse. Local professional musicians perform as guest soloists and contribute original compositions for the orchestra to perform. In addition, the orchestra conducts a biennial competition among Massachusetts high school students, with the winner receiving a monetary gift and an invitation to perform as guest soloist with the orchestra.

The Holyoke Civic Symphony is committed to fulfilling its mission without financial barriers; therefore, no admission is charged for most performances. The orchestra could not exist without the generous support of many local businesses and individuals, as well as Holyoke Community College, which provides rehearsal and concert space, instrument loans, and other essential services.

The orchestra is partially funded by generous grants from the Holyoke Cultural Council, and other arts foundations, and from private and business contributions. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the orchestra, please click here. Those interested in program ads or concert sponsorship may contact Emily Lewis at 413-256-1760. Please click here to see our concert sponsors for the 2008-2009 season.

The Holyoke Civic Symphony is made up of approximately 50 musicians. Anyone interested in joining the orchestra should contact the music director. Rehearsals are on Monday evenings from 7:00 to 9:30 at Holyoke Community College.

For more information, please contact:

David Kidwell, music director

david@davidkidwell.net