History
The impulse for classical music in Pensacola is a matter of need, not luxury. It began with John Borjes' Pensacola Philharmonic Orchestra that provided concerts for the entire community and with Edwin Northrup's small informal group that played for the sheer enjoyment of music. With Borjes, a native of Germany who had studied at the renowned conservatory in Leipzig, the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra has its roots in the great tradition of classical music.
During the Great Depression these dedicated musicians maintained cohesiveness with encouragement from the Works Progress Administration’s Federal Music Project and provided cultural nourishment for the community. While the orchestra assumed various names during the 30's and 40's, the demand for symphonic music in Pensacola remained constant.
"Many developers and industrialists have been asked, ‘What makes a city grow?’ Most of them answer, ‘the presence or lack of the cultural arts.’"
--Marjorie Brown, PSO President 1969-70
The PSO continued to perform in the Pensacola High School auditorium for a relatively small audience for many years. In 1982, with the renovation of the city-owned historical Saenger Theatre, the performances were moved to the Saenger and audiences began a steady growth. Dr. Grier Williams, who served as conductor from 1979 to 1996, brought a new level of professionalism and excitement to the Symphony during this time.
The Pensacola Symphony Orchestra knows that the music lovers and cultural citizens of tomorrow are shaped today. The Symphony early recognized the need to fill the gap left by reductions in school-based music education programs. Established in 1983, the Music in Education programs now reach more than 13,000 students across two counties. Nearly every fifth grade student from Escambia and Santa Rosa county public schools experiences a live performance of the Symphony each year. In addition, Symphony ensembles visit every third and fourth grade public school student over a two year period. In 2006, the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, in partnership with Santa Rosa Community School and Navarre Middle School, launched a pilot program to offer string instrument instruction to the students of Santa Rosa County.
The Pensacola Symphony Orchestra is at a defining moment in its 82 year history. Audiences have grown to over 35,000 people each year including attendance at Masterworks, Pensacola POPS!, Stained Glass, Masterworks Matinees, Music in Education concerts and other performances in the community. In addition, the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra's performances continue to be broadcast regularly on WUWF-FM, reaching 45,000 listeners far beyond the concert hall stage.
"It has been richly rewarding to work in a community that has taken such pride in its musical life, and which has supported its orchestra so tenaciously. With that foundation to rest upon, the future of the Pensacola Symphony is sure to be as exciting as its past."
--Peter Rubardt, Music Director 1997-Present
Today, the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra's dedication to its community is evident in the free concerts, church performances, school concerts and numerous other activities that connect people with the traditions of Bach, Beethoven and Stravinsky. The Symphony, its programs and its artists are an integral part of the cultural and economic life of Pensacola and Northwest Florida.