The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra (KSO) was established in 1921 and is the third largest professional orchestra in Michigan. During the 2005–2006 concert season, the orchestra performed for over 100,000 people in more than 30 concerts. The orchestra's main performance location is Miller Auditorium at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

History

The orchestra held its first concert on December 28, 1921, under the direction of clarinetist-volunteer Chester Z. Bronson. At that time, only 25 musicians participated. Thanks to the work of Kalamazoo Symphony Society secretary and KSO Manager Leta G. Snow, the orchestra grew to 75 musicians by 1928, and its fourth conductor, David Mattern, led the group. In 1934, Dr. Herman Felber, Jr. became the orchestra’s conductor, a role he held for 25 years. Dr. Felber was in charge of the first auditions for young soloists. During the 1940s, the orchestra performed with notable soloists, including Artur Rubinstein, Isaac Stern, and Georges Enesco.

The 1959 season marked the final year of Dr. Felber’s leadership. In the 1960 season, the KSO performed with six different guest conductors. Gregory Millar later became the full-time resident conductor and music director. During his time, the orchestra started several long-lasting programs, such as children’s concerts, performances in other areas of southwest Michigan, and recitals by KSO musicians at the Art Center. The first "Starlight" summer concert series began in 1962. These concerts, held on the roof of the Gilmore parking garage in downtown Kalamazoo, featured famous musicians like Louis Armstrong. Millar’s leadership was followed by Pierre Hetu in 1968 and Yoshimi Takeda in 1974. Maestro Takeda’s 25-year role as music director and conductor helped the KSO achieve a high level of musical quality.

Raymond Harvey was appointed music director in 1999. In 2018, Julian Kuerti became the music director of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra.