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History

About Orchestra Lumos

Origins

An orchestra carrying the name Stamford Symphony was originally founded in 1919. Shortly after World War II, many of its musicians returned to their European homelands and the orchestra ceased performing.

Re-awakened

Stamford Symphony was reborn in 1967, and has since grown to become an integral part of the cultural life in Fairfield County. Skitch Henderson’s appointment as Music Director in 1974 marked the turning point when the Symphony became a fully professional orchestra.

Roger Nierenberg

Roger Nierenberg, Music Director from 1980-2004, was an influential force in shaping what Stamford Symphony is today. By recruiting top musicians from the New York metro area, he crafted a high quality ensemble of remarkable versatility.

The Next Chapter with Eckart Preu

Music Director from 2005-17, Eckart Preu’s young, vibrant and unpretentious approach to classical music was welcomed by the Fairfield County community. In his 12 years, his commitment to introducing contemporary classical music in a refreshing, educational manner, and his connection with the audience on and off stage will most certainly mark his legacy.

Quality

The Stamford Symphony’s roster of highly talented professional musicians also perform on the stages of New York’s major orchestras and ensembles such as the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Ballet, the American Symphony Orchestra, the New York Pops, the Orchestra of St. Luke’s and on Broadway. Experience the best of New York City right here in Fairfield County.

Be Part of Something Special in Your Community

In addition to its annual concert schedule of 14 performances, reaching an annual audience of over 13,000, Stamford Symphony can be found throughout our Fairfield County community. Partnerships have included the Stamford Museum and Nature Center, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Half Full Brewery, Flinders Lane Kitchen & Bar, The Basilica of St. John the Evangelist, Bruce Museum, Caramoor, Grace Farms, Mill River Park, and numerous chamber music performances at country clubs and private homes.

Enhancing Education

Music education is an integral part of the Symphony’s mission. The Symphony is dedicated to enhancing music initiatives that touch over 5,000 students every year. Programs include free tickets for children under 18 on Sundays, a pre-concert MusiKids program on Sundays, master class and mentorship opportunities for exceptional students, and a curriculum-based music program the culminates with concerts: Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute’s Link Up Program.

History

About Orchestra Lumos

Origins

An orchestra carrying the name Stamford Symphony was originally founded in 1919. Shortly after World War II, many of its musicians returned to their European homelands and the orchestra ceased performing.

Re-awakened

Stamford Symphony was reborn in 1967, and has since grown to become an integral part of the cultural life in Fairfield County. Skitch Henderson’s appointment as Music Director in 1974 marked the turning point when the Symphony became a fully professional orchestra.

Roger Nierenberg

Roger Nierenberg, Music Director from 1980-2004, was an influential force in shaping what Stamford Symphony is today. By recruiting top musicians from the New York metro area, he crafted a high quality ensemble of remarkable versatility.

The Next Chapter with Eckart Preu

Music Director from 2005-17, Eckart Preu’s young, vibrant and unpretentious approach to classical music was welcomed by the Fairfield County community. In his 12 years, his commitment to introducing contemporary classical music in a refreshing, educational manner, and his connection with the audience on and off stage will most certainly mark his legacy.

Quality

The Stamford Symphony’s roster of highly talented professional musicians also perform on the stages of New York’s major orchestras and ensembles such as the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Ballet, the American Symphony Orchestra, the New York Pops, the Orchestra of St. Luke’s and on Broadway. Experience the best of New York City right here in Fairfield County.

Be Part of Something Special in Your Community

In addition to its annual concert schedule of 14 performances, reaching an annual audience of over 13,000, Stamford Symphony can be found throughout our Fairfield County community. Partnerships have included the Stamford Museum and Nature Center, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Half Full Brewery, Flinders Lane Kitchen & Bar, The Basilica of St. John the Evangelist, Bruce Museum, Caramoor, Grace Farms, Mill River Park, and numerous chamber music performances at country clubs and private homes.

Enhancing Education

Music education is an integral part of the Symphony’s mission. The Symphony is dedicated to enhancing music initiatives that touch over 5,000 students every year. Programs include free tickets for children under 18 on Sundays, a pre-concert MusiKids program on Sundays, master class and mentorship opportunities for exceptional students, and a curriculum-based music program the culminates with concerts: Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute’s Link Up Program.

Learn More

Orchestra Lumos consists of 65 musicians, all of whom are members of professional musicians’ unions. It is the only fully professional orchestra in southern Connecticut.

Our Musicians

Orchestra Lumos’ home is the 1586-seat Palace Theatre, a spectacularly renovated former vaudeville house in the heart of Stamford’s downtown. But now you also can join us from Greenwich to Bridgeport at your local library, school, museum, brewery, place of worship, or community venue. We’ll see you at the space that works best for you.

Performance Venues

Orchestra Lumos subscribers enjoy a series of five orchestral concerts, each performed on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. As a subscriber, you have the opportunity to add on Small Space performances at preferential pricing. Email Lis Sinniger, Ticketing and Customer Experience Manager at lsinniger@orchestralumos.org to learn more!

Concert Series

About 1,800 happy concertgoers attend Orchestra Lumos performances during an orchestral concert weekend. The smaller events yield a more intimate crowd at the First Presbyterian Church of New Canaan, The Westport Library, the Knobloch Family Farmhouse at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center, The Fish Church, First Congregational Church of Greenwich, our “Music and Storytelling” events in area libraries and our “Symphony On Tap” Events at the local breweries and bars.

Who Attends

Orchestra Lumos’ annual budget is $2.3 million, of which 25% is funded by ticket sales and 75% by donations and sponsorships.

Sound Budget

Orchestra Lumos’ educational initiatives reach more than 5,000 students across Fairfield County each year. We offer programs for kids in all age and ability levels if they are studying music.

Education

Orchestra Lumos provides free tickets to students, seniors, and community organizations in the Fairfield County area. In past seasons, we have recognized Veterans, non-profit organizations, healthcare professionals, teachers, and emergency services employees at each of our concerts.

Community Engagement

Orchestra Lumos’ annual budget is $2.3 million, of which 25% is funded by ticket sales and 75% by donations and sponsorships.

Sound Budget

Orchestra Lumos’ educational initiatives reach more than 5,000 students across Fairfield County each year. We offer programs for kids in all age and ability levels if they are studying music.

Education

Orchestra Lumos provides free tickets to students, seniors, and community organizations in the Fairfield County area. In past seasons, we have recognized Veterans, non-profit organizations, healthcare professionals, teachers, and emergency services employees at each of our concerts.

Community Engagement