Introducing the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra
The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra has established a unique artistic profile and civic stature in southeastern North Carolina. What distinguishes the Wilmington Symphony is
its distinct identity as a local cultural arts group that showcases local talent. The WSO’s
40-year tradition of service enhances the quality of life in the Cape Fear Region starting
with great music-making showcasing the considerable talents of our area’s own musicians, and extending through a host of vibrant and vital educational programs for all ages. The musicians are local instrumentalists, and gifted students and faculty, selected each year
by audition. Now beginning his 25th year as conductor of the Wilmington Symphony,
Dr. Steven Errante is also Professor of Music at University of North Carolina-Wilmington.
In addition to a series of concerts for its audience, the Wilmington Symphony provides
both performance opportunities and an array of unique educational programs for
Wilmington and Cape Fear Region residents that includes the Wilmington Symphony
Youth Orchestra, a Free Family Concert, the annual Richard R. Deas Student Concerto
Competition, Artist-in-Residence Programs in area schools, and the Wilmington
Symphony Birthday Club for young children.
The Symphony's Impact on the Cape Fear Region
A symphony orchestra is a sign of a mature, forward-thinking and comprehensive
community. A local symphony helps improve the quality of life and attractiveness of
a community, and a community with the widest variety of cultural amenities has the
edge in attracting and retaining businesses, in enhancing images and community
relations, in attracting top notch employees and their families, in drawing tourists
and conventions, and in creating markets for new business.
The Wilmington Symphony has grown into a multi-faceted asset for Wilmington and
the Cape Fear Region providing value in cultural arts and entertainment, music
education, economic development, identity and image, pride and prestige. The
Wilmington Symphony is local art that creates community connection, aids in
economic development, strengthens our region's shared identity and adds significantly
to the quality of life in southeastern North Carolina.
The Wilmington Symphony's concerts provide a gathering point of community pride
for residents to be involved, engaged and connected with one of our region’s distinctive
local cultural treasures. Educational initiatives contribute to the life-long learning opportunities available to residents, especially for area youth.