An Introduction to the Dover Symphony Orchestra

The Dover Symphony Orchestra��s mission is to bring live performances of classical and orchestral music to the Dover and Central Delaware area; to provide an outlet for classical and orchestral musicians, and to foster the interest of local students in orchestral music

An Introduction to the DSO

On May 21, 1968 a group called the Kent County Community Orchestra presented a concert at Wesley College in Dover, Delaware. The following Fall the group was renamed the Dover Symphony Orchestra, and for the next 20 years was conducted by Ron Shomo. The first Young People’s concert was presented in 1972, narrated by Betty May Hamilton. In the Spring of 1989, Donald Buxton became conductor and continues to this day as the Symphony’s Musical Director. Since then the group has grown to over 80 members, plays standard orchestra repertoire, and has increased the concert season from four performances to five.

The Dover Symphony, last year celebrating its 40th concert season, draws musicians and audience members from all three counties in Delaware, as well as neighboring areas from the Eastern Shore in Maryland. It is composed of volunteer musicians who rehearse one night each week. These 60 musicians perform a subscription season of four concerts each year: in October, a Fall Classical Concert (frequently featuring a professional musician as soloist); in November, a Young People’s Concert in which children under 12 are admitted free, the music performed is gauged to inspire interest on the part of primary and middle school students; and an “Instrument Zoo” is held post-concert to allow children exposure to each family of instruments comprising the orchestra ensemble. In March the DSO presents a Spring Classical Concert, and in May the DSO presents its annual Old Dover Days Pops Concert as part of the weekend-long civic celebration.

The Dover Symphony Orchestra, Inc., is a non-profit organization. Its annual budget is funded through grants, member donations, ticket sales, and community donations. Members of the orchestra range in age from teenagers to septugenarians, and represent a wide spectrum of professions and vocations

The Dover Symphony involves itself with many different segments of the community through collaborations with schools, other arts organizations such as Capital Ringers, Milford Community Band, the Delaware Choral Society.

Over the past several years the Orchestra has grown steadily in skill and in reputation. The DSO now performs standard orchestral literature, such as Moussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition,” (Opening Concert to DSO season - October 12), whereas ten years ago this level of musicianship would not have been possible.

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