Tenants

A HALF-CENTURY OF EXCELLENCE……

The Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra, formed in 1962 by Dr. James A. Graves and a number of interested community leaders, presented two concerts during its first season. Its first conductor, James Shannon, led 35 musicians in one concert each in Gulfport and Biloxi. Incorporation followed in 1965, along with a move to the Biloxi High School Auditorium. After renovation of the historic Saenger Theatre in Biloxi in 1987, the Symphony moved into its current home venue.

Following the retirement of James Shannon in 1988, Dr. Andrew Harper was selected as music director. During his 10 -year tenure, the GCSO grew to its present size of 70 professional musicians. This period brought the very successful annual fund-raiser Barbecue under the Oaks, the establishment of an office, and a change in governance from an all-volunteer Board of Directors to one with a paid Executive Director.

In 1998, a nationwide search was undertaken for the GCSO’s third Music Director and Conductor. Dr. John W. Strickler was selected from an applicant pool of over 140. Today, the GCSO performs a subscription series of four classical concerts and a pops concert, a Holiday Peppermint Pops concert, four School Concerts, and two outdoor, free public concerts – one each in Harrison and Jackson counties – during the Memorial Day weekend.

Since Dr. Strickler has taken leadership of the Symphony, the season ticket base and the annual budget have more than doubled. A concert with Luciano Pavarotti in April 2000 garnered raves from over 11,000 and brought an offer to tour with Andrea Bocelli.  The subscription concert series is sold out.

The Gulf Coast Symphony Youth Orchestra, under the umbrella of the main Symphony, was established in 2001 under the direction of Dr. Timothy Bergman; who conducted for eleven years. Students from across the Coast representing public, private and home schools are selected by audition.

Since 2009, GCSO has partnered with the Weill Institute of Carnegie Hall and local schools for Link UP.  A music program curriculum developed by Carnegie Hall, there are now seven schools and 750 elementary students along the coast who directly participate in Link UP and join the Gulf Coast Symphony Youth Orchestra in an end-of-the-year concert.

The Gulf Coast Symphony celebrated its 50th anniversary season in 2011-2012.