Musicians of the symphony are comprised of volunteers ranging from talented and exceptional students to professionals. We are a community-based organization that has reached out to 25 towns in Northwest Connecticut, Southern Massachusetts, and into Eastern New York. The symphony affords musicians the opportunity to express their artistic needs while encouraging young performers to continue through the playing of orchestral music.
Founded in the spring of 1961 by two area musicians, William J. Khoury and Victor Muschell, the symphony’s first concert was April 11, 1961 at the Warner Theatre. Since then, the symphony has performed classical and popular music to the delight of audiences from Litchfield and northern New Haven counties.
Torrington Symphony Orchestra is a volunteer-run, non-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Its mission is to promote interest in and appreciation of symphonic and other music through performance and related programs for the enjoyment, betterment, and benefit of the community. The symphony provides a vehicle for amateur, semi-professional and professional instrumentalists to study and perform the finest possible examples of standard symphonic repertoire in a serious and congenial environment. We also encourage talented young musicians to perform with us in an effort to raise their musical skills. The symphony is supported by ticket sales, private, business, and corporate donations and grants.
The 45-plus amateur and professional musicians are drawn from 25 Connecticut towns, New York, and Massachusetts for Wednesday evening rehearsals. Currently, the four early concerts include collaborations with choral groups and professional soloists adding an exciting dimension to the season. The symphony has an impressive music library encompassing music from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods as well as contemporary, pop, and show tunes.
Torrington Symphony Orchestra is the only full symphonic orchestra in northwest Connecticut. The Symphony is a C.E.U. (Continuing Educations Units) provider for teachers. A unique aspect of this symphony is that gifted young students sit side by side with professional musicians at rehearsals and concerts. Torrington Symphony Orchestra also provides scholarships to students who participate in all the season’s concerts and rehearsals.