Waukesha Symphony Orchestra
Circa 2006-2010
From 2006- 2010 this was the official website of the Waukesha Symphony Orchestra until its name change.
The content is from the site's archived pages.
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Mission
The Waukesha Symphony Orchestra enriches lives through exceptional musical experiences.
Vision
A thriving professional orchestra leading regional audiences to great music.
Who is the Waukesha Symphony Orchestra?
The members of the Waukesha Symphony Orchestra all earn at least a portion of their living as professional musicians. They rehearse and perform with the Orchestra at Shattuck Auditorium on the historic Carroll College campus during the regular season (September to May), and perform at Shattuck Auditorium, the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts and the Country Springs Hotel and Conference Center. In addition, many musicians perform for Waukesha County elementary school students through our Major Classics for Minors programs and teach, coach and adjudicate for the Waukesha Symphony League’s Shining Stars Scholarship awards, Chapman Piano Competition and Masterworks Chamber Music Program. All members of the WSO auditioned for their position and the majority of the players are full-time freelance musicians throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. In addition to their commitment to the WSO, you may see WSO musicians performing with the Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra, Festival City Symphony, Skylight Opera Theatre, Racine Symphony Orchestra and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.
2010 Press
By Laurel Walker of the Journal Sentinel
Published on: 3/29/2010
Waukesha - The Waukesha Symphony Orchestra will now be known as The Wisconsin Philharmonic, a name that reflects a broader group of musicians, a wider audience and the high level of performance, board president Mary Korkor announced Monday.
Alexander Platt, music director and conductor in his 13th season with the 62-year-old part-time orchestra, said at a Waukesha news conference unveiling the new name, "It was time for a new name that transcended any sense of competition with any other ensemble but rather acknowledged and celebrated our own great traditions of extremely high quality music in this part of Wisconsin."
When the new season's concert schedule and venues are announced next week, there will be performances all over Waukesha County, from Oconomowoc to Brookfield to Delafield and Waukesha, much like this season, Korkor said. No concerts have been scheduled outside the county.
"Waukesha County is our home," Korkor said.
Platt said, "We did not focus-group this" name change with local patrons or donors, but, as one Waukesha Symphony board member told him, "if anything, we feel with great certainty that this will bring luster to Waukesha rather than the opposite."
People were initially surprised by the name change. However, the leaders of the symphony which was founded in 1947, say the new name, brand and logo better reflect the growing stature of the orchestra and the composition of both its audience and performers. Subsequently, the Philharmonic promoted the new name and brand identity through direct mail and at a series of upcoming events, including a May 2010 concert that celebrated the history of the symphony. My parents, who knew that I was a big fan of the Waukesha Symphony Orchestra called to tell me of the name change. Upon doing a Google search for the new name I noticed a very weird result. Instead of showing the news of the name change, Google was showing websites related to the history of prostitution, something so completely off base as to be laughable, but I was certain the organizers would not appreciate the association. Doing some research, I found that when these kinds of errors appear, there are really no avenues available to fix problem search results, because Google does not respond to requests to correct their results. But there is a fix, just not via Google. And although this issue only lasted a couple of months, many other examples of even greater harm have occurred with much larger consequences. Stories of people losing their jobs, businesses being destroyed, loss of privacy, etc. abound online, all because of Google's search results. So what I discovered was a minor distraction since the Philharmonic name change is now being handled properly in the search results. I've been back to Waukesha many times to visit my parents and attend concerts by the The Wisconsin Philharmonic. Sound as wonderful as ever, perhaps better every year.
The Waukesha Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Alexander Platt, performs during a 2007 concert at St. John’s Military Academy chapel in Delafield.
The Waukesha Symphony Orchestra has dedicated over 59 years to bringing exceptional symphonic music and cultural experiences to Waukesha County and surrounding communities. As one of the most seasoned and successful orchestras in southeast Wisconsin, the organization presents six subscription concerts annually at Carroll College, St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy, Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, and an outdoor summer pops concert at the Country Springs Hotel. The Orchestra, along with the Waukesha Symphony League, also facilitates educational opportunities and scholarship programs for students throughout the area.
2007 Season
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The Fabulous '50s:
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| Loewe/Bennett | My Fair Lady suite |
| Rodgers/Bennett | The King and I suite |
| Les Paul and Mary Ford John and Kelly Cramer portray Les and Mary in a reprisal of the television show "Les Paul and Mary Ford at Home" from the early '50s - songs to be announced from the stage. |
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| Rodgers/Bennett | Flower Drum Song suite |
| Bernstein/Mason | West Side Story suite |
| Rodgers/Bennett | The Sound of Music suite (1959) |
| Rodgers/Bennett | Victory at Sea suite |
War and Remembrance:
Music in the '40s
Tuesday, October 2, 2007 7:30 pm
Wednesday, October 3, 2007 7:30 pm
Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, Brookfield
Leon Bates, piano
The Waukesha Symphony's very first concert 60 years ago, in the wake of World War II, aptly paid homage to Beethoven. And so, it is with Beethoven's most heroic of concertos that we open our winter season, featuring one of America's greatest pianists, the incomparable Leon Bates. Two British masterworks from the 1940s, Britten's turbulent and unforgettable "Sea Interludes" from his opera Peter Grimes and the gorgeously pastoral Fifth Symphony of Ralph Vaughan Williams, serve as bookends to what will be two glorious evenings of celebration.
| Britten | Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes, op. 33a (1945) |
| Beethoven | Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, op. 73 "Emperor" Leon Bates, piano |
| Vaughan Williams | Symphony No. 5 in D major (1943) |
Bach in our Time: Turn of the Century
Sunday, November 4, 2007 2:00 pm - SOLD OUT
Tuesday, November 6, 2007 7:30 pm
Chapel at St. John's Northwestern Military Academy, Delafield
Alex Ayers, violin
Katheen Van De Graaff, soprano
Brad Benoit, tenor
Peter Van De Graaff, bass
Jubilate Chorale
Hometown phenomenon Alex Ayers solos in one of J.S. Bach's masterly violin concertos, following a luminous work for string orchestra by one of the finest contemporary composers. After the area premiere of the recently-unearthed chamber version of Richard Strauss' heart-wrenching elegy on the war-torn Germany of 1945, perhaps Bach's most beloved of all Cantatas - featuring the Jubilate Chorale - will perfectly compliment the Chapel's beautiful Gothic interior for the Advent season.
| Godfrey | Romanza for string orchestra (2001) |
| J.S. Bach | Violin concerto No. 2 in E major, BWV 1042 Alex Ayers, violin |
| R. Strauss | Metamorphosen |
| J.S. Bach | Cantata No. 140 "Sleepers Awake! The Watchman calls" Jubilate Chorale Choir of St. John's Northwestern Academy |
A Contemporary Christmas:
Music in the '70s
Tuesday, December 4, 2007 7:30 pm
Shattuck Auditorium, Carroll College
Choirs of Arrowhead High School
This year the WSO makes a sea-change in its Holiday programming - call it moving from Vienna to Las Vegas - as we celebrate some of the classiest popular composers and arrangers in the 1970s. From smooth West Coast studio-orchestra Christmas medleys, to Duke Ellington's masterly take on Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker, to the deliciously charming English Christmas music of John Rutter - it will all make for a delightful, heartwarming trip down memory lane.
| arr. Custer | It's Christmas Time |
| Torme/arr. Chase | The Christmas Song |
| Tchaikovsky/arr. Ellington, Strayhorn, Tyzik | The Nutcracker Suite |
| arr. Deane Kincaide |
Winter Fantasy |
| Anderson | Sleigh Ride |
| arr. Finnegan | Christmas Sing-along |
| Handel | "And the Glory of the Lord" from Messiah |
| Rutter | Christmas Suite |
| Handel | "Hallelujah" chorus from Messiah |
Beethoven, American Style:
Music in the '90s
Sunday, February 24, 2008 2:00 pm
Tuesday, February 26, 2008 7:30 pm
Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts
Maria Bachmann, violin
Two iconic Beethoven masterpieces frame two masterworks of a more recent vintage. Beethoven's ode to freedom is followed by a short, hauntingly beautiful ode to the "Comrades" for the underground resistance in the Baltic lands during the Cold War; and Beethoven's ecstatic Seventh Symphony follows an equally ecstatic suite from John Corigliano's music for the movie The Red Violin, made so popular in the 1990s by Joshua Bell. The WSO will be joined by the glittering and gifted your American virtuoso Maria Bachmann - one of Corigliano's own favorite exponents of his work.
| Beethoven | Overture from Fidelio |
| Corigliano | The Red Violin, Chaccone for Violin & Orchestra (1999) Maria Bachmann, violin |
| Beethoven | Symphony No. 7 in A major, op. 92 |
Back by Popular Demand:
Dufour and the '80s
Sunday, April 6, 2008 2:00 pm
Tuesday, April 8, 2008 7:30 pm
Chapel at St. John's Northwestern Military Academy, Delafield
Mathieu Dufour, flute
The amazing principal flute of the Chicago Symphony, Mathieu Dufour, returns by popular demand to the beautiful, historic ambience of St. John's Chapel. He brings his artistry to yet another flute concerto of hte divine Mozart, plus a gorgeous interlude by John Corigliano, whose 70th birthday we celebrate. Two masterly Haydn symphonies - one buoyantly elegant, the other dark and dramatic - frame the program.
| Haydn | Symphony No. 81 in G major |
| Mozart | Flute Concerto No.2 in D major K. 314 (285d) Mathieu Dufour, flute |
| Corigliano | Voyage for flute and strings (1983) Mathieu Dufour, flute |
| Haydn | Symphony No.80 in D minor, "The Bell" |
More Background On The Waukesha Symphony Orchestra
For more than half a century, the Waukesha Symphony Orchestra (WSO) stood as one of Wisconsin’s most respected regional musical institutions. Based in the heart of Waukesha County, the orchestra evolved from a small, community-driven ensemble into a professional symphony renowned for its exceptional musicianship, cultural outreach, and strong educational programs. Though now known as The Wisconsin Philharmonic, the WSO’s original identity reflects a rich legacy of artistic ambition, community spirit, and perseverance in bringing orchestral music to diverse audiences throughout southeastern Wisconsin.
This article explores the history, mission, key performances, leadership, and cultural significance of the Waukesha Symphony Orchestra, examining how its evolution mirrors both regional growth and the enduring value of live symphonic music.
Mission and Vision
At its core, the Waukesha Symphony Orchestra’s mission was straightforward yet deeply resonant:
“To enrich lives through exceptional musical experiences.”
Its vision extended that philosophy — aiming to be a thriving professional orchestra leading regional audiences to great music. These two statements guided the organization’s every endeavor, from programming world-class symphonic performances to cultivating the next generation of musicians through education and outreach.
What made the WSO unique among regional orchestras was its professional composition. Every member of the ensemble earned at least part of their livelihood as a musician, and each auditioned for their role. The orchestra’s musicians frequently performed with other prestigious regional groups, including the Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra, Festival City Symphony, Racine Symphony Orchestra, and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. This ensured that WSO concerts consistently maintained a professional standard and artistic excellence comparable to major metropolitan ensembles.
Performance Venues and Community Presence
The Waukesha Symphony Orchestra was deeply rooted in its community and performed regularly across several key venues that together defined the musical landscape of Waukesha County.
During the orchestra’s regular season (September to May), performances were typically held at Shattuck Auditorium on the historic Carroll College campus. This location, with its resonant acoustics and intimate seating, provided a fitting stage for both grand symphonic works and chamber-scale performances.
The orchestra also performed at several other notable venues:
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The Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts in Brookfield — a modern, architecturally stunning cultural hub.
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The Country Springs Hotel & Conference Center, which hosted the annual outdoor summer pops concert.
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St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy Chapel in Delafield, whose Gothic architecture added grandeur and atmosphere to the orchestra’s sacred and classical repertoire.
This multi-venue approach reflected the WSO’s goal of making great music accessible to audiences across the region, not just within city limits. It was as much a community institution as it was an artistic one — a hallmark of enduring regional orchestras that thrive by staying connected to their audiences.
Educational Outreach and Youth Engagement
The WSO’s educational outreach programs were among its most vital contributions to the region. Recognizing that the future of symphonic music depended on cultivating young listeners and musicians, the orchestra launched several initiatives to inspire youth participation.
Major Classics for Minors
Through this program, musicians performed for Waukesha County elementary school students, introducing them to the experience of live classical music in engaging, age-appropriate formats.
Shining Stars Scholarship Awards and Competitions
Supported by the Waukesha Symphony League, these initiatives included the Chapman Piano Competition and the Masterworks Chamber Music Program, providing students with performance opportunities, mentorship, and exposure to professional adjudication.
Teaching and Coaching
Many WSO musicians doubled as educators — teaching private lessons, coaching youth ensembles, and volunteering in community schools. This strengthened the orchestra’s bonds with local families and built a legacy of music education that continues through The Wisconsin Philharmonic’s programs today.
Historical Background
Founding and Early Years
The Waukesha Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1947, a time when America’s postwar optimism was driving renewed interest in the arts. Community orchestras sprouted across the country, often supported by civic groups and volunteers eager to reintroduce beauty and culture after years of conflict.
In its earliest form, the WSO operated as a part-time orchestra, relying heavily on local talent, community donations, and partnerships with educational institutions such as Carroll College. Over time, as audiences grew and funding improved, the organization’s ambitions expanded, transitioning from a semi-amateur ensemble to a fully professional orchestra.
The Alexander Platt Era: Artistic Excellence and Growth
One of the most significant figures in the orchestra’s history is Alexander Platt, who served as music director and conductor for over a decade, leading the ensemble through a period of remarkable artistic and organizational growth.
Under Platt’s leadership, the WSO developed a reputation for innovative programming, combining classical masterworks with contemporary pieces and themed concerts that connected music to broader historical or cultural contexts.
Notable Concert Series
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The Fabulous '50s: Hits from the Shows
Conducted by Platt, this 2007 program celebrated Broadway’s golden age with suites from My Fair Lady, The King and I, West Side Story, and The Sound of Music. It was paired with live portrayals of Les Paul and Mary Ford — paying homage to Waukesha’s own legendary musical couple. -
War and Remembrance: Music in the '40s
This concert honored the orchestra’s origins following World War II, featuring Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto and Vaughan Williams’ Symphony No. 5. -
Bach in Our Time: Turn of the Century
A program that juxtaposed Baroque classics with contemporary works, highlighting both the timelessness and evolution of orchestral music. -
A Contemporary Christmas: Music in the '70s
This holiday concert reflected Platt’s penchant for inventive programming, blending popular music of the 1970s with timeless Christmas standards and Duke Ellington’s jazz-infused Nutcracker Suite. -
Beethoven, American Style: Music in the '90s
This concert interwove Beethoven’s symphonies with John Corigliano’s music for The Red Violin, showing how classical traditions influence modern film composition.
Such programming not only diversified the orchestra’s audience but also positioned it as a dynamic and forward-thinking institution, capable of bridging generational gaps through music.
The 2010 Name Change: Becoming The Wisconsin Philharmonic
In March 2010, after 62 years as the Waukesha Symphony Orchestra, the organization officially rebranded as The Wisconsin Philharmonic.
Board president Mary Korkor announced the name change, explaining that it represented a broader vision — encompassing a wider audience, more diverse repertoire, and a more inclusive identity for an orchestra whose musicians and patrons came from across southeastern Wisconsin.
At the press conference, Music Director Alexander Platt said:
“It was time for a new name that transcended any sense of competition with any other ensemble but rather acknowledged and celebrated our own great traditions of extremely high quality music in this part of Wisconsin.”
Although the orchestra’s performances continued to be centered in Waukesha County, the new name reflected its ambition to serve as a regional cultural force rather than a city-based institution. Concerts were planned in Oconomowoc, Brookfield, Delafield, and Waukesha, reinforcing the orchestra’s commitment to regional accessibility.
While some longtime patrons were initially surprised, the transition was ultimately embraced. The new identity gave the organization greater visibility, helping it attract new donors, sponsors, and collaborations while honoring its storied past.
Recognition and Media Coverage
Over its long history, the Waukesha Symphony Orchestra earned widespread respect for both its artistry and community involvement.
Local newspapers such as the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and community publications in Waukesha County frequently featured reviews and coverage of performances, educational initiatives, and fundraisers. The orchestra was often praised for its tight ensemble performance, bold programming, and warm rapport with local audiences.
Critics consistently commended Alexander Platt’s leadership, particularly his ability to maintain professional-level standards while balancing the financial and logistical constraints of a regional orchestra. Guest soloists like Leon Bates, Maria Bachmann, and Mathieu Dufour brought national recognition and underscored the orchestra’s artistic credibility.
Cultural and Social Significance
The WSO’s cultural significance extends far beyond music. In an era when many smaller orchestras struggled to survive, WSO thrived because of its deep integration into community life.
The orchestra’s educational outreach helped foster intergenerational engagement, while its performances at local venues encouraged community pride and participation. For Waukesha residents, attending a symphony concert wasn’t just a night out — it was an affirmation of the county’s cultural vitality.
Moreover, the orchestra became a cultural bridge: connecting schools, families, and civic organizations through shared artistic experiences. Programs like Major Classics for Minors demonstrated how arts education could nurture curiosity and empathy, while the Shining Stars competitions inspired young musicians to pursue professional excellence.
Challenges and Resilience
Like many mid-sized orchestras, the WSO faced ongoing financial and logistical challenges. Funding for arts organizations in the Midwest often fluctuated with economic cycles, requiring continuous innovation in fundraising and audience development.
Despite these pressures, the WSO’s leadership maintained a steady commitment to professionalism and accessibility, ensuring that ticket prices remained reasonable and that educational outreach remained free or affordable.
The 2010 rebranding also symbolized adaptability — a necessary trait for arts institutions navigating the digital age. Even during periods of uncertainty, the orchestra’s resilience reflected the collective dedication of musicians, staff, donors, and audiences who believed in the power of live symphonic performance.
Legacy and Continuing Influence
Although the name Waukesha Symphony Orchestra is now part of history, its legacy continues through The Wisconsin Philharmonic. The current organization still performs many of the same functions — delivering outstanding performances, mentoring young artists, and enriching the cultural life of southeastern Wisconsin.
The transition from WSO to Wisconsin Philharmonic represents not an ending, but a natural evolution — one that honors tradition while embracing growth. The orchestra continues to uphold the standards established by decades of WSO musicians, ensuring that the spirit of community-based excellence endures.
The story of the Waukesha Symphony Orchestra is one of artistic dedication, regional pride, and cultural resilience. From its founding in 1947 through its transformation into The Wisconsin Philharmonic, the orchestra exemplified how music can unite generations, elevate communities, and sustain a shared sense of identity.
Through decades of concerts, educational programs, and collaborations, the WSO not only enriched lives through music — it embodied the belief that great art can flourish anywhere people are willing to nurture it. Today, its successor continues that mission, reminding audiences that Wisconsin’s cultural heart still beats in harmony with the symphonic tradition first championed in Waukesha.
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