The Waukesha Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1947 by Carroll
College President Nelson Vance Russell as a gift to the community.
Throughout its history, the WSO has been considered a true
community treasure creating significant cultural and educational
opportunities.
This tradition began with the orchestra’s first music
director, Carroll College Music Department Chairman Milton
Weber. Mr. Weber immediately made his mark on the community
using the Orchestra as the vehicle to create musical opportunities
for children and adults where none previously existed. Prior
to the creation of the WSO, no instrumental teachers offered
lessons in Waukesha. Seven years later, lesson opportunities
were available for every orchestral instrument. Scholarships
were awarded to students, musicians flocked to the community
to perform and teach, and the community strongly supported
the orchestra through attendance at its many performances
and fundraising events. Milton Weber’s vision of creating
a “Salzburg of the Midwest” was well on its way
to fruition!
Today, the Waukesha Symphony Orchestra still holds an important
place in the fabric of the community. The WSO performs six
Masterworks performances each season and draws audience members
from the six county area of Waukesha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee,
Washington, Jefferson and Racine counties.
Educational opportunities and scholarships remain a vital
component of WSO programming. These programs are in large
part handled by the Waukesha Symphony League, a volunteer
group founded 1948 to raise funding and awareness for the
WSO. The Waukesha Symphony League has a current membership
of more than 85 people. The League plans several fundraising
events each year including an annual Ball, a Garden Tour
and a “Shining Stars” series.
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