MISSION: The Prince William Symphony
Orchestra is a professional ensemble that
presents concerts to audiences from the
Greater Manassas and
Prince
William
County
area who enjoy and appreciate fine classical
music. The orchestra is dedicated to
fostering a love of music among children and
adults alike. It seeks to enhance the
quality of life in our county, and to
fulfill that mission at the highest possible
standards of performance and education.
HISTORY: The orchestra was founded in
1972 as a civic ensemble. It grew in
both artistry and vision, and by the
mid-1990s it had become a fully paid
ensemble with an enthusiastic following in
Prince William County. The PWSO now
includes professional players and gifted
educators, as well as musicians from the
various top-rated military ensembles,
including the bands of the Army, the
Marines, the Navy and the National Academy.
In the spring of 2010 the orchestra will
begin its residency in the new Hylton
Performing Arts Center on the campus of the
George Mason University in Manassas.
SUPPORT: In addition to revenue from
concerts and private gifts, the PWSO is
generously supported by numerous local and
statewide institutions, businesses and
private foundations, including, from the
public sector, George Mason University, the
Virginia Commission for the Arts, the City
of Manassas, and Prince William County Park
Authority Arts Council, and from the
business sector, NOVEC and Lockheed Martin.
FUNCTION:
Governed by an active Board of Directors and
managed by an administrative team, the
orchestra currently presents three different
series: the Mainstage concerts in Grace E.
Metz Auditorium in Manassas, an historical
series at the Manassas Museum, and our
popular library concerts called "Sounds of
the Symphony". Please click on
"Concerts" for an overview of events.