Springfield Symphony Orchestra

Springfield Symphony Orchestra The Springfield Symphony Orchestra ( SSO ) was founded in 1943 by Edwin Juergens, William Minnick and William Fiedler, the organization's first conductor. The first complete concert was performed in 1944 at Central Methodist Church in Springfield. In addition to William Fiedler, the SSO has been under the musical direction of seven leaders: Walter Heermann from 1946-1948 ; Guy Taylor from 1948-1951 ; Evan Whallon from 1951-1957 ; Jackson Wiley from 1957-1970 ; Robert Gutter from 1970-1972 ; John E. Ferritto from 1972-2001 ; and current Music Director and Conductor, Peter Stafford Wilson. The SSO performed in Springfield's Memorial Hall from 1944-1985. For the 1985-86 Season, the SSO moved to the North High School Auditorium. During the Symphony's 50th anniversary season ( 1993-94 ), it gave its first performance in the Kuss Auditorium for the Gala Opening on November 6, 1993. In 1950, the SSO presented the first Concerts for Young People. Today, students from Clark, Greene, Champaign, and Madison counties are bused to Clark State Performing Arts Center's Kuss Auditorium for performances. These concerts are often the children's first exposure to symphonic music.