The Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1984 as The Williamsburg Symphonia by Carl Andersen, Elnore Andersen, Marian Harding, the late Mary Selby, and the late Rebecca “Ruby” Siegel. Their mission was to bring free concerts to children who might otherwise be denied the inspiration and joys of classical music.

And so it was that the Symphony, then a group of dedicated local musicians, brilliantly brought to life Sergei Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf at the Williamsburg Regional Library on May 6, 1984.

A vibrant and vital contributor to the performing arts of Williamsburg was born that day. The group's initial performances were so well received that the founders planned a schedule of concerts for the general public and has been performing ever since.

The WSO was under the musical direction of conductor Janna Hymes for 15 years until her departure in May 2019.  An exciting Music Director search is underway, spanning two seasons, to find her replacement. A total of seven outstanding candidates are auditioning for the position during the 2019-2021 seasons.

Now in its 37th season, the professional orchestra features some of the brightest musicians in the region, as well as world-renowned guest artists. It presents a Masterworks subscription concert series, annual Holiday Pops concerts during Colonial Williamsburg’s Grand Illumination, and a broad range of pops concerts and special events that attract a wide following and regularly receive critical acclaim. The Symphony also continues to introduce young audiences to classical music in a way they can enjoy and understand. For information about our current season, visit Concerts.