The Symphony of Southeast Texas is an American
orchestra
An orchestra (; ) is a large instrumental ensemble typical of classical music, which combines instruments from different families.
There are typically four main sections of instruments:
* bowed string instruments, such as the violin, viola, c ...
based in
Beaumont, Texas. The orchestra, formerly known as the ''Beaumont Symphony Orchestra'', officially started in 1953; however, the impetus can be traced back as early as 1923 with the formation of the Beaumont Music Commission.
The 2019-20 season is the sixty-seventh consecutive season since the founding year. The symphony's home theater is the
Julie Rogers Theater
The Julie Rogers Theater is a historic performing arts theater located on Pearl Street in downtown Beaumont, Texas. Built in 1928, the theater was once Beaumont's City Hall and Auditorium. The capacity is approximately 1,663 seats.
Renovations
...
in
downtown Beaumont
Downtown Beaumont is the central business district of Beaumont, Texas. It is where the city's highrise buildings are located, as well as being the center of government and business for the region. Downtown Beaumont is currently experiencing a rena ...
. The symphony lists over eighty musicians in the orchestra as of 2015.
The typical season includes four
classical concerts and a
pops concert. A separate Holiday concert is offered. In addition, the symphony makes several free appearances. A typical season includes four youth concerts, two "side–by–side" concerts, and a concert included in the city of Beaumont's annual
July 4th celebration in downtown Beaumont. Student and professional musicians perform together in the side–by–side concerts.
The symphony is supported by the ''Symphony League of Beaumont'', formerly known as the Beaumont Symphony Women's League. The league was organized in 1955. It provides financial support as well as services. Other support is provided by corporate and foundation underwriting as well as concert admission fees.
History
Several well known and popular artists have performed with the symphony over the years. Examples of some of the performers include
Al Hirt,
Andre Previn,
Van Cliburn
Harvey Lavan "Van" Cliburn Jr. (; July 12, 1934February 27, 2013) was an American pianist who, at the age of 23, achieved worldwide recognition when he won the inaugural International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow in 1958 during the Cold W ...
, and
Isaac Stern
Isaac Stern (July 21, 1920 – September 22, 2001) was an American violinist.
Born in Poland, Stern came to the US when he was 14 months old. Stern performed both nationally and internationally, notably touring the Soviet Union and China, and ...
.
The symphony has been led by several conductors over its history.
*
Jay Dietzer (1953–1957)
*
:de:Edvard Fendler (1953–1970)
*
Joseph B. Carlucci (1971–1990)
*
Diane M. Wittry (1990–2000)
*
Christopher Zimmerman (2000–2007)
*
Chelsea Tipton, II (2007–present)
References
External links
Symphony websiteSymphony League of Beaumont website
{{DEFAULTSORT:Symphony of Southeast Texas
Culture of Beaumont, Texas
Texas classical music
Tourist attractions in Beaumont, Texas
Orchestras based in Texas
Musical groups established in 1953
1953 establishments in Texas