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The Binghamton Philharmonic is the Southern Tier's largest and longest-serving symphony orchestra (as well as Broome County’s only professional symphony orchestra). The orchestra celebrated its 60th anniversary during the 2015-2016 season. Fritz Wallenberg, his wife Marianne and local musicians organized in 1949 as a chamber orchestra, meeting at the Jewish community Center. Maestro Wallenberg was an engineer who conducted and played the cello and Marianne played the violin. In 1955 they foundedc the Binghamton Symphony and Choral Society, its purpose was to provide the Southern Tier of New York with live, full-scale orchestral works. The Binghamton Symphony emerged through performing the great classical and large choral works and later added one Pops concert per season. Performances were held at West Junior High School and occasionally at SUNY Binghamton West Gym. The “Symphonette” was formed as a chamber orchestra from within the larger group, and it performed in other venues in the area. Initially, rehearsals were held weekly, with none of the musicians receiving payment. Gradually, as the budget grew, musicians were compensated.
The Binghamton Symphony Orchestra moved to the Forum Theater (the former Capri movie theater) in 1975. Maestro Fritz Wallenberg retired from the podium in 1976. In the mid 1970's, the musicians voted to unionize and were then represented by Binghamton Local 380 of the American Federation of Musicians. A new rehearsal format was instituted, and following an audition season, David Loebel was chosen as the next conductor. In 1982, after a short tenure, David Loebel resigned, and the Board of Directors chose not to conduct a search season. The Board appointed John Covelli Music Director. The orchestra went on strike in the early 1980's over issues with working conditions and some concerts that season had to be cancelled. The Philharmonic and the Union resolved the issues and the orchestra successfully finished the season.
Through the years, the orchestra continued to grow by adding pairs of concerts, playing six classical series a year, and instituting the Holiday Festival of Music at the Arena. Three executive directors in particular stood out from among many for promoting this growth: Nancy Marshall; Lana Rouff, and Stephen Wilson.
In 1996, the Binghamton Symphony merged with the BC Pops Orchestra (an orchestra formed in 1974 by Russell Hawkes and violinist/conductor David Agard) to become the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra. The Philharmonic began to call the Anderson Center at Binghamton University its new performance home. In 2002 John Covelli retired and a search took place for the next Music Director. José-Luis Novo was appointed Music Director from a series of strong candidates. Maestro Novo has become known for his excellent musicianship and has consistently raised the caliber of the orchestra.
By 2017, the Binghamton Philharmonic updated its mission to “building community through the power of live music,” adding social outreach to its artistic, cultural, and educational output.
Today the Philharmonic promotes itself as one of the oldest professional performing arts organizations in Broome County and it is the largest employer of professional musicians in the Southern Tier region. Its 71 musicians hold and have won positions in many other orchestras, and come from as far away as Pittsburgh, New York City and Cincinnati to play in Binghamton. Many musicians are as close as the City of Binghamton. Their musicians give outreach programs in the schools and perform as chamber ensembles in concerts and at various Philharmonic functions within the community.
The Binghamton Philharmonic serves up to 10,000 people annually through innovative, engaging, and affordable programming - connecting professional musicians with audiences to stimulate the economy and expand music’s possibilities for a broad listenership— both within and beyond the concert hall. |
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Music is a living transaction between performers and listeners; without these two, music cannot exist. The Binghamton Philharmonic makes an indispensable contribution to the artistic life of our region by bringing professional musicians and audiences together for concerts, educational programs and collaborations which stimulate and expand possibilities for music for a broad regional audience. |
