Founded in 1956, the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra is a professional, regional orchestra whose mission is to educate, entertain, and inspire the citizens of the Fayetteville, North Carolina region as the leading musical resource. Praised for its artistic excellence, the Symphony leads in the cultural and educational landscape for Fayetteville and our southeastern North Carolina region.
The idea of an orchestra came from a group of instrumentalists playing in local homes who performed music from the greatest composers. They dreamed of the possibility – of playing regularly, sharing their passion, and touching lives. It was in 1956 the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra debuted with Music Director, Mr. Marion Rogers, a music program leader in the Fayetteville City Schools. Their vision for the Orchestra was to one day become a professional, regional orchestra that serves and educates the community of Fayetteville.
The tradition of playing for young people and in city schools continues today in an effort to foster classical music appreciation. Since its inception the Symphony has had six Music Directors – Mr. Rogers, Dr. Willis Gates, Mr. Harlan Duenow, Mr. Robert Gutter, Dr. Fouad Fakhouri, and currently Dr. Stefan Sanders.
The Symphony is in the community…partnering with the Methodist University, Cape Fear Regional Theatre, Fayetteville State University, surrounding communities, after school programs, head start pre-school programs, and area elementary and high schools. The Symphony also has its own Youth Orchestra (Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra) for rising 8th grade, high school, and college age instrumental students in the southeastern North Carolina region, as well as a week-long Summer Music Camp every June.
