“The spirit of collaboration and community has been part of the Fox Valley Symphony’s legacy since its very beginning 50 years ago,” write Rich Redman and Jenny Vanden Heuvel in Saturday’s (8/12) Post-Crescent (Appleton, Wisc.). Redman and Vanden Heuvel are members of the orchestra’s marketing committee. “In October 1965 … Robert Gruetzman, orchestra conductor at Neenah High School, invited a group of people to his home to discuss the possibility of forming a community orchestra… A group of Appleton residents, who themselves had a similar idea, suggested working together. The combined group … hired a director in December, and arranged a first rehearsal in January. On April 11, 1966, the brand new Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra made its debut … Over the years, hundreds of local and regional musicians have graced the stages of the Lawrence Chapel, Neenah’s Pickard Auditorium, and since 2002, the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. Six conductors have served the symphony…. Brian Groner … has led the group since 1995…. The symphony has [provided] master classes … for local students, pre-concert discussions [and supported] three youth orchestras…. The Symphony commissioned a commemorative booklet … that both celebrates the 50th anniversary season and preserves highlights of its history.”
Posted August 17, 2017
