Eighty-five seasons ago the Hastings Symphony Orchestra took the stage under the direction of Frank Noyes. Since then, the HSO has become one of the oldest continuous symphonies in America—truly a testament to the dedicated patrons, musicians, conductors and board members who have done so much to sustain this musical tradition.

This year, the Hastings Symphony hosts local and internationally-acclaimed soloists and composers, and performs a variety of musical selections that also distinguishes the HSO as one of the finest ensembles in Nebraska. In September we welcome trumpeter and hometown favorite Louie Eckhardt whose grace and musicianship will lift the rafters at our Chautauqua Park concert. Our featured composer in October is Mark Watters whose music you may have heard in the opening ceremonies of the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta and in numerous Disney movie or television shows such as “Aladdin.” For our Christmas Concert, I’m proud to bring back another group that I conduct, the Hastings College Bell Choir, and in February we not only host the High School Young Artist Competition winners, but we pay tribute to the life of Mr. Larry Maupin, one of Nebraska’s finest music educators and member of the HSO for nearly 40 years. In April, the elegance of husband and wife duo Steven and Larisa Elisha bring stunning performances of Dvořák and Brahms concertos to Hastings, and our 85th Season closes with the exploration of humor in music for our Educational Outreach Concerts.

Please invite your family and friends to what promises to be another incredible and memorable season for the Hastings Symphony Orchestra. As always, your support is truly appreciated. I look forward to seeing you as we celebrate our 85th Season making great music and connecting with the citizens of south central Nebraska!