Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra

Founded in 1959, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (MSO) quickly established itself as one of the nation’s leading orchestras. Serving audiences throughout Wisconsin, the MSO presents a wide range of programming, including performances of classical masterworks, popular music concerts, live-to-film experiences, operatic and theatrical productions, and nationally recognized education and community engagement initiatives. A champion of contemporary music, the MSO regularly commissions and premieres new works by living composers. As the first American orchestra to offer live recordings on iTunes, the orchestra's recording legacy spans more than 50 years and includes releases on the Naxos, Telarc, Koss Classics, Pro Arte, AVIE, and Vox/Turnabout labels. In 2026, the MSO Classics label was re-launched with the world premiere recording of David Ludwig’s bassoon concerto, expanding access to the MSO’s live recordings through major streaming platforms. In 2021, the MSO opened the Bradley Symphony Center, restoring Milwaukee’s historic Warner Grand Theater as its permanent home. The venue has strengthened the orchestra’s role in the community and serves as a cultural and civic gathering place, welcoming diverse audiences and fostering partnerships that enrich the region’s artistic life.