The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra (A2SO) is Ann Arbor, Michigan

Michigan

Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....

's only professional orchestra.

The A2SO began as a community orchestra in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1928. The "Ann Arbor Civic Symphony" began with only five members and has since blossomed into a full professional orchestra. The Symphony is made up of musicians from Ann Arbor as well as Ypsilanti, Milford, Grand Rapids, Chelsea, Brighton and many other areas of Michigan and Ohio. They are teachers, university professors, college students and professional freelancers.

The Ann Arbor Symphony currently performs in the recently renovated, historic Michigan Theater

Michigan Theater

Michigan Theater or Michigan Theatre may refer to:* Michigan Theater * Michigan Theater * Michigan Theatre * Michigan Theatre, Flint, Michigan, demolished* Michigan Theatre, Lansing, Michigan...

 under the direction of Arie Lipsky, who was hired as the A2S0's thirteenth conductor in 2000. Before each performance, Mr. Lipsky gives a popular lecture about the A2SO's music selections. A highlight of the season is the Symphony's annual celebration of "Mozart's Birthday" in January.

Education and outreach

The Ann Arbor Symphony provides many opportunities for music education in the Southeastern Michigan area. Looking to further enrich the culture of Ann Arbor, the A2SO presents youth concerts, KinderConcerts, ensemble performances and "Petting Zoos" where children get to try out child-sized string instruments.