Brevard Symphony Orchestra
Encyclopedia
The Brevard Symphony Orchestra performs in the King Center, Melbourne, Florida
. The Center seats 1,880. BSO features an average of 65 paid musicians. The administrative staff of the Brevard Symphony Orchestra is currently headquartered at the historic Winchester Symphony House
in Melbourne. The Brevard Symphony Orchestra is the only all professional orchestra in Brevard County.
, which was being presented by the Northrop Glee Club. Thirteen musicians assembled for this purpose under the direction of Frederick Jaehne and called themselves the Brevard Light Concert Orchestra. After the conclusion of the show, they decided to remain together permanently.
Concerts were held regularly for the next several years. In 1966, the Brevard Symphony Orchestra (BSO) incorporated as a non-profit organization. Joseph Kreines took over as conductor and implemented the first season series.
In 1969, a Board of Directors from the community was formed. Maria Tunicka served as Music Director and Conductor of the BSO from 1976 to 1986. In 1986, the Board of Directors hired Kypros Markou for this position. During the 1987-88 season, Maestro Markou led the first performances of the BSO in the new Brevard Performing Arts Center (now known as the King Center for the Performing Arts), where the orchestra has been designated "orchestra-in-residence".
In the spring of 1994, Kypros Markou announced his departure. In 1995, the Board of Directors appointed Christopher Confessore as the new Music Director and Principal Conductor. Confessore continues to lead the BSO as well as currently holding the position of Associate Conductor of the
Alabama Symphony Orchestra.
The Administrative Offices of the Brevard Symphony Orchestra are located in a building located at 1500 Highland Avenue, Melbourne. This structure is known as the Winchester Symphony House and was built in 1886. There has been extensive renovation on the building over the years and it is currently listed as a Historical Site for Brevard County and the State of Florida.
and connection to Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test
curriculum. This concert is open to private and home school students.
Melbourne, Florida
Melbourne is a city in Brevard County, Florida, United States. As of 2009, the population estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau is 78,323. The municipal area is the second largest by size and by population in the county. Melbourne is a principal city of the Palm Bay – Melbourne – Titusville, Florida...
. The Center seats 1,880. BSO features an average of 65 paid musicians. The administrative staff of the Brevard Symphony Orchestra is currently headquartered at the historic Winchester Symphony House
Winchester Symphony House
Winchester Symphony House is a historic home located in the Eau Gallie-section of Melbourne, Florida. The house was built in 1886. William Treutler, director of the State Bank of Eau Gallie and hotel proprietor in Eau Gallie, built the house. Brevard County and the State of Florida list this...
in Melbourne. The Brevard Symphony Orchestra is the only all professional orchestra in Brevard County.
History
In January 1954, an orchestra was needed to provide the accompaniment for a performance of The MikadoThe Mikado
The Mikado; or, The Town of Titipu is a comic opera in two acts, with music by Arthur Sullivan and libretto by W. S. Gilbert, their ninth of fourteen operatic collaborations...
, which was being presented by the Northrop Glee Club. Thirteen musicians assembled for this purpose under the direction of Frederick Jaehne and called themselves the Brevard Light Concert Orchestra. After the conclusion of the show, they decided to remain together permanently.
Concerts were held regularly for the next several years. In 1966, the Brevard Symphony Orchestra (BSO) incorporated as a non-profit organization. Joseph Kreines took over as conductor and implemented the first season series.
In 1969, a Board of Directors from the community was formed. Maria Tunicka served as Music Director and Conductor of the BSO from 1976 to 1986. In 1986, the Board of Directors hired Kypros Markou for this position. During the 1987-88 season, Maestro Markou led the first performances of the BSO in the new Brevard Performing Arts Center (now known as the King Center for the Performing Arts), where the orchestra has been designated "orchestra-in-residence".
In the spring of 1994, Kypros Markou announced his departure. In 1995, the Board of Directors appointed Christopher Confessore as the new Music Director and Principal Conductor. Confessore continues to lead the BSO as well as currently holding the position of Associate Conductor of the
Alabama Symphony Orchestra.
The Administrative Offices of the Brevard Symphony Orchestra are located in a building located at 1500 Highland Avenue, Melbourne. This structure is known as the Winchester Symphony House and was built in 1886. There has been extensive renovation on the building over the years and it is currently listed as a Historical Site for Brevard County and the State of Florida.
Educational Outreach
The Brevard Symphony Orchestra, partnering with the Brevard County School Board and through support received from local foundations and businesses, offers a free symphonic concert at the King Center each February for all 5th grade public school students. A study guide is developed for music teachers that integrate all learning aspects of a symphony performance from biographies of the composers to seating within the orchestra, performance etiquette. This information is blended, with musical examples, into class lesson plans. For many students this is their first visit to the King Center for the Performing Arts as well as their first symphonic performance. All Study Guide materials incorporate the Sunshine State StandardsSunshine State Standards
The Sunshine State Standards are broad statements that describe what a child should know and be able to do at every grade level. These standards cover seven content areas: social studies, science, language arts, health/physical education, the arts, foreign language, and mathematics...
and connection to Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test
Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test
The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, or the FCAT , is the standardized test used in the primary and secondary public schools of Florida...
curriculum. This concert is open to private and home school students.