August Organization Member of the Month

The Mobile Symphony Orchestra (MSO) enhances lives by achieving the highest standards in live symphonic music and music education. They accomplish their mission through their vision: by creating an environment that allows for the presentation of the finest quality music; attracting and hiring exemplary musicians and high quality teachers; developing and maintaining a staff and board who are competent and passionate about the Mobile Symphony Orchestra; expanding music education and performance opportunities for all students; serving as an indispensable resource to the entire community; and achieving and maintaining a firm financial base.

Under the leadership of Music Director Scott Speck and President/CEO Celia Mann Baehr, MSO serves as cultural leader on the Gulf Coast, contributing significantly to the quality of life in the Mobile Bay community. By providing outstanding symphonic music and award-winning music education programs, MSO assists the region in attracting international companies and creative workers to the area. In just two decades, MSO has become Mobile’s flagship arts organization, with a budget and audience exceeding all other local performing arts organizations combined. The MSO is a significant small business on the Gulf Coast, with a payroll of almost $980,000 (to cover the many artist/musician fees in addition to staffing) and an overall budget of almost over $2.2 million.

MSO’s music education programs include Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra, Strings in Schools, Preludes in Schools, Chamber Strings, String Academy and more. Registration for Strings in Schools for Mobile and Baldwin County is currently open! Visit their website to see eligible schools and contact MSO for more information. MSO offers the Big Red Ticket program, which provides two free tickets (excludes special events) for children ages 5 – 18 when accompanied by a paying adult. Please contact the box office for details.