ABOUT

Founded in 1952 as an ensemble of volunteer musicians, the Valley Symphony Orchestra (VSO) is now in its 73rd season of classical music performances in the Rio Grande Valley. Under the baton of Dr. Carl Seale, the orchestra was established as a student and community ensemble at the University of Texas - Pan American, a legacy institution of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and has since developed into an all professional ensemble under the direction of Maestro Peter Dabrowski. Historically, VSO performances have provided the only consistent symphonic outlet available in South Texas and have been met with enthusiastic community support and appreciation.

The Valley Symphony Orchestra is a resident ensemble at the McAllen Performing Arts Center, the City’s state-of-the-art performance hall that opened in 2017. Annually, the VSO presents five to six masterworks concerts, educational concerts, several special chamber and community events, plus Bravo! VSO, their annual fundraising gala.

Mission & Vision

• Engage and inspire the Rio Grande Valley through high quality orchestral and ensemble performances, educational programs, and community based events.
  
  
• Provide the perspective, dynamism, and cultural access that live performance offers to the wider community, enhancing quality of life through these memorable experiences.
  
  
• Present a full season of concerts in McAllen, with performances in other areas of the region to broaden geographical reach and organizational awareness.
  
  
• Serve 9,000-10,000 students annually by producing the Education Concerts, many Valley students' only professional performing arts exposure.
  
  
• Introduce the Creative Youth Initiative program that will focus on mentorships for high school students, along with a student composer concert and the opportunity to attend VSO rehearsals.
  
  
• Cultivate relationships with young professionals and a diversified audience to encourage future community leaders and continued patronage of the symphony.