To Serve The Pioneer Valley
One
of the oldest community orchestras in the United States,
the PVS was founded to "serve the Pioneer Valley
through music in three ways: by performing symphonic and
choral music; by providing members of the community the
opportunity to participate in making music; and through
musical education, particularly by introducing young
children to live orchestral music."
The
orchestra, under the dynamic leadership of Music Director
Paul Phillips, provides professional musical direction for
over 200 volunteer musicians. Approximately 95
instrumentalists and over 120 singers participate
annually, producing six symphonic concerts, as well as
family, educational, and choral programs. Membership in
both orchestra and chorus is open to any qualified
musician. Participants range in age from high school to
retirement years. The geographically diverse membership of
the orchestra — from 36 different communities in western
Massachusetts, and six communities in Connecticut, New
Hampshire and Vermont — is testimony to the
orchestra’s reputation and quality.
Under
the direction of Music Director Paul Phillips, the PVS has
gained national recognition for its programming of
contemporary music. In June 1997, the PVS won the American
Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers annual award
for adventurous programming. In celebration of its 60th
anniversary season, the PVS presented two world premieres.
Each of the past eight seasons has featured performances
of works by living composers.
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