About Us

Mission: a regional professional orchestra serving northern Michigan, creating educational opportunities and community enrichment through excellence in symphonic and other musical experiences.

The Traverse Symphony Orchestra is northern Michigan’s leading regional performing arts ensemble.

It is a professional, part-time orchestra with a core base of quality musicians from throughout the area. Many hold music-related positions as faculty and staff members of nearby Interlochen Arts Academy and regional school districts. An increasing number of musicians travel from as far as Lansing, Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor to perform with the orchestra.

Music Director Kevin Rhodes has led the orchestra to critical acclaim and sold-out concerts during his 10 year tenure. Performances feature quality guest artists from the national and international circuit.

The orchestra's subscription season from fall to spring consists of seven concert cycles. The Symphony performs at two primary venues: Interlochen's Corson Auditorium and the City Opera House in downtown Traverse City.

The Symphony consists of a full-time professional staff of two, a part-time staff of five, a music director and 60-plus contracted core musicians. An 17-member Board of Directors and the Traverse Symphony Orchestra Ambassadors comprise a committed group of volunteers who provide ongoing support for the organization. The Symphony is a nonprofit corporation supported through ticket sales, donations, corporate sponsorships and grants.

The orchestra was founded in 1952 by Traverse City violinist Elnora Milliken as a community amateur ensemble. It evolved into a professional regional symphony under the direction of Maestro Kevin Rhodes.

The Traverse Symphony Orchestra is more than an orchestra. We offer three educational programs that afford enriching musical experiences to 4,000 children and students annually.

The Civic program offers students of all ages opportunities to work with professional musicians in one of two ensembles tailored to skill and experience levels.

Three Family Concerts are presented free each winter. They delight children and their families by making classical music and musicians readily accessible with a lively, fun and interactive experience. 

Music in the Schools provides customized musical educational programs to school districts in the Grand Traverse region, augmenting limited curriculum.