Our Story
Symphonic concerts are true community events that celebrate our common humanity
Founded in 1928, the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra is one of Southeast Michigan’s premier regional orchestras, creating live, orchestral music for 70,000 listeners each year.
The A2SO is critically acclaimed for innovative programming and a deep commitment to artistic excellence both on and off the stage. Its musicians are of the finest professional caliber in the region and throughout the world and present concerts in all venues, to music lovers of all ages – from area farmers markets to school classrooms, and from libraries to day care and senior centers.
OUR MISSION:
We nurture a life-long love of music through imaginative and inspiring experiences for the listeners of today and tomorrow.
VISION:
To inspire a community of belonging through the transformative power of music.
VALUES:
- Innovative and Varied Musical Experiences
- Community Education and Engagement
- A Sense of Belonging Through Music
- Responsible Stewardship of Community Resources
STATEMENT OF EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION:
The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra is committed to advancing the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion throughout all parts of our organization. We believe in the power of music to transform lives, unite communities, and enrich the culture of the region. However, we recognize that certain groups of people have been historically underrepresented at the concert hall and may experience the Symphony as a foreign and unwelcoming environment. We pledge to do the following:
1. Provide access to transformative musical experiences for everyone in our community.
2. Work to make our Board, Staff, Orchestra, and volunteers reflect the rich diversity of our community in race, ethnic and cultural background, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic status, disability, neurocognitive diversity, and religion.
3. Build relationships and bridges across our community
Earl Lee, Music Director
Winner of the 2022 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award, Earl Lee is a renowned Korean-Canadian conductor who has captivated audiences worldwide. Music Director of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra since 2022, he recently finished a successful three-year tenure as Assistant Conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Lee previously held positions as Associate Conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony and as the Resident Conductor of the Toronto Symphony. In 2022, he appeared with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam as a participant in the Ammodo masterclasses led by Fabio Luisi. He studied cello at the Curtis Institute of Music and the Juilliard School and conducted at Manhattan School of Music and the New England Conservatory. He lives in New York City with his wife and their daughter.
CONTACT
Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra
35 Research Drive, Ste 100
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Phone: (734) 994-4801
Fax: (734) 994-3949
info@a2so.org
Hours: 10am – 5pm