Meet the Symphony

An Important Part of Pacific Northwest Culture Since 1903

Seattle Symphony celebrates the Silver Anniversary of Music Director Gerard Schwarz this season with special events and programming. The Orchestra, now presenting its 107th season, has been under the artistic leadership of Schwarz since 1985. In 1998, the Orchestra began performing in the acoustically superb Benaroya Hall in downtown Seattle. The Symphony is internationally recognized for its adventurous programming of contemporary works, its devotion to the classics, and its extensive recording history. Seattle Symphony has made more than 125 recordings, garnered 12 Grammy nominations and received two Emmy Awards. The Orchestra is also known for its extensive education programming, which annually serves 100,000 people of all ages. From September through July, audiences number 315,000 people both at Benaroya Hall and in the community.