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WE'VE COME A LONG WAY…… The Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra, formed in 1962 by a number of interested community leaders, held only two concerts during its first season. Its first conductor, James Shannon, led 35 musicians in one concert each in Gulfport and Biloxi. Incorporation followed in 1965, along with a move to the Biloxi High School Auditorium. After renovation of the historic Saenger Theatre in Biloxi in 1987, the Symphony moved into its current home venue. Following the retirement of James Shannon in 1988, Dr. Andrew Harper was selected to lead the Symphony. During his 10 -year tenure, the Symphony grew to its present size of 70 professional musicians. This period brought the very successful annual fund-raiser Barbecue under the Oaks, the establishment of an office, and a change in governance from an all-volunteer Board of Directors to one with a paid Executive Director. In 1998, a nation-wide search was undertaken by the Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra for its third Music Director and Conductor. Dr. John W. Strickler was selected from an applicant pool of over 140. This current 2005-2006 season sees the Symphony performing a subscription series of four classical concerts along with four school-day concerts and a Family Concert. The Family Holiday concert, a Pops Concert and two outdoor, free public concerts ( attended by over 10,000) round out the year.Since Dr. Strickler has taken leadership of the Symphony, the season ticket base and the annual budget have more than doubled. A concert with Luciano Pavarotti in April 2000 brought an offer to tour with Andrea Bocelli, and raves from over 11,000, and subscription concerts are sell-outs. Musicians from 4 states are waiting for the opportunity to play with the Gulf Coast Symphony. The establishment of the Gulf Coast Symphony Youth Orchestra, under the umbrella of the main Symphony, took place in 2001. Students from all three Coast counties (representing 16 public, private, and home schools) have participated in the first three seasons. Look for the Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra as it continues its mission to bring quality music to the people of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
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