ACCESS:The collection is open for research
COPYRIGHT: Copyright is held by the San Antonio Public Library
PROCESSED BY: Amanda Carvell, August 2005
The San Antonio Symphony Society formally incorporated in 1939. Max Reiter, a young immigrant fleeing from anti-Semitism in World War II Europe, was the founding conductor and music director of the Symphony. The first few seasons had a limited schedule but by the 1943-44 season it began a full season with professional musicians.
Reiter established opera programs, childrens concerts and took the orchestra on tours of the Rio Grande Valley. he died of a heart attack on Dec. 13, 1950 at the age of 44. He was succeeded by native-Texas born Victor Alessandro who served as music director for 25 years until his death in 1976. Under Alessandro the symphony started offering series of Pops concerts and an annual week long Rio Grande Music Festival of opera and musical concerts every spring.
From 1978-80 Francois Huybrechts was conductor and from 1980-85 Lawrence Leighton-Smith. In the early 80s the symphony increased its touring around the state. Smith resigned in 1985 and Sixteen Ehrling served as artistic director and brought in several special guest conductors. The 1987-88 season was canceled because of financial problems but resumed in January of 1988.
In 1988-89 Zdenek Macal was the principal conductor and artistic director. He was succeeded by Christopher Wilkins who assumed permanent duties as musical director in 1992. In recent years the symphony has continued to face serious financial difficulties.
LOCATION
Texana/Genealogy Department
600 Soledad Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210)573-5890
HOURS
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