The Missouri Symphony

The Missouri Symphony (MOSY) began its story as the Missouri Symphony Society when Hugo and Lucy Vianello founded the organization in 1970. Back then, the mission of the organization was to provide symphonic music and music education to the mid-Missouri area. Although the organization has evolved over the last 50 years, this mission continues to be at the core of MOSY and its three branches, the Orchestra, the Conservatory, and the League.

The mission of The Missouri Symphony is to enrich our community through music education, professional performances, and diverse experiences. MOSY's vision is to be a cultural leader in a thriving Columbia arts community. We want to have robust engagement in our community that will provide a meaningful and visible social impact. We value community, education, creativity, and passion. 

The Missouri Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is the only professional symphony orchestra in mid-Missouri. It is comprised of local, regional, and national professional musicians. Each year, the MSO delights our community with a robust summer music festival of masterworks, pops, and chamber concerts and an annual holiday concert. In addition, the MSO does outreach in the mid-Missouri area, including the Young Peoples Concert, a collaboration with Columbia Public Schools, tours, free performances in community spaces, and collaborations with other nonprofits.

The Missouri Symphony Conservatory (MSC) is a symphonic music education program where students of mid-Missouri have the unique opportunity to hone their skills as developing musicians in large ensembles, smaller chamber music groups, and musical skills classes. The Conservatory performs at the end of each fall and spring semester, as well as holds special performances for sponsors such as Lenoir Woods. The MSC serves as an enrichment to the Columbia Public Schools string program, offering a full symphonic experience (winds, percussion, and strings combined) while encouraging students to continue engaging in their school orchestras. The MSC also partners with the Missouri String Project, offering a next step for students graduating from MSP.

The Missouri Symphony League (MSL) is a group of talented and creative volunteers who have worked diligently to support the Missouri Symphony since its founding in 1971. The MSL oversees major annual fundraising events, including their online auction, Taste of the Holiday Home Tour Brunch, and Holiday Home Tour, which have become staple traditions in the Columbia community. All the money raised by these events is donated back to MOSY programs. The MSL also holds the annual Piano Student Showcase, giving young pianists the memorable opportunity to perform on the Missouri Theatre stage and grand piano.

MOSY is governed by a board of directors of engaged and respected members of the mid-Missouri community, and it continues to find support from dedicated community members and business partners to keep its mission alive. It is because of this support that MOSY can continue to achieve its mission and provide exceptional symphonic performances to the mid-Missouri communities.