Mobile Symphony Orchestra History

Mobile Symphony was established in 1970 as Symphony Concerts of Mobile.  Its mission was to present excellent touring orchestras for six evening concerts.  Orchestras included Alabama Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and more.  In 1996, the board of Mobile Symphony created the Mobile Symphony Orchestra, utilizing and developing local professional musicians.  The official name was changed to Mobile Symphony, Inc. in 1997.

In 2000-2001 Scott Speck was named Mobile Symphony’s first Music Director.  Speck’s talent, enthusiasm, and love of music elevated the orchestra to new levels and created a new standard of excitement for the entire community.
Also during this time the Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra completed its first year under the auspices of Mobile Symphony.  Mobile Symphony’s music education program, Preludes, was funded by a grant from NEA.  Professional musicians taught violin lessons to 90 third graders and offered music classes to over 1,500 students, in nine area schools.

In 2001-2002, a new acoustical shell transformed the entire concert experience for orchestra and audience alike at the Saenger Theater.  And in September of 2002 Mobile Symphony and Mobile Opera purchased a building at 257 Dauphin Street, the Larkins Music Center.  The renovated building includes a rehearsal hall, teaching studios, and administrative office space.