Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra

General information

Our History

At a comparatively youthful age, the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra has developed a history rich in community involvement and support. In fact, the TSO grew out of an assembly of volunteers consisting of both professional and amateur players. Formed in 1979 by Dr. Michael Gattozzi and Margaret McCain, this organization was known as the Tuscaloosa Area Community Orchestra and referred to as “TACO”. Membership was open to any interested person, aged fourteen and older, who would commit to attending Thursday night rehearsals. Rehearsal space was provided by Calvary Baptist Church.

Due primarily to the hard work and organization of Margaret McCain, TACO was officially incorporated and given 501 (c) 3 non-profit status. Emmett Gribbin chaired the original Board of Directors. Other members included: Mrs. David Bahar, Mr. Norman Bassett, Mrs. James H. Black, Mr. Pete Cavert, Mrs. B.S. Chwe, Dr. Thomas J. Diener, Mrs. Wade Farris, Dr. James Hughey, Dr. Morris Mayer, Mrs. Margaret G. McCain, Mr. Clayton Rogers, Mrs. Hope Weston, Mr. Paul Wildes and Dr. James A. Williams.

The first ever public performance was on Sunday afternoon, November 11, 1979 at the Bama Theater. Dr. Michael Gattozzi was conductor and Emily Rogers was the “concertleader”. Attendance at the very first concerts was free of charge, however concertgoers were urged to contribute at tables set up in the lobby during performances. For several seasons, TACO performed three to four times annually at the Bama Theatre. Children’s Concerts were later developed by Kay Mutert and were added as part of Saturday’s dress rehearsal. Admission was 50 cents. Concerts were moved from Sunday afternoon to Saturday evening, and season ticket packages became available.

Members of the TACO Board and other prominent community members were beginning to realize that a professional Symphony would not only act as a cultural flagship for the community, but also serve to aid economic development efforts in Tuscaloosa and surrounding West Alabama communities. Even though a professional Symphony would require additional administration and fundraising, to pay professional musicians and staff, everyone agreed the benefit was far greater than the cost. So, in 1984, under the direction of Board president Madeleine Hill, TACO became TSO: The Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra. Musicians had to undergo a professional audition process in order to perform with the Symphony, and were in return paid for their services.

The Tuscaloosa Symphony Guild was founded in 1984 by Elizabeth Hamner. The purpose was to enhance, promote and support the efforts of the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra by means of recruiting and organizing a team of passionate volunteers, hosting events and assisting with season ticket sales.

In the winter of 1988, The University of Alabama opened the Concert Hall in the School of Music’s new Moody Music Building. The hall was not only envisioned to be the home of UA’s performances, but also the home of the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra. Subsequently, all TSO Masterworks concerts are played in the acclaimed hall.
Today’s TSO has earned a reputation as one of the country’s finest regional orchestras.

The Symphony employs a professional staff including a full time Executive Director, and has employed many talented and sought-after Music Directors such as Ransom Wilson, Adrian Gnam, Louis Lane and Shinik Hahm, who have all contributed their time and talents, each leaving a unique and lasting musical imprint on our Symphony and our community. The TSO is currently conducting a search for the next Music Director, who will oversee and guide all aspects of the organization’s artistic product along with the Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors is thirty plus members strong and consists of successful, hard working people from diverse backgrounds and occupations. The Board is responsible for fundraising and keeping in accordance with association Bylaws.

TSO Musicians are comprised of faculty members and extraordinary students from University of Alabama’s School of Music, members of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra (Birmingham) and professional musicians from across Alabama, Atlanta, Nashville, Memphis and other locations within a two hundred and fifty mile radius.