The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra (AASO) records document the founding and development of the orchestra and the Women's Association for the Ann Arbor Symphony. There are also some records of the Michigan Civic Orchestra Association. The records include administrative and functional records, photographs, and audio/visual concert recordings. The records are arranged into 11 series, History, Board of Directors, Symphony Business, Youth Activities, Fundraising, Publicity, Women's Association of the Ann Arbor Symphony (WA3S) Records, Michigan Civic Orchestra Association, Visual Materials, Scrapbooks, and Audio Materials.
The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra began in 1928 as the Ann Arbor Orchestra with only 5 or 6 players. In 1931, the group called themselves the Ann Arbor Community Orchestra and performed their first concert on November 30. By 1935, the orchestra had grown to 40 players, joined with the Ann Arbor Recreation Department, and became known as the Ann Arbor Civic Orchestra.
From 1935 to 1985, the Ann Arbor Civic Orchestra, renamed the Ann Arbor Civic Symphony Orchestra in 1952, provided concerts free of charge to the Ann Arbor Community in area school auditoriums, the Hill Auditorium at the University of Michigan, the Michigan Theater, and the West Park Shell in Ann Arbor's West Park. The Orchestra maintained a commitment to Ann Arbor artists, to encouraging youth involvement in music, and bringing live, classical symphonic music to the city of Ann Arbor. They often teamed with other artistic and musical organizations like the Women's Chorale and the Ann Arbor Civic Ballet. By 1981, the Orchestra had grown to 100 members During this time, the Orchestra had ten conductors, Warren Ketcham (1929-1931), Frederick Ernst (1931-1933), William Champion (1933-1941), Joseph Maddy (1941-1951), Orien Dalley (1951-1955), Emil Raab (1955-1957), George C. Wilson (1957-1961), William Fitch (1961-1963), Emil Holz (1963-1972), and Edward Szabo (1972-1985).
Throughout its history, the A2SO has relied upon the donations of area philanthropists and since 1952, the efforts of the Women's Association. However, starting in the late 1960's and certainly by the 1970's, these monies alone could not keep up with the rising operational cost of the Orchestra. To raise funds, the Orchestra began hosting events to raise both money and awareness of the orchestra. However, the financial problems persisted. In 1985, in a controversial decision that coincided with the somewhat abrupt replacement of Conductor Edward Szabo with Carl St. Clair, the A2SO began charging admission for concerts. This move quickly resulted in a much larger budget from marketing campaigns and ticket sales. The increased budget allowed the Orchestra to attain a higher standard of professionalism, attracting better musicians and soloists, performing more concerts, and bolstering its reputation in Ann Arbor and nationally. Conductors Samuel Wong (1992-1999) and Arie Lipsky (2000-2006) have continued this tradition.
The Women's Association of the Ann Arbor Symphony was formed in 1952 with the goal of assisting with concerts, providing refreshments for players at rehearsals, and raising money both for the Orchestra and for music scholarships for area youth.
The Michigan Civic Orchestra Association began in Ann Arbor in 1939. By 1960, the organization of Michigan orchestras included over 30 community orchestras. It hosted annual meetings and several massed orchestra festivals.
