Timing was right for Symphoria name change to Syracuse Orchestra

SYRACUSE — The group performed for 11 years as Symphoria but is now moving forward as The Syracuse Orchestra. Executive director Pam Murchinson said the “timing was right to once again, make it clear that our symphony orchestra belongs to the local community.” The performing-arts organization made the announcement on Feb. 17 prior to its concert performing Gustav Holst’s 1914 masterpiece, “The Planets,” per a Feb. 19 news release about the name change and 2024-25 concert season. The group has been performing as Symphoria since the “demise” of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra in 2011. As Symphoria, the musicians have performed more than 500 full-orchestra concerts, and at least as many chamber-ensemble performances in the community. The performing-arts organization also noted that more than 20,000 children attended performances free of charge; and the orchestra’s “Healing Harmonies” program placed live music in both health care and social-service settings to provide “mental, physical, and emotional health benefits that come from live music.” “I’m so proud to see all the ways that our orchestra is evolving as our community grows,” Mary Ann Tyszko, who chairs the board of directors of the Syracuse Orchestra, said in the release. “With our goal being the best orchestra we can be for Central New York; we’re excited to have a name that ties us more closely to our amazing community.” With the new name, the Syracuse Orchestra says it believes it’s offering a 2024-2025 season that “has something for everyone.” From movie and holiday music, to Beethoven, to a tribute to Aretha Franklin and more, the Syracuse Orchestra “will be seen and heard throughout the Greater Syracuse area,” per its announcement. More information about the Syracuse Orchestra’s 2024-2025 season, including how to buy tickets, is available at: SyracuseOrchestra.org.