Mission & History

Mission

The mission of the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra is to place the world’s finest music at the center of the cultural life of the South Coast community. The NBSO enriches the lives of adults and children through the transforming power of great music, performing concerts at the highest level of professional standards, and providing educational programs for children and listeners of all ages that deepen their enjoyment and understanding of music and make it a part of their daily lives. The NBSO is committed to building strong relationships with other music and cultural organizations in our region because collaboration makes all organizations, and your community, stronger.

We invite you to avoid the Boston traffic and head to New Bedford’s Zeiterion Performing Arts Center (or Bronspiegel Auditorium at New Bedford High School while The Z is undergoing renovations) for a memorable music experience. With our enticing selection of classical and pops concerts, family concerts, and open rehearsals, there’s an experience for every music lover. Whether you are a first-time concertgoer or an NBSO regular, we are your symphony!

We value your opinions, so please feel free to share them with us by calling the NBSO office at 508-999-6276 or emailing your comments to info@nbsymphony.org. We’d love to hear what you think about this season or seasons past, and any helpful advice you may have for us or new concertgoers!

The power of classical music is a wonderful thing. Thank you for being a part of it and for helping the NBSO be a vital force in your community.

History

The history and mission of the NBSO begin with its founder, Clarence Arey. In 1915, Mr. Arey, a gifted musician and teacher, established the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra to provide high-quality performances of classical music for his community. Mr. Arey also created the first public high school orchestra program in Massachusetts. When the New Bedford High School Orchestra performed at the annual Massachusetts Superintendents Conference in 1913, superintendents from around the state were so impressed with the quality of the performance that many of them returned home and quickly established orchestra programs in their school systems. Soon, almost every high school in Massachusetts boasted a student orchestra. Mr. Arey’s dual devotion to a Symphony Orchestra presenting high-quality performances of classical music for its community and a music education program opening the world of classical music to young people remains the heart and soul of the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra.

The NBSO’s governance and management approach is rooted in strategic planning. Each plan is developed to cover a three to five year time frame with the recognition that it is best to renew the process every three years. With this underpinning of strategic planning, the NBSO has experienced unprecedented growth. Over the last two decades, the NBSO’s budget has grown by a multiple of ten, the number of concerts presented has more than doubled, and educational programs have gone from serving 2,000 children annually to more than 8,000. The NBSO is a 501( c)(3), tax-exempt, nonprofit corporation. It is governed by a Board of Trustees made up of volunteers who live in the South Coast region.

Symphony Staff

Elisa Birdseye, Librarian

Mike Daniels, SEMAYO Program Coordinator

Yaniv Dinur, Music Director

Matthew Gomes, Finance Director

Wes Hopper, Personnel Manager

Adam Jeffreys, Education Specialist

Roberta Kennedy, Director of Concert Operations

Spencer Aston, SEMAYO Senior Conductor

David M. Prentiss, President and CEO

Abigail Smith, Operations and Program Coordinator

Conee Sousa, Director of Marketing and Public Relations

Janice Weber, South Coast Chamber Music Series Artistic Director

Rhonda Veugen, Director of Philanthropic Engagement

Terry Wolkowicz, Education Director

Production Services

Amanda Quintin Design, Print Design

Spectrum Marketing Group, Website Design

Minuteman Press of Dartmouth, Printing Services

Richard Van Inwegen, Photography