The Mason Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is a new community-minded orchestra of professional musicians who perform symphonic and popular classics. The orchestra began with a meeting of Mason minds with the goal to create an orchestra that could serve the communities of Mason, Deerfield and the surrounding areas.
“Our orchestra’s mission is to enrich the cultural fabric of the area and provide entertaining and uplifting experiences for the people of Mason,” Founder and Music Director of the Mason Symphony Orchestra, Dr. Lucy Ginther explains.“My inspiration was imagining ways to create the sense that every person is entitled to experience beauty, as a birthright.”
Beginning with volunteer musicians, the orchestra now offers opportunities for trained community string players and young musicians on scholarship to perform with professionals in major symphonic and pops concerts.
The MSO also pioneered a series of Sensory Friendly Children’s Concerts to allow children to engage with classical music.
“The Mason Symphony Orchestra exists to make music accessible, entertaining and uplifting to everyone,” Dr. Ginther tells us.
Currently on faculty at Ohio State University where she teaches viola, Dr. Ginther makes the trip to campus from Mason two days a week during the term.
“I moved away for five years, but returned because I enjoy the vitality and quality of life in Mason,” she shares. “There are big city opportunities here, but more importantly, a strong sense of community.”
A core value of the Mason Symphony Orchestra is educational development. A scholarship was created to provide opportunities for advanced area students. High school students who reside in Warren County during the current school year can apply to their annual Student Scholarship Competition. Student musicians can apply under the categories of strings, brass/woodwind or keyboard/piano. The overall winner receives $300 and a solo performance with the MSO on May 13.
“To the people of Mason: MSO is YOUR orchestra,” Dr. Ginther enthuses. “We strive to be a reflection of the great cultural wealth we have while providing excellent entertainment!”
For more information, and to apply for the student scholarship, please visit MasonSymphonyOrchestra.org.
Experience MSO
The MSO has performed three concerts since late last year: Creatures and Sprites in October, Holiday Classics in December and Broadway to Bollywood in February (pictured here).
Upcoming Events 2023
It’s A New World
05/13/23, 7:30 p.m.
Great Wolf Lodge, Mason
A masterworks concert sure to delight—it’s a new world and a new spring! This concert will feature the overall winner of the MSO Student Scholarship Competition, Dvořák’s sweeping New World Symphony, and works by two groundbreaking female composers, Lili Boulanger and Jennifer Higdon will be performed.
Big Kids, Little Kids
10/22/23
Mason United Methodist Church
A sensory-friendly family experience.
Christmas Festival
12/03/23
Great Wolf Lodge, Mason
A celebration full of the holiday spirit. Featuring the debut of the Mason Symphony Chorale, with chorusmaster Karen Mail and the Hallelujah Ringers and welcoming the return of beautiful soprano, Sue Harrington.