Founded in 1924 by the late educator, conductor and composer, Joseph Wagner, the Civic Symphony Orchestra of Boston is the second oldest symphony orchestra in the city. As one of Boston’s most respected musical organizations, the CSO has distinguished itself from other local musical groups through its focus on presenting an unusually broad range of music by exceptionally skilled students and amateurs and through its emphasis on developing a broad-based audience. The CSO has defined its objectives as follows:

1. To encourage attendance by a diverse population from the Greater Boston area by offering moderately priced tickets and by distribution of a number of free tickets to underserved populations in Boston.

2. To provide orchestral training and experience under competent direction for teachers, students of music who are preparing for professional careers, and skilled amateurs.

3. To offer performances of unusual and contemporary works, with a special focus on American compositions, with leading soloists. The CSO performs four major concerts and two fund-raisers each year, which offer a range of classical and contemporary music. Average attendance at each concert numbers approximately 600 and ticket prices for the four concerts are $28 and $23.

The CSO’s presentation of works by masters like Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms is balanced by its performances of pieces by contemporary American composers.

Concerts are held at New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall and the Fine Art Center at Regis College in Weston, MA where the CSO is the orchestra in residence.