Tupelo Symphony Orchestra History
The Tupelo Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1971 by a local attorney, Wade Lagrone, who believed that it was entirely possible for Tupelo, Mississippi to support and enjoy an all-professional symphony orchestra. The orchestra is made up of musicians from the surrounding region of Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. The Tupelo Symphony is the only all professional orchestra in North Mississippi. Since the orchestra's founding, many internationally acclaimed artists have appeared with TSO either as conductor or guest artist.
Music Directors for the Tupelo Symphony include such outstanding personalities as Arthur Kreutz, Kurt Klipstatter, Eric Knight, and Louis Lane. TSO was privileged
to have the leadership of Mr. Lane 
for nine seasons in which he took the Tupelo Symphony to another level of excellence. At the end of the 2005-2006 season, Mr. Lane retired to become Music Director Laureate. The baton was passed on to Steven Byess who has been on the podium in Tupelo many times as Principle Guest Conductor.
After the 1997 Cliburn International Piano Competition, an alliance was made between the Cliburn Foundation and the Tupelo Symphony making it possible for the TSO to present winners of this competition which is considered the most prestigious piano competition in the world today. These world class artists have given stunning performances with the Tupelo Symphony making it possible for our citizens and young people to hear thrilling and unbelievable music right here in North Mississippi.
The regular concert series includes five concerts plus an annual outdoor concert. TSO does a free concert for all children in grades 3 through 6 in the Tupelo City and Lee County schools each year. The Tupelo Symphony Orchestra accompanies the Tupelo Ballet production of the "Nutcracker" annually. This has created a rewarding partnership between two leading Arts organizations.
Another "impossible" dream has come true. In October 2005,the Tupelo Symphony purchased a Steinway Concert Grand piano for our use at the Link Centre Concert Hall. In addition to the regular concert series, TSO will present a series of four afternoon programs featuring the piano.
The Tupelo Symphony is dedicated to providing quality music for the citizens of North Mississippi, to strengthening community outreach, and to increasing music education for all levels. Performance excellence is an ongoing goal, as well as presenting programming with wide appeal.