We Bring Our Community Together.
The mission of the Petersburg Symphony Orchestra is to continue to be a permanent cultural resource that educates, enlightens, and enriches the lives of all who seek music.
In musical terms, the word “symphony” refers to a combination of instruments producing pleasing sounds; its generic definition is “to be in agreement or accord with”. The Petersburg Symphony, by bringing together diverse ages, ethnicities, and walks of life, exemplifies the totality of the term “symphony”. This has been the key to the orchestra’s success and longevity; this will ensure its future.
Our Story
The Petersburg Symphony Orchestra (PSO) is a diverse ensemble of over 50 volunteer and professional musicians that has been entertaining audiences since 1978. What began as a dream of Dr. F. Nathaniel Gatlin, distinguished educator at Virginia State University, the PSO is now been led by Music Director Naima Burrs.
The PSO is a treasured community asset that features some of the most talented musicians in the region playing a wide variety of music. We are dedicated to preserving, developing, educating, and delivering quality and diverse music to all ages through tailored performing arts programming. We are making music for the Tri-Cities region and beyond!
It’s maiden performance, Concert Number One, was performed on Sunday April 29, 1979 in the auditorium of Petersburg High School. For more than 40 years, the PSO has provided performance opportunities for players of orchestral instruments, nurtured young musicians, introduced newly-composed works to the public, collaborated with other musical organizations, and made orchestral music accessible to people who may have otherwise been deprived of the experience.