Founded in May 1938 under the direction of Maestro Mario DiCecco, the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra (WSO) has spent the past several decades promoting the understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of symphonic and orchestral music. Originally incorporated as the Waterbury Civic Orchestra (1940), the Symphony and its mission have grown in both vision and artistic merit, expanding from a community orchestra to the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra (1956). For the past 20 seasons, the WSO has been led by Leif Bjaland. The Symphony draws over 100 talented musicians from across New England to perform in our concert series at the Naugatuck Valley Community College Fine Arts Center in Waterbury and various locations throughout Litchfield County. Through continued growth and development, the WSO aims to create and maintain a deeper connection with the local community. Additions to its concert series, fundraising events, a volunteer league and expanded educational programs are just a few ways the Symphony makes this happen.