SSO Announces Name Change Ahead of Upcoming Season

SCHENECTADY (May 15) – The Schenectady Symphony Orchestra has extended its reach in recent years beyond the city where it was founded in 1934 and as a result, has changed its name to Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra (SSSO). 

The announcement was made yesterday by Board President Robert Bour and Artistic Director Glen Cortese when they announced the Orchestra’s 2023-24 season. Four of the SSSO’s nine shows next season will be held in Saratoga; two at Universal Preservation Hall and two at Zankel Hall at Skidmore College. Four of the performances through next spring will be held at Proctors, along with their Music Haven performance this summer at Schenectady’s Central Park. 

“This is the second major initiative the board has approved in less than a year,” Bour said. “The decision to join Proctors Collaborative was about shifting energy from focusing on administrative concerns to more strategic needs. The announcement today is about building an audience as it has become apparent there is a real opportunity and need in Saratoga.”

SSSO has held several concerts at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs since reopening after the pandemic. Bour said the response has been “fantastic” and signaled an opening for the orchestra to expand beyond Schenectady. 

The organization has been performing at Proctors since 1979 and joined Proctors Collaborative in August 2022 to gain resources for finance, fundraising and marketing. The SSSO maintains artistic control.   

Glen Cortese, artistic director and conductor of the SSSO said “The theme of the 2023-24 SSSO subscription season is ‘Heroes, Legends and Fairy Tales.’ On each program, we’ll explore legendary works, how composers are inspired by historical and fictional heroes and legends and bring you incredibly talented soloists and guest artists. The repertoire includes traditional works, new works from the classical repertoire, Broadway and film.”

Subscriptions are on sale now. Single tickets go on sale Aug. 7. Students (18 and under) are free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Check out SSSO’s 2023-2024 season.