DA CAPO: it’s a phrase in Italian that every musician sees now and then. It means to return to the very start of the piece and play “from the beginning.”
When the Southeastern Ohio Symphony Orchestra was incorporated in April of 1977, its purpose was stated to be “to foster, promote and increase the musical knowledge and appreciation of the public, exclusively by educational activities” in presenting performances primarily from the literature of symphonic music, and could also include “chamber-music, opera, solo recital, vocal chorus or the dance.” The group began as a string ensemble while looking forward to the possibilities of large symphonic programs.
Five decades later, we are returning to our initial goals to share musical knowledge and experiences with our friends and neighbors in New Concord, Ohio. Beginning in the fall of 2025, under the direction of educator Matt Coombs, the string musicians of the Southeastern Ohio Symphony Orchestra carried our love of music out into our local community. We have performed in libraries, schools, churches, and nursing homes. We are continuing to rehearse and dream while exploring new funding and networking opportunities.
One beautiful aspect of SEOSO is that this organization has provided a forum for students to perform alongside their teachers. Over the years, the Symphony has included middle school and high school students, college students and professors, professionals visiting from out of town, and folks that live close enough to walk their dogs across Muskingum University’s campus each evening. SEOSO’s tagline “Music For All” has never been more appropriate as we renew our commitment to bringing music education to the people of Southeastern Ohio.
