About PSO
Our Mission
The mission of the Piedmont Symphony Orchestra is to provide a shared experience through the power of music - uniting musicians, audiences, and students through innovative programming and musical excellence.
Our History
Founded in 1996 as the Piedmont Regional Orchestra by Conductor Emeritus Michael A. Hughes, the PSO performs five regular season concerts with varied programming to appeal to a wide audience. Glenn Quader was appointed Music Director and Conductor in 2005, and since his appointment, the PSO has increased its paid core membership, strengthened its volunteer membership, and engaged in numerous collaborations with other local arts organizations.
The PSO has undertaken several highly successful partnerships with other local arts organizations. In 2017, the PSO partnered with The Reston Chorale to perform Beethoven's Ninth Symphony at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas. The performance also included the American University Chorus and soloists from the Maryland Lyric Opera. Over 200 musicians on stage performed the soaring epic Ninth Symphony to a sold-out audience.
The members of the orchestra include musicians from Fauquier County and the neighboring communities, as well as many local teachers. Educational outreach is a key component of the mission of PSO. Under the leadership of Maestro Quader, the PSO pioneered the Music Mentors Program, placing PSO principals in band and orchestra classes for sessions with students and teachers, all at no cost to schools.
The PSO has proudly featured world-renowned soloists, including: Emily Casey (soprano); Nakia Verner (soprano); Rachel Franklin (piano); Amy Beth Horman (violin); Jason Love (cello); Thomas Pandolfi (piano); Carlos Cesar Rodriguez (piano), among many others. The PSO regularly features principal players as soloists. Guests have also included the United States Army Herald Trumpets "Pershing's Own."
The PSO has premiered several works, including: "Our Childhood Friends" (U.S. premiere) by Danish composer Henning Wellejus (2005); James Schroeder's "Black Forest" Concerto for Horn and Orchestra (world premiere) (2006); and "Extensions" Concerto for Guitar and Chamber Orchestra (world premiere) (2007). “Extensions” was also the orchestra's first commissioned work.