The Seattle Symphony is a leading American orchestra based in Seattle, Washington. Since 1998, it has performed at Benaroya Hall and also accompanies the Seattle Opera.
History of the Seattle Symphony
Early Beginnings (1903–1919)
- The orchestra debuted on December 29, 1903, under conductor Harry West.
- Originally named the Seattle Symphony, it became the Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra in 1911.
- In 1919, it reorganized as the Seattle Symphony Orchestra under new bylaws.
- Financial struggles forced the cancellation of the 1921–22 season.
Revival Under Karl Krueger (1926–1947)
- The orchestra resumed performances in 1926, led by Karl Krueger.
Merger with Tacoma Philharmonic (1947–1948)
- In 1947, the Seattle Symphony merged with the Tacoma Philharmonic, forming the Pacific Northwest Symphony Orchestra.
- Concerts took place in Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia, conducted by Carl Bricken and Eugene Linden.
- The partnership lasted only one season before the Seattle Symphony withdrew.
Musician Rebellion & Reorganization (1948–1955)
- A musician-board dispute in 1948 led most players to form the Seattle Orchestra, a self-managed group conducted by Linden.
- Meanwhile, the Seattle Symphony planned an independent season at Meany Hall (UW) under Stanley Chapple.
- The Symphony’s season was canceled, while the Seattle Orchestra debuted on November 23, 1948.
- The two groups later merged, keeping the Seattle Symphony Orchestra name.
- Musicians retained board representation until 1955, when conductor Milton Katims ended the partnership system.
The Seattle Symphony Today
The orchestra remains a cornerstone of Seattle’s arts scene, performing diverse repertoire and engaging the community.