About Us

History of the Palace Theatre

The WSO was founded in 1969 by several area musicians and community leaders who wished to have a good local orchestra perform under the direction of an outstanding conductor. Dr. Karp, a noted conductor and later General and Music Director of the Pittsburgh Opera, fit the bill. Amateur musicians were initially used for the four-concert season at Greensburg Salem High School, but under Dr. Karp’s tutelage, the orchestra grew each year both in size and quality of sound. In 1974, the orchestra presented the first of its annual outdoor summer concerts, and the Visiting Artists Program, a school ensemble program, was introduced. When Dr. Karp became ill in 1975, Michalak, then Assistant Conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony, took over, remaining through the 1977-78 season.

The 1978-79 season was marked by a conductor search, with the job going to Markou, then Associate Conductor of the Canton (Ohio) Symphony. In his first season (1979-80), the orchestra moved to a new hall (the then newly renovated Palace Theatre) and presented five subscription concerts. During his 31-year tenure, the quality of performance steadily improved, reaching critical acclaim in recent years.

During the 2011-2012 season when the national search for a new conductor was whittled down to two finalists, Maestro Meyer was the WSO’s Artistic Advisor. The job title was changed to Artistic Director when he signed his contract at mid-year.

Each December for the past several decades, the orchestra presented Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker at the Palace Theatre and, annually since 1975 has offered Young People’s Concerts, two one-hour daytime concerts for area elementary school students held at Greensburg Salem High School. The WSO looks forward to resuming these presentations next season.

Maestro Markou founded the Westmoreland Youth Symphony Orchestra in 1981 and conducted the orchestra in its first years. The WSO Academy of Music was founded by Morrie Brand in 2005, creating more than 12 additional music education programs for youth and adults.

In 2021-2022 the WSO presents its 53rd anniversary season. The WSO continues to provide classical performances and quality education for the region because of the loyal support of our amazing community. We look forward to a bright future full of incredible music.

2023-2024 Season

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Recent blog posts

Classics on the Rocks at West Overton

WSO Presents “Classics on the Rocks” Concert in the Barn at West Overton The Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra will present “Classics on the Rocks” a unique concert and whiskey tasting experience at West Overton in Scottdale on Thursday, June 8 at 7:00 p.m. The evening concert will be held in West Overton’s historic five-story barn and features the WSO Cello Ensemble,… Read More

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WSO 21st Annual Hat Luncheon

The Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra’s annual Hat Luncheon returns to the Greensburg Country Club on Saturday, June 3, 2023. Co-chairpersons Karen Kohut and Diane Nickoloff welcome guests to the champagne reception beginning at 11:00 a.m. and the luncheon at noon. The event will be held on the spacious outdoor porch area and ballrooms. In addition to gift baskets and silent auction… Read More

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Beethoven’s Mass in C – April 22, 2023

The Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra presents its 54th season finale Beethoven’s Mass in C on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at the Palace Theatre in Greensburg, beginning at 7:30 p.m.  The concert opens with Stravinsky’s Danses concertantes and concludes with Beethoven’s Mass in C. “Beethoven’s Mass in C is a brilliant, energetic, and touching musical document from the grand tradition established by… Read More

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