History

In 1975, a community orchestra was formed in Bellingham to perform for local bicentennial celebrations. Due to the continued enthusiasm and support of those musicians and the community at large, the orchestra achieved permanence. After three years, Nicholas Bussard became the first Music Director/Conductor. Mr. Bussard led the symphony for 18 years before retiring in 1997.

Roger Briggs, who served as Associate Conductor for three years, was named to succeed Bussard. Dr. Briggs also serves as coordinator of the music composition program at Western Washington University. An accomplished and renowned composer, his works have been recorded in the United States and abroad.

Every year, the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra serves thousand of children in Whatcom County through the annual Family Concert and the Symphony's music education outreach program. The Symphony has an ambitious community service agenda of education outreach program designed to share the joys of music with children and inspire them to play music. These programs include Beethoven In The Schools, Musicians In The Schools, the Instrument Loan Program and Chamber Music NOW!

The Whatcom Symphony Orchestra presents six subscription concerts each season, including our annual Holiday and Pops concerts. Classical repertoire ranges from the Baroque Era to modern works, with an emphasis on appealing to a wide variety of musical tastes. Most concerts also feature professional and world-renowned guest artists.

Orchestra members, all of whom are volunteers, range in age from 16 to over 75 and include local music teachers, active and retired professional musicians, and community members from all backgrounds.

The Whatcom Symphony Orchestra is the resident orchestra at Bellingham's historic Mount Baker Theatre. Most concerts draw close to 1300 people and often sell out the theatre's capacity of 1500. The symphony continues to be a vital part of the cultural life in Northwest Washington and Lower Mainland British Columbia and provides a performance venue for more than 85 local and regional musicians.