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

Mahler’s Epic Titan Symphony March 9th

Westmoreland Symphony Presents Mahler’s Titan with guest artist featuring Micah Wilkinson, trumpet The Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra presents Mahler’s Titan on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. at the Palace Theatre in Greensburg. The centerpiece of the concert is Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 ‘Titan.’ “Mahler’s symphony is extraordinary not only in its breadth but also in its emotional content. Mahler… Read More

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Young Artists Competition Winners 2024

The Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra announces that the 2024 Young Artists Competition Winners’ recital will be held at the Seton Hill University Performing Arts Center on Sunday, February 11, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public. On Sunday, February 4, 2024, the finalists competed for cash prizes and a chance to perform at the Winners’… Read More

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Hear Beethoven’s Iconic Fifth Symphony February 10

The Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra presents Beethoven’s Fifth on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. at the Palace Theatre in Greensburg. Tickets | learn more The centerpiece of the concert is Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5. “There is no more iconic symphony of Beethoven than the Fifth with those famous first four notes,” said Daniel Meyer, Artistic Director. Composed in 1808… Read More

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