East Texas Symphony Orchestra

From the concert hall to the classroom to the community, the East Texas Symphony Orchestra (ETSO) has played a vital role in the cultural life of Tyler and the surrounding region since 1936, fulfilling its mission to engage and inspire the community through outstanding music education and performance. Under the artistic direction of Maestro Richard Lee, the professional musicians of the ETSO perform throughout the community. The annual program of works includes a subscription series at the UT Tyler Cowan Center, special concert events in partnership with Tyler Junior College, a free Labor Day weekend concert – Symphony in the Park, and small ensemble performances at unique venues. The orchestra’s educational offerings center on the Link Up program from Carnegie Hall, which reaches some 4,000 fourth- and fifth-grade students in the region through standards-based curriculum, culminating in a participatory concert with the ETSO. As a non-profit organization, ETSO relies on support from the community through individual and corporate donations, foundation support, and grant awards to fund its activities. Ticket sales comprise less than 20% of the annual revenue. ETSO is currently led by Executive Director Robin Hampton and a dynamic board of directors comprised of community leaders from a variety of disciplines and industries.