Mission
The mission of the Canton Symphony Orchestra is to perform and present orchestral music at the highest possible artistic level to enrich, entertain, educate, and challenge diverse audiences in a variety of settings. In doing so, we will serve our community, manage our resources responsibly, and be accountable to our donors, audiences, employees, and volunteers.
In carrying out the Association’s mission to perform and present live orchestral music at the highest possible artistic level, the orchestra will perform both standard and contemporary repertoire, with a continued focus on presenting artists of diverse backgrounds. It will continue to commission new music, showcase established guest soloists, and provide opportunities for new talent. It will provide service to American orchestras by offering its musicians experience in performing a wide range of repertoire under the direction of conductors of high quality.
Classical music is a rich, vibrant genre that spans centuries, continents, and cultures. There is so much to appreciate and to discover. The MasterWorks series is the main reason why the Canton Symphony Orchestra exists as a nonprofit performing arts organization. We offer seven MasterWorks concerts every year to our community, exploring the vast orchestral music canon.
The CSO performs traditional favorites, contemporary and new works, and showcases composers previously undiscovered or under-appreciated throughout history.
Every year, Canton Symphony Orchestra strives to reach new audiences. Classical music is an art form that is enjoyed by too few, often dismissed due to it not being front and center in our everyday lives. The Pops series exists to introduce audiences to orchestral programming with music that may be more familiar to them. Whether the full orchestra accompanies a rock band for nostalgic classics or features an amazing local band, you are sure to experience the full power of a symphony in a way that will keep you coming back for more.
The Canton Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to bringing supplemental music education to Stark county and beyond. We offer three education based concerts, Young People’s Concert, SymphonyLand, and Kinder Concert, in addition to a variety of community education programs.
Ready to join the music? Led by Music Director, Matthew Jenkins Jaroszewicz, the Canton Youth Symphony has grown to include three ensembles and is made up of students from nine counties in the Northeast Ohio area. Elementary through high school students occupy the three ensembles of the program. and enjoy the challenging and joyful educational experience that CYS creates.
Whether you are 3 or 103, the Canton Symphony Orchestra wants you to learn more about music and how to bring it into your life.
Discover the new sound when two different musical genres are combined into one unique concert experience. Hear Canton Symphony Orchestra musicians perform with some of the region’s most popular artists. Explore genres from Hip Hop, Alternative, Rock, to Bubble Grunge!
Find your niche, and discover new music that will crush the old idea of what going to an orchestra concert means.
History
The Canton Symphony Orchestra (CSO), based in Canton, Ohio, was founded in 1937 and held its inaugural concert on February 16, 1938, under the direction of its first music director, Richard Oppenheim. This debut performance at the City Auditorium attracted an audience of approximately 3,300 people, featuring musicians made up of members of the community.
In 1949, Louis Lane, then Assistant Conductor of the Cleveland Orchestra, became the CSO’s second music director, initiating a tradition where Cleveland Orchestra assistant conductors would lead the CSO. Under subsequent directors, including Michael Charry and Robert Marcellus, the orchestra expanded its programming and community engagement. A significant milestone was achieved on June 2, 1974, when the CSO attained metropolitan status, elevating its profile beyond that of a community orchestra.
The Canton Youth Symphonies were established in 1961 to nurture young talent and introduce children to orchestral music. This initiative has grown to become a hallmark of the CSO’s educational programming, providing training and performance opportunities to over 100 students from 10 counties surrounding the region. Additionally, community engagement has been a cornerstone of the CSO’s mission, exemplified by the founding of the Symphony League in 1963. This auxiliary group provided critical fundraising and volunteer support for decades before its disbandment in 2020. Following a revitalization effort by Rita Haines-Albright in 2023, the Symphony League has since grown to 28 members strong today.
Gerhardt Zimmermann assumed the role of music director in 1980, a position he held with distinction until his passing in 2023. During his tenure, the CSO continued to grow artistically and operationally. A notable development was the opening of the Zimmermann Symphony Center on July 13, 2014, providing the orchestra with a dedicated facility that consolidated administrative offices and rehearsal spaces, enhancing its operational efficiency and community visibility being directly attached to McKinley High School.
Following Zimmermann’s passing, Matthew Jenkins Jaroszewicz, who had been serving as Music Director Designate since August 2020, assumed leadership as Music Director for the 2024-2025 season. His tenure, though brief, marked the beginning of a new era of collaborative music-making and artistic exploration, reinforcing the CSO’s commitment to innovation and engagement.
In 2025, Jaroszewicz announced his departure to pursue other endeavors, concluding his tenure as Music Director at the end of the season. With his departure, the Canton Symphony Orchestra looks ahead to a bright future, embarking on a national search for its next Music Director over the next two years. During this time, the CSO will welcome guest conductors from around the world, offering the community a rich and dynamic musical experience while seeking top-tier talent to lead the orchestra into its next chapter.