The Allentown Symphony Orchestra (ASO ) is a major regional symphony orchestra based in Allentown, Pennsylvania in the United States. Founded in 1951, the orchestra's current home is the historic, 1200-seat Allentown Symphony Hall, located in downtown Allentown. The orchestra has the distinction of being the smallest symphony in the United States to own its own performance hall. [1] ASO performs five subscription concerts per year. In addition, the orchestra's educational, youth and family concerts reach more than 5,000 children each year. The orchestra also hosts the Symphony Ball, for decades a leading annual social event in the Lehigh Valley. [2]

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History

The Allentown Symphony has had only three music directors throughout its history. Emmy-nominated Donald Voorhees, noted conductor of the The Bell Telephone Hour and Cavalcade of America radio and television show orchestras, served as the music director of the Allentown Symphony for over thirty years (1951 to 1983). Under his direction, the orchestra collaborated with such notable musicians as Placido Domingo, Phyllis Curtin, Rudolf Serkin, John Corigliano, Benny Goodman and many others. William Smith, assistant conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted the Symphony from 1986 to 1990. In 1995, the Allentown Symphony appointed Diane Wittry as its third music director and conductor.

Schadt String Competition

Established in 1997, the Edwin H. and Leigh W. Schadt String Competition is a national solo string competition run by the Allentown Symphony Orchestra. The competition alternates each year between violin, cello and classical guitar. First prize is a $5,000 cash award and a solo concerto engagement with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra. ^[3] The competition is named for, and underwritten by a trust established by Edwin H. Schadt (1910-1994) and Leigh W. Schadt (1904-1996), sons of a wealthy Lehigh Valley grocery wholesaler. ^[4]

Music Directors

• Diane Wittry (1995-present)
• William Smith (1986-1990)
• Donald Voorhees (1951-1983)

References

1. About Symphony Hall
2. About the ASO
3. Schadt Competition
4. The Schadt Brothers