Fifty-eight years ago, the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra (‘SMSO’) was created to provide the southwest Michigan region with exceptional live music year-round, both culturally and educationally. Throughout its history, the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra has evolved with its ever-expanding and diverse audience. Today under the direction of Music Director Robin Fountain, the SMSO has acquired a reputation in the tri-state area for featuring new, surprising, and challenging works in a non-traditional repertoire.  The summer of 2008 saw the debut of The Water’s Edge Summer Music Festival, offering a series of outdoor concerts on the shores of Lake Michigan, with great success. Educationally, the programs supported by the SMSO have strived to bridge the economic gap in southwest Michigan schools. These include The Lake Michigan Youth Orchestra, the Young People’s Concert, Master Classes and Musicians in Schools.  

The SMSO operates as a non-profit 501(c)(3).  A 29 member volunteer board guides the organization, and the administration runs the day to day operations from their downtown St. Joseph office. 

The SMSO office is located at 513 Ship St. and can be reached at 269.982.4030.