Kentucky Symphony Orchestra
The Kentucky Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1992 as the Northern Kentucky Symphony, to make symphony concerts more friendly, accessible, relevant and entertaining. All KSO programs are built around a unifying concept or theme to which the music is related. The formula and subsequent marketing have allowed a professional orchestra south of the river to thrive and serve over 600,000 regional residents in the past 23 years (125,407 of those students at free school concerts, nearly 350,000 via its free Devou Park Summer series)
Visit WebsiteAudience members often remark that they never know what to expect, but they do know a KSO program will be unique, educational, fun and of high quality. With a range of musical collaborations and innovations over 23 seasons, the KSO has also developed several subsidiary groups to specialize in authentic and nostalgic performances focusing on America’s musical heritage, including: The Flood Wall Jazz Quintet, The Newport Ragtime Band, The Covington Devou-Doo Daddies and The KSO Boogie Band. These groups are often featured, along with the Symphony, at the KSO’s traditional free concerts in Covington’s Devou Park, which have brought acts like Over the Rhine, Blessid Union of Souls, Broadway stars and circus acts to the KSO’s Summer series. The CIWF’s support of these programs reach an average of 15,000 area residents each summer. Quality and variety continue to be distinguishing traits of both the KSO and the CIWF.
“The KSO is truly honored to be a beneficiary of the Cincinnati International Wine Festival. The Festival’s annual efforts to support select non-profits, together with the staging of the region’s most convivial gathering each year, greatly enhance our entire region’s quality of life. The Kentucky Symphony toasts and thanks the CIWF for its generous gift.”
— James Cassidy, Music Director, Kentucky Symphony Orchestra