Heartland Symphony Orchestra

About Us

The Heartland Symphony Orchestra (HSO) was incorporated in 1977 by a group of musicians from Little Falls and Brainerd. Hazel Johnson Wunsch was the first conductor of the orchestra. Today it has grown to a 50-piece volunteer community orchestra with players of all ages. The Symphony’s goals are to bring orchestral music to concertgoers in our area, to acquaint young people with the beauty of classical music, and to provide an opportunity for trained musicians to play together regularly.

HSO is unique because it is not based in one community but draws its players and concertgoers from a large area in central Minnesota. The fall, winter, and spring concerts presented each season are performed in both Little Falls and Brainerd, and sometimes in surrounding communities upon request. Weekly rehearsals alternate between Brainerd and Little Falls.

The orchestra is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors from central Minnesota. These board members actively serve on committees concerning all aspects of running the orchestra. To inquire about serving on the board or to become a much needed HSO volunteer call 1-800-826-1997 or visit us online at www.heartlandsymphony.com

HSO hosts annual competitions that alternate years between the Composition Competition and the Echo Kowalzek Youth Concerto Competiton where the winners are featured in the Spring Concert Series each year.

Symphony concerts. Music education. Youth auditions. Free season brochure. Volunteer opportunities.