General Info

About Waterbury Symphony Orchestra Founded in May 1938 under the direction of Maestro Mario DiCecco, the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra ( WSO ) has spent the past several decades promoting the understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of symphonic and orchestral music. Originally incorporated as the Waterbury Civic Orchestra ( 1940 ), the Symphony and its mission have grown in both vision and artistic merit, expanding from a community orchestra to the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra ( 1956 ). By the early 1970s, it became the only fully-professional symphony in Connecticut. The WSO is now led by Leif Bjaland, Musical Director and Conductor since 1994. The Symphony draws over 200 talented musicians from across New England to perform in our concert series at the Naugatuck Valley Community College Fine Arts Center and the Palace Theatre, both located in Waterbury. Through continued growth and development, the WSO aims to create and maintain a deeper connection with the local community. Additions to its concert series, fundraising events, a volunteer league and expanded educational programs are just a few ways the Symphony makes this happen. A masterful conducting style and artistic vision accompany Leif Bjaland's fifteen seasons with the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra. A Michigan native, Bjaland received his Master's in music from the University of Michigan, where he was a student of Gustav Meier and Elizabeth A.H. Green. He is the recipient of an honorary Doctor of Music degree, awarded by Susquehanna University. Following his debut conducting the New World Symphony in 1989, Maestro Bjaland received all-out praise from critics who have called him "a young sculptor in sound, " and "one of the key figures in the development of the New World Symphony." Bjaland has traveled the world throughout his career, guest conducting for several symphonies across the United States, Europe, Asia and New Zealand. Maestro Bjaland has been a professor of music ( Yale University, 1980s ) and takes an active interest as a music director. He has also served as a conductor for several operatic productions. His skills and dedication make him an incredible addition to the WSO.