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Upcoming Events
partnering with our local schools

KSO EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH

Our history of supporting youth through music goes back to 1964 when the first ever KSO Youth Concerto Competition was held. Through the continued partnership with the Kenosha Unified School District, the KSO presented its annual Youth Concerts of age-appropriate live symphonic performances designed to “inspire minds” through expanding musical knowledge and cultural awareness. These concerts are also made free to all who attend. The KSO is striving to contribute to the community through high-quality, multi-dimensional music experiences. With an exciting year planned, and a greater expansion of public performances and youth-centric programming, all are invited to join the KSO in spreading the joy of live symphonic music within our community.

an example of our partnership

the fire of youth concert, 2025

The Fire of Youth Concert started from the vision of Mr. John Kuehl, a board member with the Kenosha Symphony Orchestra. What is a better bond between the student musicians in area high schools and the professional musicians of the KSO could be created? What could be done that would not only provide an educational experience for the youth, but an entertaining and musically strong program for the greater community? Out of this, the Fire of Youth program was forged. Jullian Craig with the Kenosha News wrote a lovely story highlighting this partnership!

a board member's perspective

“The principal mission of the Kenosha Symphony Orchestra is to be a bridge between the Kenosha community and the arts.  Rather than being a museum of the music of the past, we seek to be a living and breathing organization sustaining and passing on the great orchestral legacy to future generations.
 
The KSO presents its annual spring youth concert to introduce Kenosha fifth graders to the sounds and experiences of a live professional orchestra. For many of these students, the youth concert is their first and perhaps only opportunity to be exposed to the grandeur and power of the symphony orchestra. We hope that many of these students will fall in love with the idea of playing in an orchestra and will decide to join the orchestra program at their school.
 
Additionally, the KSO has begun this year to perform side by side collaboration concerts to give Kenosha upperclassmen string players the experience of preparing for and performing a major orchestral work with professional musicians. The idea is to give these young musicians a mountaintop experience that will not only make a lasting impression but will launch many of them on a trajectory to continue their playing as an adult whether as a career or an avocation.”

the kenosha symphony orchestra

FIND US

Our offices are located in the Kenosha Creative Space – a collaborative area filled with like-minded, creative organizations. (624 57th Street, Kenosha, WI 53140). Performances take place at various locations throughout the community. Have questions? Feel free to reach out to our wonderful team!

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