The Syracuse Symphony Orchestra quickly evolved from its beginning in 1961 as a community orchestra into a fully professional resident orchestra serving the entire Central and Northern New York State region. Today an ensemble of national acclaim, the Symphony boasts 80 musicians and a conducting staff of international caliber, and performs full-orchestra and chamber ensemble concerts throughout Central and Northern New York, reaching more than 225,000 audience members during its 39-week season. At the conclusion of the 2009-2010 season, the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra will have presented 132 or more concerts—91 full-orchestra concerts and 41 ensemble performances throughout the region. The SSO will have visited 16 counties and 35 cities and towns across New York State.