The Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra (GGFSO) is a community orchestra based in Grand Forks, North Dakota that began operation in 1908. One of only a handful of American orchestras to have surpassed their centennial year, the symphony employs local and regional musicians in performances of classical and modern symphonic music. It’s mission – “to put excellence on stage.” Fourteen conductors have held the post of Music Director during the life of the symphony. George Stout – 1908-1910 William Wellington Norton – 1911-1918 E.H. Wilcox 1918 Fred Biedelman Knute Fraysaa thru 1930 John E. Howard – 1930 – 1933 Leo M. Haesle – 1933 – 1965 Bill Pond – 1965 – 1966 Thomas Facey – 1966-1971 Jack Miller – 1971-1983 John Deal – 1983 – 1994 Tim Rolek – 1995-2005 James Hannon – 2006-2009 Alexander Platt – 2010 – 2014 Alejandro Drago – 2015 – Present Famed composers brought their batons to Grand Forks: Ernst von Dohnanyi conducted in 1955 and Gunther Schuller in 1978. Yehudi Menuhin, the most notable soloist to appear in the symphony’s history, performed in 1962.