Founded in 1957, the FSO is recognized as one of the best regional, professional orchestras in the country. It enriches the artistic life of the community with conveniently-located performances at GMU’s Center for the Arts and through educational programs for all ages. Recently, the Washington Post described the Orchestra as “dazzling…organic…and brilliant.” Each year, the FSO performs 6-10 Masterworks concerts at GMU, as well as over 30 free performances in Fairfax County parks during the summer. The FSO is also orchestra in residence at the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival in Orkney Springs, VA in July. Through its partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools, the FSO is actively engaged in the music education of our youth, with over 70 assemblies, mentoring sessions, and side by side concerts in schools throughout the region each year. In all, the FSO reaches over 25,000 individuals and families through more than 100 performances and outreach events each year. The mission of the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra is to explore and present the symphonic repertoire, both traditional and modern, for the diverse audiences of the Northern Virginia region while building the musicians and audiences of the future through education and outreach programs.