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Learn about the generous donors who have established charitable funds through Stark Community Foundation.
*Photography credited to Kelly Klein Photography
Although the Canton Symphony Orchestra is now in its 87th season, many community members are still discovering that a high-caliber ensemble, featuring top musicians from across the country, exists right here at home.
The Canton Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is determined to change that. A cultural shift is underway, transforming an institution once known for exclusivity into one that embraces inclusivity. Whether you’re a lifelong classical fan, a curious first-timer or someone looking for unique cultural experiences, the CSO offers something for everyone—welcoming all to share in the joy of music.
When the CSO was first founded in 1937, its prestige was accompanied by an air of formality and privilege, leaving some in the community unable to relate. Now, under new leadership, the symphony continues to reinvent itself. Its programming is evolving, blending classical masterpieces with contemporary works, highlighting pieces by women and composers of color and fostering collaborations with local organizations. These initiatives reflect one of CSO’s broader goals: to create an orchestral experience that entertains and introduces people from all backgrounds to the power of live orchestral music.
This season marks more than just another year—it’s a season of firsts. Matthew Jenkins Jaroszewicz begins his new role as music director, ushering in an exciting new chapter in the symphony’s history after the 43-year tenure of Maestro Gerhardt Zimmermann who passed unexpectedly in June 2023. For the first time, CSO is spotlighting No. 1 symphonies in almost all of its MasterWorks concerts, partnering with the Players Guild Theatre and welcoming Americana roots band, The Steel Wheels, for their debut performance with an orchestra. With new music, new partnerships and new ways of engaging audiences, the CSO is making one thing clear: This music is for everyone.
“What’s stopping us from playing Beethoven alongside an electric guitar?” said Rachel Hagemeier, who has served as CSO’s president and CEO since 2022. “We’re always pushing ourselves to find ways we can bridge the gap between orchestral music and pop culture.
HIGH-QUALITY ORCHESTRA
Currently, the CSO features more than 80 professional musicians nationwide. Some musicians call Canton, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio home, while others come from cities like Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wheeling, West Virginia and beyond.
“We aren’t a community orchestra, we’re an orchestra for our community,” shared Rachel.
Talented musicians are selected for the CSO through a highly competitive audition process that draws hundreds of applicants. Their day jobs vary, ranging from high school teachers and college professors to bank executives, engineers and more. Harpist Nancy Paterson of Ravenna, Ohio is the longest-serving member, having played with the CSO for 47 years.
All CSO musicians are members of the American Federation of Musicians, a labor union that negotiates their contracts with the symphony every three years. The CSO operates as a per-service orchestra, meaning performers are paid for each rehearsal and concert they participate in.
Together, the 80-plus full-member orchestra performs 11 times between September and May, with additional smaller performances throughout the year.
“Being a performer here takes a lot of work,” explained Rachel, who has a background in music performance herself. “During concert weeks, musicians come to Canton for rehearsals on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, practicing two hours each evening before their Saturday performance. But those rehearsals aren’t for learning the music—they’ve already spent weeks to months practicing on their own to master the pieces. Rehearsals are about perfecting the show as a group.”
INNOVATIVE PROGRAMMING
As part of its mission to present live orchestral music at the highest artistic level, the CSO offers a variety of classical, holiday, casual and educational programs throughout Stark County, drawing about 35,000 people annually. With an expanding lineup, the CSO averages one event every four days.
A cornerstone of its programming is the MasterWorks series—seven concerts showcasing classical music across centuries, cultures and genres. The series blends traditional favorites with contemporary works, with an emphasis on overlooked and underappreciated composers. Each concert can cost upwards of $70,000. One of this year’s concerts was Star Wars-inspired, highlighting music that influenced John Williams’ iconic film scores.
The CSO strives to engage new audiences by blending familiar and classical music.
"Classical music is an art form enjoyed by too few," shared Rachel. “It’s often overlooked because it isn’t front and center in our everyday lives.”
The Employers Health Pops Series helps bridge that gap, featuring more recognizable music. This year’s lineup includes a Journey tribute, a holiday concert and a collaborative performance with the Americana roots band, The Steel Wheels.
The orchestra also explores new genres through Divergent Sounds, pairing CSO musicians with regional artists to perform cross-genre collaborations in hip hop, rock, alternative and more.
“We’re always seeking ways to innovate and make our programming more sustainable and appealing,” Rachel said.
Community partnerships are central to the CSO’s mission. This season, the orchestra teamed up for the first time with the Players Guild Theatre to present Ragtime and expanded its collaboration with the Canton Ballet’s Nutcracker from two to four performances, with live music accompanying the ballet. Other partnerships include Listen at the Library with the Stark County District Library, Summer Serenades in the Park with Stark Parks and Saturday Strings with Lighthouse Ministries.
The CSO also continues to nurture the next generation of musicians through music education programs like the Young People’s Concert, SymphonyLand and Kinder Concert, all of which are aligned with Ohio’s learning standards. Recently, it launched Mindful Music Moments with TheWell in Cincinnati, Ohio to introduce
daily mindfulness rituals in local schools.
WHAT’S NEXT
Looking ahead, the CSO plans to strengthen its community partnerships, launch a strategic plan next summer, elevate its
profile and grow its audience and funding sources.
“When our audience grows, everything else grows with it,” Rachel said. “We want people to enjoy themselves and leave excited to come back.”
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Learn more about the Canton Symphony Orchestra at cantonsymphony.org