Striking a Chord for Nearly 50 Years
For over 45 years, the Susquehanna Symphony Orchestra has been making Harford County smile—one note at a time. Our all-volunteer musicians pour their hearts into every performance, and thousands of happy concertgoers later, we’re still playing strong (and playing favorites).
Our Mission
The Susquehanna Symphony Orchestra (SSO) is an all-volunteer community arts organization that performs diverse orchestral works to enrich, enlighten, and educate both its talented musicians and engaged audiences. Through a variety of collaborations and partnerships, the SSO contributes to the rich artistic and cultural landscape, which is the heartbeat and soul of Harford County, Maryland, and the surrounding communities.
Our Vision
The Susquehanna Symphony Orchestra uses symphonic music to entertain and connect Harford County and the surrounding area.
A Musical Presence in Harford County
The Susquehanna Symphony Orchestra, a non-profit community orchestra, serves the Harford County community and provides opportunities for local musicians to perform challenging classical repertoire. It was founded in 1978 by Sheldon Bair as the Harford Community Orchestra. In 1982, the name was changed to the Susquehanna Symphony Orchestra. It is composed of 75 all-volunteer amateur and professional musicians that come from all walks of life and professional endeavors. In fact, over 700 county residents have played with the SSO since it began. The SSO presents a four-concert subscription season in addition to one or two “pop” al fresco or benefit events.
A Community Orchestra with a Distinctive Voice
The SSO brings together musicians from across Harford County to perform compelling classical works, championing composers and music you won’t hear everywhere else.
The Susquehanna Symphony Orchestra specializes in new and unusual repertoire, often featuring unjustly neglected works. In fact, the SSO has developed a reputation for performing such music. Examples are multi-cultural music by composers such as William Grant Still, David Amram, Benny Russell, and James Lee III. Our audiences enjoy the variety of offerings, and the music director explains the music to be performed from the stage. Composers often attend and provide pre-concert lectures.
Our Board of Directors and Support Staff
The all-volunteer SSO Board and staff guides everything from strategic planning and fundraising to backstage logistics and intermission delights. They meet regularly to make sure the music plays on.
Sheldon Bair, Founder and Music Director
Richard Johnson, President
Cary Chabalowski, Vice President
Bernadette Solounias, Secretary
Jim Weed, Treasurer
Amanda Mashack, Business Manager and Marketing Manager
Domoniqué Hittner, Historian
Jill Smith, Librarian
Amy Wilkinson, Personnel Manager
Anne Pape, Student Personnel Manager
Board Members:
Molly Chabalowski
Jessica Conklin
Laura Ruth Donall
Domoniqué Hittner
Felicia Martin
Carlton J. Moss, Jr., Esq.
Anne Pape
Carol Thompson
Amy Wilkinson
Danielle Willard
