The Amarillo Symphony was founded in 1924 as a 12-piece ensemble led by Miss Grace Hamilton. Within eight years the volunteer organization grew to 56 musicians. The 1930-40s were a tremendous challenge for the Symphony as financial hardships caused the musical leadership to change six times in one decade. By the end of the 1940s, the Board considered disbanding the Symphony. New Music Director A. Clyde Roller and violinist Eddie Melin stepped forward to work with President Lee Bivins to devise a plan to eliminate the deficit and improve the orchestra.

Dr. Roller became a pivotal figure in the dramatic artistic growth of this era, instituting musician auditions and raising the artistic level. Mr. Melin became the Symphony's manager, implementing sound financial procedures and facilitating community programs that focused on fundraising and education. Aiding these gentlemen was the Symphony Guild, founded in 1955, as a vital means of community support.

In 1969, the Symphony was in serious debt, and the Guild initiated a daring fundraising project - Action, Opus '70. Guest auctioneer and former Governor John Connally and others auctioned off an array of gifts - antique cars, trips around the world, a caboose donated by Santa Fe Railroad and more. The event eliminated the debt and raised funds which were placed into a trust that has grown to a sizeable endowment for the Symphony.

In 1980, Sybil B. Harrington provided a large gift to the Symphony and West Texas A&M University to split the costs for a resident string quartet. Every year the Harrington String Quartet presents concerts in Amarillo and Canyon, while its members maintain teaching responsibilities at WTAMU and a touring schedule.

In 2006, the Symphony made its debut in a world-class venue, the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, and Kimbo Ishii-Eto was named the 16th Music Director & Conductor. Kimbo is a renowned conductor who has worked extensively in Europe, Asia, and the U.S.

Now in its 87th season, the Amarillo Symphony employs 85 professional musicians with an annual budget of more than $1.2 million. In addition to its seven-concert series, the Symphony partners with the Lone Star Ballet to present annual performances of The Nutcracker and annual educational concerts. The Amarillo Youth Orchestra has 200 members in beginning, intermediate and advanced ensembles. A volunteer Board of Directors of governs the organization. The Symphony is supported by nearly 2,300 subscribers and an active Guild of nearly 400 members.

If you would like to learn more about the Amarillo Symphony, or browse our wonderful collection of historical photographs, newspaper clippings, programs and more please visit our office at 1000 S. Polk. 

Do you have a piece of the Amarillo Symphony's history? We would love for you to share that with us. Historical publicity, programs, photographs, oral history- we have a growing archive of our rich history and welcome additions.  Call us or drop by our office!