The purpose of the ASO is to provide quality, affordable and accessible music in the Alexandria, Virginia regional area through its highly respected, innovative, and professional performances and programs. In addition to contributing to the community’s cultural life, the ASO is dedicated to strengthening music education in our schools, fostering a life-long appreciation of music, and expanding the availability of quality music to underserved audiences.

Northern Virginia’s premiere fully professional orchestra, the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1943 and has established a reputation for thematic and inter-arts programming that features a mix of classical and contemporary music. The ASO’s move in 2002 to the critically-acclaimed Schlesinger Center established its reach and reputation as one of the region’s leading arts institutions. The ASO has distinguished itself through powerful performances marked by poetry and vision.

The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, which produces a subscription season of 10 concerts, performs at the Alexandria Birthday Celebration and works with Alexandria public school students, has a $900,000+ budget and earns income through ticket sales and program book advertising. It receives support from the Symphony Orchestra League of Alexandria (SOLA), Alexandria Commission for the Arts, the Virginia Commission for the Arts and multiple foundations, businesses, and individuals.