75 Years of Song: A History of the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra

From its humble beginnings in 1899 when a group of women, led by Emma Babbitt, sponsored programs in the opera house on the second floor of the Babbitt building, to become a cornerstone of cultural heritage in Northern Arizona, this talk explores the rich history, transformative performances, and enduring impact of the FSO. Delve into the stories behind the music, the visionaries who shaped its legacy, and the community that has cherished its music-making for generations. Though the orchestra changed its name several times over the past seventy-five years, its vision has remained the same: to share beauty and inspire joy; to create meaningful experiences for families, friends, and neighbors; and to help cultivate generations of artists, educators, and leaders through its music education programs.

About the Presenter:

Stephanie Stallings has dedicated over twenty years to crafting initiatives that foster community involvement, with a focus on creating enriching experiences involving art and music. Her professional journey includes notable roles with the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, Emerging Arts Leaders/Los Angeles, and the Folger Shakespeare Library. Stephanie assumed the role of Executive Director at the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra in February 2022, leading the organization through a transformative period marked by a strategic plan aimed at revitalizing audience and community engagement after Covid-19.

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