Summary
Organization name
Alexandria Symphony Orchestra
Tax id (EIN)
54-0805937
Categories
Arts & Culture
Address
700 N Fairfax StreetAlexandria, VA 22314
Alexandria Symphony Orchestra
A nonprofit organization
$11,142 raised by 41 donors
80% complete
$14,000 Goal
About
Dinner w ASO!
Our Goal
Funds from Spring2action support all ASO's programs including orchestra concerts, ASO Sympatico, the annual Alexandria Birthday Celebration concert and other community engagement initiatives!
Mission Statement
The purpose of the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra (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.
ASO - A Brief History
Founded in 1943, the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra presents five subscription series programs at two venues from September/October to April. The ASO underwrites Sympatico, an El Sistema-inspired music education program at John Adams Elementary School (Alexandria City Public Schools) throughout the school year. The ASO performs at the Alexandria Birthday Celebration in Oronoco Bay Park each July and presents a chamber concert each spring. In total, the organization reaches more than 20,000 people annually through performances, music education programs and community engagement.
ASO Sympatico, the education program of the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, is based on the internationally recognized El Sistema model, which uses music to help underserved youth develop critical life skills and reach their full potential. Part of a global network spanning 50 countries and over 100 U.S. programs, Sympatico is a member of El Sistema USA, providing access to national collaboration and professional development. An ASO trustee and Sympatico founder was recently appointed to its Board of Directors.
ASO Sympatico, the education program of the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, is based on the internationally recognized El Sistema model, which uses music to help underserved youth develop critical life skills and reach their full potential. Part of a global network spanning 50 countries and over 100 U.S. programs, Sympatico is a member of El Sistema USA, providing access to national collaboration and professional development. An ASO trustee and Sympatico founder was recently appointed to its Board of Directors.
ASO Sympatico Background
ASO Sympatico was founded in 2013 at John Adams Elementary School (JAES) in Alexandria City Public Schools as an El Sistema-inspired program, created through the vision and generosity of dedicated ASO supporters committed to transforming underserved children’s lives through music. The program provides intensive, ensemble-based music education to students with the greatest need, fostering joy, confidence, and a sense of pride through shared musical achievement.
Sympatico serves students as young as five through five daily, hour-long ensembles: Cantamos (chorus), bucket band, Mallet Machine (Orff/mallets), Fiddle Factory (strings), and Basic Beats and Beyond (K–2). Based at John Adams Elementary School, a Title I Targeted Assistance School where all students receive free meals, the program is offered at no cost, with no prerequisites, and is inclusive of students of all abilities, including those with special needs. In September 2025, Sympatico expanded to Francis C. Hammond Middle School, launching its first ensemble, Rhythm and Grooves.
Distinguished by its daily instruction and consistent ensemble collaboration, Sympatico delivers a highly focused and transformative experience for participating students. It remains the only program of its kind in the Washington, D.C. region and has received multiple honors, including the Yale Distinguished Music Education Partnership Award (2015), a City of Alexandria proclamation of excellence (2016), and Dominion Energy’s Shining Star Award (2020).
ASO Family Concerts
Introduced in January 2024, ASO launched its annual family concert series to provide an engaging and accessible entry point to live orchestral music for audiences of all ages. Produced by Symphonica Productions, these concerts are thoughtfully designed to be creative, educational, and entertaining, blending high-quality performance with interactive elements that inspire curiosity and enjoyment among children and adults alike.
ASO is proud to offer these family concerts at no cost, removing financial barriers and ensuring that all members of the community have the opportunity to experience and connect with live symphonic music together.
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Organization Data
Alexandria, VA 22314