Founded in 1952 as an orchestra of volunteer musicians, the Valley Symphony Orchestra (VSO) celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2021-22 and is now in its 73rd year of live symphonic performances. Under the baton of Dr. Carl Seale, the orchestra was established as a student and community ensemble at the University of Texas-Pan American, a legacy institution of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and has since developed into an all-professional ensemble under the direction of Maestro Peter Dabrowski. Historically, VSO performances have provided the only consistent symphonic outlet available in South Texas and have been met with enthusiastic community support and appreciation. The Valley Symphony Orchestra is a resident ensemble at the McAllen Performing Arts Center, the City’s state-of-the-art performance hall that opened in 2017. Annually, the VSO presents five to six masterworks concerts, educational concerts, several special chamber and community events, plus Bravo! VSO, their annual fundraising gala.