The Canton Symphony Orchestra (CSO), based in Canton, Ohio, was founded in 1937 and has grown from a community ensemble to a respected metropolitan orchestra. Over the decades, it has expanded its artistic programming and deepened its commitment to education and community engagement, notably through initiatives like the Canton Youth Symphonies, Symphony League, and the CSO Chorus.

The CSO’s growth continued under long-time music director Gerhardt Zimmermann, with milestones such as the opening of the Zimmermann Symphony Center in 2014. Following his passing in 2023, Matthew Jenkins Jaroszewicz led the orchestra into a new era before announcing his departure at the end of the 2024–2025 season.

As the CSO begins its search for a new Music Director, it remains dedicated to artistic excellence and community enrichment, welcoming guest conductors from around the world to shape its next chapter.

Mission: The mission of the Canton Symphony Orchestra is to perform and present orchestral music at the highest possible artistic level to enrich, entertain, educate, and challenge diverse audiences in a variety of settings. In doing so, we will serve our community, manage our resources responsibly, and be accountable to our donors, audiences, employees, and volunteers.