The Longmont Symphony Orchestra (LSO) was founded in 1966 by adult education director Phil Mattoon, and conductors, Leo Meyer and Walter Birkedahl. The first concert was held in April 1966. In 1970, Leo Meyer became the conductor and served in that position for twelve seasons. After his retirement in 1983, Dr. Robert Olson, was selected as Music Director of the LSO. After 34 years, Dr. Olson announced his retirement, and he has been named LSO Conductor Emeritus.  Elliot Moore was selected as the LSO’s new music director commencing July 1, 2017. During its first full season (1966-1967), the symphony presented four concerts with a budget of $1,645.

The LSO now presents 15 performances per year (twelve Mainstage concerts at Vance Brand Civic Auditorium; a free July 4th concert at Thompson Park; a Holiday performance; several chamber orchestra concerts at Longmont Museum’s Stewart Auditorium; two full performances of The Nutcracker with the Boulder Ballet, plus a shortened Gentle Nutcracker for individuals with special needs and their families; and a pair of concerts for all St. Vrain Valley School District 5th graders), and has an active education and outreach program, with an annual budget of approximately $600,000+.