This year marks the fourteenth and final season of Maestro Fountain’s musical tenure in southwest Michigan. In his time with the SMSO, Fountain has led a transformation of the orchestra’s performance level, repertoire and scope and introduced new initiatives like a summer concert series, a choral partnership (Southwest Michigan Symphony Chorus) and instrumental music instruction for underprivileged and at-risk youth in the County (Music Makers).

The SMSO is a wonderful ensemble, and a wonderful organization. It provides a truly important service to its community. It deserves, and will attract, musical director talent that can help ensure its continued success going forward. – Robin Fountain