New Albany Symphony Orchestra

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Who We Are: New Albany Symphony Orchestra (NASO) is a nonprofit community orchestra made up of professional, community, and student musicians, ranging in age from 12-76 years old. Founded in 2007 by New Albany resident and violist Heather Garner and led by Maestro Luis Biava, the 85-piece orchestra performs concerts year-round in the beautiful Jeanne B. McCoy CommunityCenter for the Arts and the Charleen and Charles Hinson Amphitheater located in the heart of New Albany. Under the NASO umbrella, the New Albany Symphony Chorus made its debut in 2019, and is now 75 voices strong.

What We Do:

We present high level performances in a community setting to audiences spanning 179 unique Ohio zip codes and 25 different states.
We collaborate with local artists and arts organizations and find meaningful ways to share the same stage, because we are all stronger together.
We break barriers associated with classical music and offer free sensory-friendly concerts designed especially for those on the autism spectrum, in the dementia/Alzheimer’s community, families with young children, or anyone desiring a more relaxed concert style.
We shape the next generation of artists and give students the opportunity to perform alongside professionals in the field.

Why We’re Important: Music, if done the right way, is a connector. NASO connects professional and student musicians on stage and strives to make classical music accessible for all audiences. Live music sparks innovation and creativity in those who experience it and regular exposure, whether on stage or in the audience, allows us all to think bigger, be better, have empathy and compassion, and use our minds to solve the world’s most complex problems. NASO provides memorable musical moments that open the doors of possibility for our youth, our memory care attendees and our friends and neighbors, within a welcoming community setting.

How We Impact the Community: We’ve accomplished a lot together since our founding 15 years ago, from our many collaborations with area arts partners, our wonderful guest artists who have visited our community, our sensory friendly programming, our student concerto competition, our July 4th 5K race, holiday gift basket fundraiser and Kentucky Derby gala. NASO brings us all together-regardless of age, economic status, ethnicity, or cultural background.

How You Can Help: NASO is happy to customize your individual interests with our organizational goals. Please contact Heather Garner at hgarner@newalbanysymphony.com or 614-323-1237 for a personalized donor meeting. Ready to join the NASO donor family now? Visit newalbanysymphony.com and click “Support.”