In August of 1944, the Second World War was trudging towards its final phases. Under difficult conditions, and in a time when the performance arts had given way to the war effort, Seattle CPA George M. Ross sought solace and spiritual renewal in music. A talented violinist, Ross had gathered with colleagues — casual musicians all — to rehearse the classics. These successful besinessmen had continued to study their instruments since their university days, purely for pleasure. Their musical gatherings were equally successful —so much so that Ross envisioned a permanent organization. The others agreed, and the Seattle Philharmonic and Choral Society was officially formed. The founders embraced two visions: to sustain a civic, not-for-profit orchestra composed of fine musicians who had chosen other professional careers; and to provide a premiere venue for area soloists pursuing professional musical careers.

By the spring of '45, the orchestra had grown to more than 70 musicians, and Don Bushell had signed on as the group's first regular music director and conductor. The first concert was presented March 23, 1945 at Seattle’s Moore Theatre. The orchestra was joined by more than one hundred voices to complete the Chorus.

Bushell, chairman of the Music Department at Western Washington College at Bellingham, began his musical journey as a cellist in the Ballard High School orchestra, and played professionally with the Seattle Symphony. He earning his degree in Music from the University of Washington, and continued his studies at theCornish School for the Arts and Mills College. Ross’ insight and Bushell’s leadership introduced Seattle to a community-driven orchestra — an unpaid assembly of residents devoted to musical expression, education and enjoyment.

Bushell organized an annual concerto competition that was later named in his honor. The Don Bushell Competition has become a vehicle to introduce and showcase upcoming musicians from our regional to the professional performance circuit. The competition winner is awarded a solo appearance with the Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra, and receives a financial grant to assist in musical career development.

Although the orchestra as a whole continued to prosper, the choral division disbanded in 1964 due to declining participation. The rechristened Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra remained under the direction of Bushell for 22 years before he passed the baton to his successor.

Jerome "Jerry" Glass stepped up to the podium in 1968. He held the post for the next 11 years, and his role as SPO Music Director overlaid his 28-year tenure as a music professor and conductor at Western Washington University. Glass brought to the job a mixture of enthusiasm, discipline and respect for the musicians that helped to raise the performance level of the orchestra. Glass was a proponent of 20th Century composers, and pushed the orchestra to explore adventurous works while always keeping the expectations of the audience in mind. He led the SPO through numerous fundraiser events to support scholarship funds, public radio and other community causes. Greatly loved by his students and colleagues, Glass is remembered as a great mentor and as a charismatic leader who enriched the lives of those who played with him.

Nico Snel, third conductor of the Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra from 1979 to 1995, was equally beloved by the orchestra members. He survived the Nazi invasion of his native Holland to emigrate to the United States at age 15. When he settled with his family in Oakland, California, Snel was already an accomplished student of the piano and violin. Within a year, he joined the Oakland Symphony as the youngest member ever of the First Violins. During his service years, Snel conducted the Seventh Army Symphony in performances throughout Europe. He moved to the Northwest in the late 1970's, and conducted the Everett Youth Symphony for three years. For about half of the 16-year tenure as SPO music director, Snel simultaneously conducted the Port Angeles Symphony Orchestra. He had settled in Port Angeles in 1985 with his wife Sharon, who continues to play with both orchestras and remains Principal Flutist with the SPO. Nico Snel is sorely missed today in many communities. Those who worked with him remember him as a consummate musician, a patient teacher, a devoted father, and a great friend. The orchestra continues to honor his memory through the Nico Snel Memorial Library, the SPO's lending library of music that the public is invited to support.

Marsha Mabrey took the helm of the Philharmonic from 1996 to 2002. As an instructor for many years with the Bellevue Public School System, she brought with her a great love of music education and a desire to serve the community. Mabrey was instrumental in enhancing the SPO's public outreach efforts, including starting the Side-by-Side Concert Program for high school musicians. She especially sought programming that featured the works of living composers as well as lesser-known American composers.

Current Music Director Adam Stern joined the SPO for the 60th anniversary season in 2003. With a heart driven by music and a life steeped in its study, Stern has brought a new energy to the Seattle Philharmonic story. He has been active in the local music community since 1992. He currently directs the Orchestra and the Stage Band at Seattle's Lakeside Upper School, and also serves as the Music Director and Conductor for the Port Angeles Symphony Orchestra.

Stern has served as associate conductor of the Seattle Symphony (in which his wife, Kathleen, plays violin), as assistant chorus master and rehearsal accompanist for Seattle Opera, and as music director of the Northwest Chamber Orchestra (NWCO). He made his New York orchestral conducting debut in 1998 with the New York Chamber Symphony.

Aside from his work as a conductor, pianist and public speaker, Stern is an active composer for Seattle ensembles and theaters. He is also a Grammy Award-winning record producer, and has produced approximately 150 compact disc recordings with, among others, Seattle Symphony, Oregon Symphony, Helsinki Philharmonic, Scottish Chamber Orchestra and the NWCO.

More than six decades after it was founded, the SPO continues to thrive as an assembly of professional and non-professional performers bringing affordable performances of classical music to the community. The orchestra is still composed of accountants, physicians, teachers, homemakers... people from all walks of life who share a love of music.