About
Inspirational music-making for over a century.
The Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra was formed in 1918. Over the span of more than a century, extraordinary musical experiences have evolved into a legacy of old and new traditions. During each performance, the artistry and passion of the musicians engage the senses and create new memories for young and not-so-young concertgoers.
Did you know? The Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra is the longest continually active orchestra in the state of Wisconsin!


As a community-based professional orchestra, the majority of our musicians call the Lakeshore community home, but we also have musicians from all over Wisconsin. We perform multiple regular season concerts, a yearly holiday concert, and an annual childrens’ concerts for Sheboygan County fourth graders. The repertoire is varied and provides a unique musical experience for the audience and performers alike!
In the early 1980s, the Sheboygan Symphony partnered with the Sheboygan Area School District to form the Sheboygan Area Youth Symphony. The youth symphony has a rich history of talented musicians, dedicated conductors and tireless volunteers. Many current and former members have performed with the Sheboygan Symphony and other orchestras across the nation. For more information on our youth symphonies, please click here.
The Sheboygan Symphony Chorus was founded in 1994 by Janet L. Herrick and today is under the direction of Wilhelmina Nelmes Vogtle. The chorus is composed of 80 voices and performs several concerts each year with the Sheboygan Symphony.
Mission
To engage our community through extraordinary musical experiences.
Vision
A community inspired and enriched by the wonder of live classical music.
Values
Inspiration: Our music and performances help the community to feel more human and alive.
Innovation: We ensure the wonder of classical music stays relevant to the needs of our audiences.
Inclusion: Music is a world language that invites participation of people from all background.
Get to know the team behind the symphony
- STAFF
- conductors
Heather Guadagnino
- STAFF
- conductors
- BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Heather Guadagnino
Executive Committee
Celeste Pauli
Anne Smith
John McClary
Committee Chairs & Representatives
David Hein
Stephanie Weeden
Jill Hanes
Kristin Hettinger
Board Members
Darren Opel
Damon Wenig
Evan Chancellor
Michael Brooks
your journey awaits.
Stay tuned! More events coming soon.

Fiesta!
We open our second season under Maestro Estigarribia with an Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra premiere, a rhythmic and energetic piece titled Fiesta! by Peruvian Jimmy López Bellido, followed by Mozart’s 21st Piano Concerto with its ravishing slow movement. Brahms’ dramatic and triumphant First Symphony completes this festive program.
Program: Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 21, Soloist Fanya Lin, piano Brahms: Symphony No. 1

Requiem
In March we present Louise Farrenc’s Symphony No. 3, a hidden gem with exuberant intensity. Mozart’s Requiem is long admired for its powerful expression of grief and consolation ever since it was performed soon after the composer’s untimely death. Today, it’s heard in film scores nearly as often as in the concert hall.
Farrenc: Symphony No. 3
Mozart: Requiem featuring the SSO Chorus and Lakeland University Choir

Titan
We end the season triumphantly, with one of the greatest American masterpieces, Samuel Barber’s youthful violin concerto, with lush passages and a fireworks finale. Gustav Mahler’s First Symphony, called “Titan,” features evocations of nature, Austrian country dances, darkly witty klezmer tunes and a stunning grand finale.
Barber: Violin Concerto Soloist, John Bian, violin Mahler: Symphony No. 1, “Titan”