Chippewa Valley Symphony At Eau Claire, WI

Music excites people and unites them in harmony. It is our pleasure to provide a stirring musical experience to our enthusiastic audiences. I hope you will come to experience this electrifying musical journey with us.

We know we have to compete with CDs and DVDs, that's why we strive to provide an incredibly high level of live performance--there's nothing like a live performance.

In 1975 a small group of musicians got together for the joy of playing the standard classic repertoire. The music was limited to what they could borrow, and Roy Bennett agreed to lead them. By the fall of 1975, when the orchestra was incorporated, 22 string players were in the group, and wind players were invited to join them. Financial resources were meager—they consisted of dues paid by members and the director.

The first concert was presented in 1976 at the Tainter Memorial Theater in Menomonie. In 1977 the CVS became a member of the Association of Wisconsin Symphony Orchestras and the American Symphony Orchestra League.

The CVS grew to a membership of 60-65 musicians for the 1978-79 season and remains about the same size today. The State: Regional Arts Center has been home to our office and the location of most concerts since 1988.