Mission Statement

Bringing People and Music Together

A Brief History

In 1952, a small group of music enthusiasts by the late publisher of the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Julius Davidson, saw a need to “foster and promote musical works.” They realized there could be responsible growth and development of our area without a significant cultural base. The result was the Daytona Beach Symphony Society, a not-for-profit dedicated to enriching the community with a wide range of musical and artistic programs.

The Daytona Beach Symphony Society guild, a committee under the Symphony was formed in 1955. The all-volunteer group created awareness of the Symphony Society through numerous fundraisers and social gatherings.

In the 1960s the three-concert series was expanded to a six-concert season from October-April. Then in the 1980s the Symphony Society broadened its programming and began presenting the finest national and international orchestras. It continued to pursue a dual mission of presenting the finest international talent while ensuring that the best regional talent was also included.

In 1996, the Daytona Beach Symphony Society founded the Youth Experiencing Symphony (YES!) Program, which enables thousands of students to attend free concerts each year.

The Board of Directors, Artistic Advisory Council and the Symphony Guild contribute their financial support, time and talent to support the Daytona Beach Symphony Society’s mission, programs and services.