Since Las Vegas Philharmonic was founded in 1998 by founding Music Director and Conductor Laureate Harold Weller and long-time Las Vegas arts supporters Susan and Andrew Tompkins, the Las Vegas Philharmonic has made a bold stake for artistic credibility with its first-ever concert a performance of Mahler Symphony No. 2, Resurrection in 1999. This devotion to classical music continues with the five-concert Masterworks Series bringing top soloists and conductors to Las Vegas. The orchestra also presents a Pops Series which will increase to five concerts in the 2013-14 season over seven performances, reflecting the growth of the organization in its new performance home.
Involving children and young people in the appreciation of music has been a top priority for the organization from its inception. The orchestra presents a Youth Concert Series of free concerts for fourth and fifth graders in January which in 2013 brought over 13,000 children into Reynolds Hall. Over the past 15 years, this series has reached over 160,000 young people. The Philharmonic also holds an annual Young Artists Concerto Competition with winners given the chance to perform with the orchestra. Throughout the season the Philharmonic invites local music and choir groups to perform with it, strengthening its connection to the community.
A seven-time recipient of the Best Performing Arts Group award in the annual Best of Las Vegas poll, the Las Vegas Philharmonic has already had an extraordinary impact on the cultural and educational life of Southern Nevada and looks forward to continued growth and reach.