KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. — One of the region’s most enduring cultural institutions is taking on a new identity and a renewed mission. After 85 years of growth, the Kennett Symphony has officially reintroduced itself as the Brandywine Valley Symphony, signaling a bold step toward broader recognition and artistic ambition.
The new name was unveiled at the Symphony’s finale concert at Longwood Gardens this summer, capping the 2024–25 season with a moment of both reflection and anticipation. What began in 1940 as a volunteer community orchestra in Kennett Square has evolved into a fully professional ensemble under the lead
ership of Music Director Michael Hall, who has guided the orchestra since 2013.
Board President Dr. Timothy Blair, dean and professor emeritus at West Chester University’s School of Music, said the change reflects the orchestra’s expanded footprint and growing reputation.
“The Brandywine Valley is a name that will be recognized across the country and deeply associated with arts and culture,” Blair said. “As an orchestra, we’ve grown into a more prominent presence with a broader audience, and we need a name that reflects that evolution.”
Legacy of Growth
The Symphony’s transformation has been decades in the making. In the late 20th century, the orchestra, then known as the Kennett Symphony of Chester County, rose to prominence under the baton of Mary Woodmansee Green, the first woman appointed conductor of a professional symphony in Pennsylvania. Green’s tenure from 1988 to 2013 built both audience loyalty and artistic excellence.
Following a national search, Hall assumed the role of music director, ushering in a new era with a professional orchestra, broader programming, and outreach that spans Chester County, northern Delaware, and parts of New Jersey.
This regional growth helped set the stage for another milestone: an invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall in 2026, a moment Blair described as a “tremendous honor and testament to our journey.”
A Season of Storytelling
With the new name comes a season that celebrates both tradition and innovation. The 2025–26 Brandywine Valley Symphony season will open Oct. 5 with The Classics at Brantwyn, a chamber concert in an elegant historic setting that pairs music with a Sunday brunch atmosphere.
Other highlights include:
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Oct. 12, 2025 — Where the River Meets the Sky: Works inspired by the Brandywine landscape and natural beauty.
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Nov. 23, 2025 — Salon Concert: A small-scale, intimate performance showcasing soloists and ensembles.
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Dec. 6, 2025 — Holiday Concert: Seasonal favorites and festive arrangements for all ages.
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Feb. 28, 2026 — Family Concert: A program crafted for children and families, introducing new generations to live symphonic music.
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Mar. 22, 2026 — Songs Without Borders: An exploration of multicultural traditions and global musical voices.
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May 9, 2026 — Mother’s Day Concert: A springtime tribute filled with uplifting selections.
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June 25, 2026 — Made in America: A patriotic finale spotlighting American composers and themes.
Hall said the season was designed to welcome audiences of every background.
“We want listeners to feel both the power of tradition and the excitement of discovery,” he said. “There is something here for the lifelong patron and the child hearing their first orchestra concert.”
Community at the Center
The Symphony’s leadership emphasizes that the Brandywine Valley name does not erase its Kennett Square roots. The orchestra remains based in the community, with its administrative office in town and an ongoing cultural partnership with the Kennett Library. Its performances at local venues—including Longwood Gardens, Unionville High School, and Brantwyn Estate—continue to connect the ensemble to its home region.
“We are committed to making live symphonic music accessible, engaging, and meaningful,” Hall said. “It’s about creating unforgettable experiences and fostering connections, not just performing on stage.”
In addition to concerts, the Symphony maintains education and outreach initiatives, bringing professional musicians into schools and offering family-friendly programming. The Family Concert in February underscores this mission by introducing young audiences to classical repertoire in an engaging and approachable way.
Looking Ahead
Alongside its rebranding, the Symphony has launched a refreshed logo, website, and digital platforms to reach a wider audience. Information on ticket sales, season subscriptions, and sponsorship opportunities is now available at www.bvsymphony.org, and updates will be shared regularly on social media at @bvsymphony.
As the Brandywine Valley Symphony prepares for its Carnegie Hall debut in 2026, its leaders say they see this moment not as an endpoint but as a beginning.
“We’ve come a long way from our roots in Kennett Square,” Blair said. “Now we’re stepping into a future that honors that history while embracing the wider role we can play in the region and beyond. The Brandywine Valley Symphony is ready for the stage—whether that’s here in our community or at one of the world’s most prestigious concert halls.”
About George Rotsch
George is the publisher of Chadds Ford LIVE along with DelawareLIVE, MilfordLIVE, and TownSquareLIVE. He is a professional communicator and marketing consultant. He has worked national brand and local non-profits and contribute to editorial strategy and as a reporter from time to time. He can be reached at george@delawarelive.com.
