The Springfield Symphony Orchestra recently welcomed Congressman Richard E. Neal to its new offices at 1350 Main Street in downtown Springfield for a tour and conversation about the SSO’s continued growth, community impact, and future.
The visit comes as the SSO prepares for its 83rd season, The Next Movement, following the momentum of its 2025/26 season. This year will mark an important artistic transition for the organization as audiences are invited to experience Music Director candidates on the podium throughout the season.
At the same time, the SSO is settling into a new downtown home.
Working alongside community partners, including SSO Board Member and 1350 Main Street owner Evan Plotkin, the organization sees the new space as more than an office. It offers new possibilities for community gatherings, educational programming, youth engagement, partnerships, and opportunities to connect with the SSO beyond Symphony Hall.
“Symphony Hall will always be our artistic home, but our impact has the opportunity to extend far beyond the stage,” said SSO President & CEO Heather Caisse-Roberts. “Our new space gives us another opportunity to bring people together, create partnerships, engage young people and make the SSO accessible in new ways.”
During his visit, Congressman Neal and SSO leadership also discussed the role arts and cultural organizations play in Western Massachusetts, including their contributions to education, downtown activity, and community life.
Neal’s office previously announced that the Springfield Symphony Orchestra received $285,817 through the federal Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program in 2021, part of federal pandemic-relief support for arts and entertainment venues.
The new office, a new season, and the search for the SSO’s next Music Director all point toward one thing: a new chapter for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.
The Next Movement is here — and we’re just getting started.