Waukesha symphony becomes Wisconsin Philharmonic

Journal Sentinel Files
The Waukesha Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Alexander Platt, performs during a 2007 concert at St. John’s Military Academy chapel in Delafield.
Published on: 3/29/2010

Waukesha - The Waukesha Symphony Orchestra will now be known as The Wisconsin Philharmonic, a name that reflects a broader group of musicians, a wider audience and the high level of performance, board president Mary Korkor announced Monday.

Alexander Platt, music director and conductor in his 13th season with the 62-year-old part-time orchestra, said at a Waukesha news conference unveiling the new name, "It was time for a new name that transcended any sense of competition with any other ensemble but rather acknowledged and celebrated our own great traditions of extremely high quality music in this part of Wisconsin."

When the new season's concert schedule and venues are announced next week, there will be performances all over Waukesha County, from Oconomowoc to Brookfield to Delafield and Waukesha, much like this season, Korkor said. No concerts have been scheduled outside the county.

"Waukesha County is our home," Korkor said.

Platt said, "We did not focus-group this" name change with local patrons or donors, but, as one Waukesha Symphony board member told him, "if anything, we feel with great certainty that this will bring luster to Waukesha rather than the opposite."

The symphony is finishing its current season in the black, officials said. A $500,000 donation - $100,000 in each of the past five years - from Waukesha philanthropists Anthony and Andrea Bryant enabled the symphony to pay off its debt, cover some operational expenses and set aside $100,000 as a safety net for future years, said executive director Andrea Rindo.

As a result, the Philharmonic will, with concert subscriptions and donations, provide a full slate of concerts next season, she said.

The organization's dedication to educational programming and scholarships will continue, Korkor said.

The Philharmonic has a budget for next season of $339,000. Its ticket sales range from 4,300 to 5,500 annually.

Platt said the orchestra size is not being reduced or expanded. The size of the ensemble depends on the venue and the music selections.

Platt also is resident conductor of Chicago Opera Theater and conducts in New York with the Brooklyn Philharmonic during summer months. He recently completed 12 years as music director of the Racine Symphony Orchestra.