Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra

About Us

Founded in 1962, The Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra (GCSO) is comprised of professional musicians from across the Gulf South region. Under the direction of Dr. Peter Rubardt, Music Director, the Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra is in its 59th year of bringing classical music to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra's mission is to cultivate, promote, foster, sponsor, and develop the understanding and love of the musical arts on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. As the classical music ensemble of the MS Gulf Coast, the GCSO hosts several classical and pops concerts.
In 2001, the GCSO started their Youth Orchestra currently under the direction of Mr. Daniel Martinez. This ensemble is comprised of 50-60 young musicians ages 13-21. Students who wish to pursue a musical career can join by audition; tuition is $85 per semester. This ensemble is the critical ensemble for our education initiative with New York's own Carnegie Hall. The GCSYO partners with Carnegie Hall to host LinkUp, a collaborative educational concert for students in grades third thru fifth. These concerts bring music, movement, history, language, and math together in one exciting and collaborative concert.
The GCSO is a nonprofit 501(c) 3 organization that solely relies on the monies of patrons and sponsors through donations, individual ticket sales, sponsorships, and more.