New Bedford Symphony Orchestra Marks 110 Years With Bold Future Plans

The New Bedford Symphony Orchestra is 110 years old. Think about that.

According to President and CEO David Prentiss, however, the NBSO doesn't spend a lot of time thinking about the past, but rather the organization is planning concerts and other events along with developing educational programs for children.

Prentiss said the NBSO just wrapped up its strategic plan for the next three years. He talked about those plans and much more during a visit to Townsquare Sunday.

Classical Music Isn't "Boring"

Prentiss has been involved with the Symphony for 30 years, the last 18 as President and CEO. He dismisses claims that classical music is boring or stuffy.

"Classical music is just music," he said. "It has melodies and harmonies and rhythms, just like rock and roll or folk music or jazz. We just kind of arrange it a little differently."

"Classical music can be relaxing, it can be an escape, it can be energizing. People come to love it," he said.

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The Conductor Makes a Connection

Prentiss said the entire organization shares that same mindset for classical music, including Music Director and Conductor Yaniv Dinur.

"He has a great sense of humor, and he really connects with people both personally and on stage," Prentiss said. "We know that the growth of our audience over the past several years is because of the personality and connection he makes with the audience, in addition to the fact he's a great conductor."

Expanding Youth Music Education

The NBSO currently serves about 8,000 children per year as part of its educational programming, and under the direction of Education Director Terry Wolkowicz is planning to expand its education offerings over the next three years.

"For example, we are providing free music lessons to New Bedford children who otherwise would not have access to those lessons," Prentiss said. "We also have a youth orchestra that's a very strong program, and we do a pre-k music and literacy program, plus a third grade program we call Learning in Concert."

The Zeiterion Homecoming

Prentiss said the NBSO is looking forward to returning to its home venue, the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, and that the Symphony will be part of a grand reopening coming in January.

2025-2026 Concert Season Kicks Off October 19

The New Bedford Symphony Orchestra's new season opens Sunday, October 19 with a performance titled "Music of Renewal." It will take place at the Kilburn Mill Event Center in New Bedford's South End. Tickets for that performance and all events in the 2025-2026 season are available at the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra website.

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