Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra Celebrates 100th Anniversary in 2026 with Gala, Blog, and more

Indiana’s Oldest Professional Orchestra Marks a Century of Music, History, and Community Impact

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — The Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra (THSO), proudly recognized as Indiana’s oldest professional orchestra, announces a yearlong celebration honoring our 100th anniversary in 2026. The Centennial year highlights the orchestra’s rich artistic legacy, its profound impact on the Wabash Valley, and an exciting vision for the next century of music-making.

“The Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra’s first 100 years were built by visionary musicians, passionate audiences, and a community that values the arts,” said Samantha Johnson-Helms, Executive Director & Principal Clarinet. “As we enter our second century, we are committed to creating meaningful musical experiences that inspire, educate, and continue supporting quality of life in the Wabash Valley.”

Founded in 1926, the THSO has been a cornerstone of cultural life in Terre Haute, bringing world-class performances, award-winning education programs, and meaningful community engagement to generations of Hoosiers. As the organization enters this historic milestone, several major initiatives and events will invite the community to celebrate its enduring legacy.

Final Events of the 100th Concert Season

The THSO’s 100th season concludes with two dynamic performances at Tilson Auditorium conducted by the THSO’s new Music Director Roger Kalia. Tickets for both events start at $22 for adults and $8 for students/youth and are available at thso.org or by calling Hulman Center at (812) 237-3737.

  • John Williams Celebration - March 28, 2026
    A tribute to one of America’s most beloved composers, featuring iconic film scores like Star Wars, Jurassic Park, and Harry Potter brought to life by the full orchestra.

  • Beethoven & Bluegrass - May 2, 2026
    A unique fusion program pairing Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 with the soulful energy of a bluegrass Double Violin Concerto featuring brothers Nikki and Timothy Chooi.

Launch of the THSO History & Legacy Blog

As part of the Centennial celebration, the THSO is unveiling a new History & Legacy Blog at www.thso.org/blog, offering audiences a deeper look into the orchestra’s first century. Explore historical photographs, archival stories, and rarely seen materials documenting the musicians, leaders, and community members who shaped the THSO from 1926 to today. A weekly post will launch on Fridays at 12pm from February 20 through December 4, 2026, which is the official 100th Anniversary of the THSO’s first performance in 1926 at the Indiana Theatre.

Centennial Gala — September 10, 2026

The highlight of the Centennial year will be the THSO Centennial Gala on Thursday, September 10, 2026, held at O’Shaughnessy Hall at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. The evening will feature:

  • Cocktail hour

  • Three-course Dinner

  • A celebratory concert by the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra with conductors Roger Kalia (Music Director) and David Bowden (Principal Guest Conductor & Conductor Laureate) sharing the podium

  • A raffle supporting THSO programs

  • The 100-Year Memory Lane, an immersive display of photos, artifacts, and stories tracing the orchestra’s century of service to the community

Event details are available at thso.org or on the THSO’s Facebook page. Tickets for the Centennial Gala will go on sale during the Symphony’s May 2 concert, Beethoven & Bluegrass.

“$100 for 100 Years” Campaign to Support Education & Community Engagement

To honor the orchestra’s historic legacy and ensure its vibrant future, the THSO is launching “$100 for 100 Years”, a special Centennial fundraising campaign throughout 2026. Contributions directly support the orchestra’s expanding education and community engagement programs, which now produce more than 75 free events each year for schools and audiences throughout the Wabash Valley. These programs reinforce the THSO’s commitment to accessibility, arts education, and service to the region.

More details about THSO’s Centennial events, history, and ways to participate can be found at www.THSO.org.

Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra