HistoryFrom an informal gathering of music lovers in 1970, the Missouri Symphony Society has evolved into a prominent cultural organization in the state of Missouri. It's growth in size, quality and capability is evidence of the dedicated work of over 40 years of Board members, staff, musicians and volunteers. The Society was founded by it's first Music Director and Conductor Hugo Vianello and his wife, Lucy. The Women's Symphony League was also founded in 1971 by Lucy Vianello and Jean Smith. Current Music Director Kirk Trevor, formerly of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and still presently the Music Director of the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, was appointed in 2000. The Children's Chorus ensemble was founded in 2002 and the Missouri Symphony Conservatory was founded in 2007. The annual Hot Summer Nights Festival was initiated in 2004. Today, Hot Summer Nights is the largest classical and Pops summer music festival in the heartland of the U.S., attracting 8,000 each summer.SpecialtiesThe Missouri Symphony Society operates and manages the professional Missouri Symphony Orchestra, the Missouri Symphony Conservatory and the heartland's largest classical and Pops summer music festival, Hot Summer Nights. Hot Summer Nights is a six-week, twenty-two concert summer festival that features internationally-acclaimed guest artists and attracts 8,000 concert-goers to downtown Columbia each June and July.