For more than 50 years, the Akron Symphony has been a driving musical force throughout the city of Akron and beyond. Widely recognized for musical excellence and performance versatility, it is committed to meeting the needs of its community.

The Akron Symphony Orchestra began in 1949 when Mabel Lamborn Graham received $500 as "seed money" from the publisher of the Akron Beacon Journal with the instruction to begin raising money for a professional, union orchestra. After three years of intense fundraising, spearheaded by Mrs. Graham and other dedicated volunteers, the Akron Symphony's Classic Series was established in the organizattion's first season (1952-1953) to provide concerts performed by professional musicians of the highest caliber. Guest conductors and soloists of regional and national stature have been an integral part of the Classic Series since its onset, and remain a high priority for the Symphony.

The Akron Symphony Orchestra is operated by the Greater Akron Musical Association (GAMA). GAMA is committed to providing quality symphonic and choral music, through performances and educational programs, to the largest number of people possible in the Akron area.

This mission is realized by operating the Akron Symphony Orchestra, Akron Youth Symphony, Akron Symphony Chorus, and numerous special outreach and educational programs.

The Akron Symphony is currently under the direction of Music Director, Christopher Wilkins.  Recently named Music Director of the Akron Symphony as well as the Orlando Philharmonic, Christopher Wilkins has guest conducted many of the leading orchestras of the United States, including those of Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, and San Francisco. He also appears frequently overseas, with regular concerts in recent seasons in New Zealand, and with many of the principal orchestras of Spain.