Kennett Square, PA (June 27, 2025): Kennett Symphony, which began in 1940 as a small volunteer community orchestra in Kennett Square, has blossomed into something extraordinary. Over the past 85 years, the ensemble has grown—first by welcoming professional musicians and a talented conductor, then by expanding its performances, reaching audiences throughout Chester County and its surrounding counties in northern Delaware and New Jersey.

From 1988 to 2013, the orchestra—then known as the Kennett Symphony of Chester County—earned a loyal following and a growing reputation under the baton of Mary Woodmansee Green, Pennsylvania’s first woman appointed as the conductor of a professional symphony. After her retirement, a national search brought Music Director Michael Hall to the podium, ushering in a new era of artistic excellence. Through his leadership, the now fully professional orchestra has reached new heights—and a much wider audience.

This year, the organization is taking another exciting step forward with a new name that reflects its growth, reach, and reputation. At Kennett Symphony’s annual Longwood Gardens finale concert, marking the close of its 2024/25 season, the orchestra proudly unveiled its new identity—the Brandywine Valley Symphony.

Board President Dr. Timothy Blair, Dean and Professor Emeritus of the School of Music and the College of Visual and Performing Arts at West Chester University, explains: “The Brandywine Valley is a name that will be recognized across the country and deeply associated with arts and culture. As an orchestra, we’ve grown into a more prominent presence with a broader audience, and we need a name that reflects that evolution. While we remain rooted in Kennett Square—through our home office and cultural partnership with the Kennett Library—we’re proud of how far we’ve come. Being invited to perform at Carnegie Hall in 2026 is a tremendous honor and a testament to our journey.”

Alongside the new name comes a refreshed visual identity and digital presence with an updated logo, website, and social media handles. Explore their new online home at www.bvsymphony.org and follow along on social media at @bvsymphony. There you’ll find more information about the 2025/26 season, including the full concert schedule, subscription packages, sponsorship opportunities, and ticket details.

With a bold new name and unwavering commitment to excellence, the Brandywine Valley Symphony is poised to perform, engage, and enrich audiences like never before. The orchestra continues to deliver thrilling performances, foster meaningful connections with audiences, and create unforgettable musical experiences in new ways locally, regionally, and soon, on one of the world’s most prestigious stages—Carnegie Hall.

About Brandywine Valley Symphony
The Brandywine Valley Symphony brings vibrant, professional symphonic music to a region rich in history and artistic heritage. With a fresh and inclusive approach to classical and contemporary works, the Symphony creates an engaging, accessible environment where audiences of all backgrounds can experience the joy of live music. Through a robust, year- round concert series at premier venues, the Symphony continues to deliver first-class performances that educate, connect, and uplift the community. The Brandywine Valley Symphony is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring, engaging, and enriching lives through music. To learn more, visit www.bvsymphony.org.