Atlantic Symphony Orchestra Legacy of Music

Established in Hingham in 1945, the Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (ASO) has provided world-class performances, served as a cultural hub, and fostered a deep love of music in the South Shore community for 80 years. Here’s a look back at the orchestra’s most notable milestones and achievements.

Early Days: Hingham Civic Orchestra (1945 - 1996)

In 1945, four visionary musicians came together to form the Hingham Civic Orchestra, aiming to give local amateur musicians a platform to rehearse and perform symphonic works. For over 50 years, the orchestra brought diverse performances to the South Shore, making classical music accessible to all ages.

Rebirth as the Hingham Symphony Orchestra (1996)

By 1996, the orchestra had evolved to meet changing community expectations and artistic needs. The Hingham Civic Orchestra rebranded as the Hingham Symphony Orchestra (HSO) with a renewed commitment to high performance standards and expanded regional outreach. This was a pivotal moment in the orchestra’s history, marking a shift toward becoming a professional regional ensemble.

Jin Kim’s Appointment as Music Director (1997)

In 1997, Jin Kim was appointed the orchestra’s Music Director by unanimous vote, ushering in a new era of excellence. His leadership has been instrumental in raising the orchestra’s artistic standards, gaining recognition both regionally and internationally. Under Kim’s baton, ASO has attracted top musicians from Boston and beyond, as well as renowned guest soloists and ensembles.

The Atlantic Symphony Orchestra Name Change (2006/07)

In 2006, the orchestra embraced its identity as a professional organization by adopting the name Atlantic Symphony Orchestra. This change signified a shift to a higher level of performance, better reflecting the orchestra’s reach and ambition to serve the Greater Boston and South Shore communities.

Adapting to the 21st Century (2016-2020)

The orchestra’s 2016-2017 season marked the beginning of a major refresh, aimed at strengthening infrastructure and adapting to modern challenges. Attendance soared, more than doubling by 2017. Despite the setback of the COVID-19 pandemic, ASO swiftly pivoted to virtual programming, offering one of the most prolific seasons in New England with 26 virtual events during the 2020/21 season.

Jin Kim’s 25th Anniversary and Continued Growth (2022 - Present)

ASO celebrated Jin Kim’s 25th anniversary as Music Director in 2022. Under his guidance, the orchestra has matured into a dynamic force in classical music, with growing support from the community and a continually expanding artistic footprint. With its commitment to excellence, innovative programming, and a community of enthusiastic supporters, the ASO is poised for continued success in the years to come.

For a full list of upcoming ASO events, visit atlanticsymphony.org.