The Augusta Symphony Orchestra has existed in some form since October 1920 when Ernest R. Hill hosted a group of musicians in his home to “rehearse and enjoy a social evening” in Augusta, Maine. The group quickly began rehearsing formally in Augusta Union Hall and performed its first concert at Augusta City Hall on January 30, 1921, which was declared a “splendid success” by the Kennebec Journal. Over the last century, the group’s membership, visibility, and impact has ebbed and flowed, but in 2004, the ASO formally became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and has been on a steady climb since. The group currently consists of approximately 50 area musicians who give of their time to improve their musical skill and perform free, live classical music for the Augusta community four times a year.

In 2021, coming out of the pandemic, the orchestra hired dynamic Music Director and Conductor, Jinwook Park, a highly accomplished violinist and conductor. Maestro Park has brought new life, expertise, and energy to the orchestra.

Augusta Symphony Orchestra serves as an educational and charitable organization through which amateur and semi-professional musicians have opportunities to perform great music, encourage public interest in symphonic music, develop interest and artistic growth in musical instrument playing at all levels, make possible the performance of large musical works, and provide a public service by presenting concerts in the surrounding region.