The Haifa Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1950 and in recent years has become the focal point of musical life in Haifa and the north of Israel. The Orchestra, which is the most significant musical institute in the north of Israel, has recently expanded its activities throughout the country. World Acclaimed Maestro Noam Sheriff, one of Israel's most versatile musicians, is the music director of the HSO.

Audience
Over five thousand subscribers of all ages attend six subscription programs: The Classical Series, The Vocal Series, Haifa Proms, Friday Morning Classics, The Children's Series & The Chamber Music Series.
The orchestra also offers annual opera productions for the benefit of our northern audience.

Community and Outreach
The Orchestra produces numerous programs for the community. These include:

• Chazanut series (Jewish music)
• Popular concerts such as: "Abbey Road" with Jeremy Kaplan, "Sounds of America" with the Hebrew Soul Singers from Dimona, etc.
• Performances at City Festivals and events: Light music concerts in the park, Independence Day and Memorial Day concerts.

Education

• The Orchestra takes part in the "Kadma" & "Israeli Notes" programs which educates today's youngsters to become the audiences of tomorrow. This program provides informal meetings and concerts at elementary schools followed by a concert with the full orchestra at the Haifa Auditorium. For many of the 2,500 children, this is their first exposure to classical music.
• The Orchestra holds master classes uniquely designed for young creative musicians.

Promotion of Israeli Culture
The Orchestra has a policy of encouraging and promoting original Israeli music and of giving an opportunity for Israeli soloists and conductors to perform.
The HSO received the Prime Minister's Award for being the leading performer of original Israeli compositions in Israel.