The Temple Symphony Orchestra (TSO) presented its first performance in December 1993, when founder Tom Fairlie brought together a group of musicians for a holiday concert in Temple, Texas. The standing-room-only crowd, and another successful holiday concert the following year, sparked the vision of establishing a professional orchestra to serve the community. In 1996, the organization was incorporated as the Temple Chamber Orchestra and received its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in 1997. A 1999 TSO performance in Georgetown inspired the creation of the Georgetown Symphony Society, further extending the orchestra’s regional impact. In the fall of 2000, the Temple Chamber Orchestra officially became the Temple Symphony Orchestra. Over the past 30 years, TSO has grown into a cornerstone of the cultural fabric of Central Texas—bringing exceptional live orchestral music, meaningful music education programs, and vibrant community engagement to audiences throughout the region.

The TSO’s mission is to entertain, to educate, and to enrich the cultural life of Central Texas. We fulfill this mission by presenting a diverse range of orchestral performances of the highest artistic standards, engaging audiences of all ages and backgrounds, and fostering a deeper appreciation for music through educational outreach and student engagement. Our programs are inclusive, family-friendly, and designed to bring people together in celebration of the arts, thus supporting a more connected and vibrant community.

Each concert season (September through May), the TSO presents a combination of classical and pops symphonic concerts and, through the Barbara Weiss Probe Arts Endowment, one joint concert with the CTOS of the CAC. We also offer reduced-price tickets to students (ages 6–22) and free tickets to active-duty military, helping remove barriers to access for families and young people. Our musicians, professionals from throughout Texas, bring world-class performances to our region, while keeping entertainment dollars local and enriching our quality of life.

Funding for TSO is provided by corporate sponsors, grants, an annual fund drive, individual benefactors and patrons, fund-raising events, Concert Program advertising, and ticket sales.

The Temple Symphony Orchestra is not just an arts organization; we are a community asset.

The TSO strengthens Bell County's image as a regional cultural hub in Central Texas by bringing world-class symphonic music to our communities.

We enhance the quality of life for our residents and support creating a diverse cultural identity through music.

Our concerts bring visitors who support restaurants, hotels, and other local businesses.

The TSO inspires future generations of musicians and performing arts lovers.

The Temple Symphony Orchestra is committed to:

Being a strong partner to our community.

Collaborating with other arts and cultural organizations.

Expanding access to music for all residents.

The Temple Symphony Orchestra performs at various venues in the community. Most often, the TSO performs at Temple College's Mary Alice Marshall Performing Arts Center. For their 2025/2026 season, venues include the Cultural Activities Center, Temple High School, and Temple College. Please, check the venue location for each concert when purchasing your ticket.

Yes, the Temple Symphony Orchestra is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.