Toledo Symphony Once Again Among America’s Top Orchestras
TOLEDO, OH — The Toledo Symphony Orchestra has been formally admitted to the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians (ICSOM), the nation’s most prominent network of full-time orchestral musicians. This milestone marks a significant recognition of the Symphony’s artistic excellence, organizational strength, and national standing.
Founded in 1962, ICSOM represents the collective voice of musicians from the country’s leading orchestras, advocating for the highest standards of performance, working conditions, and cultural impact. The Toledo Symphony was previously an ICSOM member from 1977 to 1987, when it transitioned to the Regional Orchestra Players’ Association (ROPA), which supports regional and part-time ensembles.
In 2025, the Symphony applied for membership and rejoined ICSOM, affirming Toledo’s place among the nation’s top-tier, full-time orchestras and placing it once again in the company of the Chicago Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, and other world-renowned ensembles.
“Membership in ICSOM acknowledges the extraordinary artistry of our musicians and the leadership of Alain Trudel, while affirming the Toledo Symphony’s place among the nation’s leading orchestras,” said Zak Vassar, President & CEO of Live Arts Toledo, the Symphony’s parent organization. “Moving from ROPA to ICSOM is a tremendous marker of our institutional growth and reflects how far the Symphony has advanced as an organization.”
Marna Ramnath, Board Chair of Live Arts Toledo, noted: “This has long been a goal for the organization, and one that our late President Emeritus, Bob Bell, championed with great passion. We are thrilled to see it realized. The return to ICSOM reflects the vision of leaders like Bob and the steadfast dedication of our musicians.”
Zack Thomas, Principal Trumpet and Chair of the Toledo Symphony’s Orchestra Committee, added: “For the musicians, rejoining ICSOM is a proud affirmation of the professional standards we uphold every day. It places Toledo musicians alongside the finest in the country and gives us a stronger voice in shaping the future of our field.”
ICSOM membership provides the Toledo Symphony musicians with enhanced representation on a national level, greater access to peer organizations, and increased opportunities to shape the future of the orchestral field. The Symphony joins only a handful of ensembles admitted to ICSOM in the past decade, reflecting its artistic growth, expanded programming, and rising profile within the American orchestra landscape.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the Toledo Symphony back to ICSOM after a 38-year hiatus,” says Keith Carrick, ICSOM Chairperson. “ICSOM orchestras are the artistic highlights of the communities they serve, and they only exist in places that choose to support and value full-time professional musicians. Toledo’s return reflects that commitment, and we look forward to a bright future for the symphony and the entire Toledo community.”
The Toledo Symphony’s induction into ICSOM coincides with the organization’s next chapter as part of the recently announced Live Arts Toledo, a unified performing arts organization that brings together the Symphony, Toledo Ballet, Tledo Jazz Orchestra, Toledo Symphony School of Music, and Toledo Symphony Youth Orchestras under one roof at the Toledo Center for Live Arts.
“From the very first moment I heard the wonderful artists of our musical family it was clear to me that we should be recognized as part of America’s artistic elite.” said Alain Trudel, Music Director of the Toledo Symphony. “What excites me most is that this recognition is not only about concerts on stage—it also honors the way our musicians teach, mentor, and inspire. ICSOM membership validates both our artistry and our service to the community and marks a new chapter in our artistic and human journey.”
The Toledo Symphony’s next performance will include Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique and Ray Angry’s Black Athena ~ Power with the UMS Choral Union from Ann Arbor; October 17 & 18, 2025 at the Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle. For more information, visit liveartstoledo.com.
***
About ICSOM
The International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians (ICSOM) was founded in 1962 to promote a better and more rewarding livelihood for the skilled performer and to enrich the cultural life of society. Today, ICSOM represents nearly 4,000 musicians from 52 orchestras across the United States, advocating for artistic integrity, fair working conditions, and the future of symphonic music.
About Live Arts Toledo
Live Arts Toledo, formerly the Toledo Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA), is the region’s hub for live performance, cultural education, and community connection. Bringing together the Toledo Symphony, Toledo Ballet, Toledo Jazz Orchestra, Toledo Symphony School of Music, and Toledo Symphony Youth Orchestras, Live Arts Toledo presents more than 200 nights of programming each year, offering unforgettable experiences that stir the senses and strengthen the cultural fabric of Northwest Ohio.
Media Contact
Emily McCready, Marketing Manager, 419.418.0122, emccready@liveartstoledo.com
