In the early 1980's a group of musicians, inspired by SUNY Binghamton professor John Hagopian, felt the need for a non-professional symphony orchestra. After a few fitful starts and much help from fellow musicians David Banner, Tony Diorio, Bernard Shifrin, Sophie Horowitz, and Nathan Raboy the orchestra started rehearsals in Binghamton High School in the fall of 1983.

The first concert was held in the auditoruium at Binghamton's West Junior High School, now known as West Middle School. This performance venue has become the "home" of the BCO.

The first appointed music director was Asher Raboy with John Sylvanis as an assistant. The next music director was Fitzroy Stewart followed by Dr.Timothy Perry who served as Music Director from 1995-2004.

At the end of Dr. Perry's ten year tenure as Music Director, the BCO announced the appointment of Cayenna Ponchione as its new Music Director. Ms. Ponchione, a graduate of Ithaca College with Master's Degrees in conducting and percussion performance, is an accomplished performer, composer, conductor, publisher collaborator and producer. She brings a broad range of skills and experience to our organization and is creating a fresh new image for the BCO. 

Below are a few photos from a rehearsal before our concert on November 7, 2004. The BCO introduced its new Music Director, Cayenna Ponchione, at this concert. This concert featured world-renowed steel pannist Liam Teague and marimbist Yuko Yoshikawa. The concert, titled "In With a Bang!" was a huge success. Also featured was the Binghamton High School Steel Drum Band under the direction of Joel Smales. The concert was a great deal of fun and everyone had a great time.

Since 1984, the BCO has provided non-professional musicans from around the Souther Tier an opportunity to play symphonic music. A large number of its members have played with the BCO since its start. BCO members have ranged from teenagers to octogenarians and come together simply out of love for playing in an orchestra.

The orchestra rehearses weekly throughout the concert season The BCO performs at least three major concerts each season and engages in "run out" concerts to areas around the Southern Tier so that communities that otherwise have no local orchestra have an opportunity to hear and see live orchestral music.

One of the most interesting and exciting aspects about the BCO is its partnership with the Southern Tier Music Teachers Association. Each year, the STMTA sponsors a solo concerto competition for area high school students. The winners of the solo competition are offered the opportunity to perform with the BCO in one of its concerts. Our audiences have experienced outstanding and truly exciting performances by these very talented young musicians who typically will be pursuing a career in music performance.