The Monmouth Symphony Orchestra

History: One of the most venerable symphony orchestras in New Jersey, the Monmouth Symphony Orchestra began as the Spring Lake Sinfonietta in 1948, and performed concerts at Long Branch High School and the Spring Lake Community Playhouse. The orchestra changed its name the following year to "Monmouth Little Symphony" and, as it grew in competence and stature, to the "Monmouth Symphony Orchestra" in 1960. The orchestra has performed in numerous locations throughout the metropolitan area including the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, the Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove, and Carnegie Hall. The newly renovated Paramount Theater in Asbury Park was the residence of the orchestra from 1995 through 2001. In 2002, the orchestra returned to the Count Basie Theatre. Over the years, such distinguished artists as Julius Baker, Gary Graffman, Anne Akiko Meyers, and Janos Starker have performed with the orchestra, along with many well-known local musicians, including Helen Benham, Francis Perry, and composer-performer Timothy Broege. The orchestra is now composed of seventy-five professional and highly talented amateur musicians, most of whom live and work in the central New Jersey area. The ongoing mission of the orchestra is to make great classical music easily accessible to all residents of the community and to encourage talented youth throughout the county. The orchestra is directed by Roy D. Gussman of Neptune. Mr. Gussman is both a teacher and professional musician who has been a member of the Monmouth Symphony for over twenty years.