A Legacy of Innovation

Only ten years after its formation, Maestro Whitney and Charles Farnsley, the visionary Mayor of Louisville (1948-1953), conceived an adventurous plan to make the commissioning, performance, and recording of new works for orchestra a centerpiece of the Orchestra’s global mission. Internationally recognized composers were approached to create commissioned works to be premiered by the Louisville Orchestra and an exciting series of new works was launched. The classical music world took notice. Wide critical acclaim and a resulting invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall followed on the premiere of a new commission from American composer William Schuman and the joint commission for choreography. His dance concerto, Judith, was premiered by international dance superstar and choreographer Martha Graham on January 4, 1950.  

As a result of the success of the commissioning project, the Louisville Orchestra became the first orchestra to create its own record label – First Edition Records. With support from the Rockefeller Foundation, Louisville annually commissioned and recorded up to 52 new compositions from established and student composers worldwide, ultimately creating nearly 150 vinyl recordings (LPs) of more than 450 works by living 20th Century composers that were released globally by subscription in more than 48 countries. It was during this time (1949) that the Philharmonic Society officially changed its name to the Louisville Orchestra.

What set First Edition Records apart was its unwavering commitment to contemporary music. The orchestra wasn’t just preserving history—it was creating it. The Louisville Orchestra gave composers the freedom to experiment, innovate, and push the boundaries of what orchestral music could be. These works reflected the spirit of the times, engaging with contemporary social, political, and cultural themes in ways that resonated with both musicians and listeners.

The orchestra’s catalog from this era remains a treasure trove of modern classical music, and its impact is still felt today. The initiative not only cemented the Louisville Orchestra’s place in classical music history but also set a precedent for how orchestras could engage with new music in meaningful and lasting ways.

The success of the First Edition recordings brought the Louisville Orchestra global attention and high-profile performances, including “A Festival of the Arts” at the White House, the Inter-American Music Festival at the Kennedy Center, “Great Orchestras of the World” at Carnegie Hall in 2001, and a tour to Mexico City. In 1981, the ensemble officially augmented to full-time status and in 2001, the Louisville Orchestra received the Leonard Bernstein Award for Excellence in Educational Programming. Reflective of the Orchestra’s commitment to the music of the time, the Louisville Orchestra has earned 19 awards from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) for adventurous programming of contemporary music. Changes in the business community and the recession of the early 2000s brought challenges to the Louisville Orchestra resulting in an administrative reorganization. In 2013, for the first time in decades, the LO balanced its annual budget — emblematic of its current stable footing, community support, and strong leadership.

A full-length feature documentary film titled, Music Makes A City, was released in 2010 documenting this extraordinary achievement.  Details about the film can be found at www.MusicMakesACity.com.

In 2014, the Louisville Orchestra welcomed Music Director Teddy Abrams, who has reinvigorated the orchestra’s commitment to contemporary music and community engagement. While honoring the importance of classical masterpieces, Teddy has made it a priority to provide a platform for aspiring composers and to explore the orchestra’s role in 21st-century society. His vision includes using music as a tool for community-building, with performances and collaborations that engage the city in meaningful ways.

One of Teddy’s most ambitious initiatives is the Creators Corps, launched in the 2022/2023 season. Reflecting First Edition Records and the Louisville Orchestra's dedication to innovation, this innovative program invites composers to live in Louisville, work with the orchestra, and integrate themselves into the local community. The Creators Corps has gained national attention for its groundbreaking approach to commissioning music and fostering a deep connection between composers, the orchestra, and the city.

The orchestra’s commitment to education and community engagement has also expanded. In addition to its long-standing MakingMUSIC program for 4th and 5th graders, the orchestra offers concerts in neighborhood venues through its Music Without Borders and Once Upon an Orchestra series, and has launched a R.A.P. School in collaboration with Hip Hop Into Learning (HHN2L). The orchestra also maintains its relationship with the Heuser Hearing and Language Academy, providing music as a vital educational tool for children with hearing impairments.

In 2022, the Louisville Orchestra launched the In Harmony tour with $4.3 million in funding from the Kentucky Legislature aiming to bring live orchestral music to communities across the state that typically lack access. By performing in small towns, rural areas, and underserved regions, the orchestra deepened its role as a public service, using music to build connections and promote cultural well-being throughout Kentucky. The tour included free performances, community collaborations, and educational outreach, significantly expanding the orchestra’s reach and impact.

Following the success of the tour, the Legislature allocated another $4.3 million in 2024 to extend the initiative through 2026, further supporting the orchestra’s mission of equitable cultural access. The In Harmony tour has become a signature program for the Louisville Orchestra, transforming the way it engages with its community and ensuring that the power of live music touches lives across the Commonwealth.