CHATTANOOGA SYMPHONY AND OPERA ASSOCIATION

Founded in 1933 by Melvin Margolin and young musicians from Chattanooga High School. Dr. Arthur Plettner from Juilliard led the group from 1938-1949. In 1943, German refugees Dr. Werner Wolff and Emmy Land Wolff established the Chattanooga Opera Company.

The organizations merged in 1985 to form the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Association (CSOA), one of the only combined symphony and opera organizations in the United States. Soviet-born Vakhtang Jordania served as conductor (1985-1991), establishing a core orchestra and diverse repertoire.

Robert Bernhardt became Music Director in 1992, significantly increasing attendance and musical quality before transitioning to Music Director Emeritus in 2011. Kayoko Dan, the CSO's first female conductor, led from 2011-2024. The CSO is currently directed by Ilya Ram, Music Director Designate for the 2024-2025 Season.