Published: August 01. 2012 2:00AM

Written by Kim Hassold

Greenville has been home to textiles, baseball and barbeque. Sixty years ago, a group of forward-thinking leaders decided to add symphonic music to that list. On Dec. 6, 1948, 27 players performed the first of two annual concerts in borrowed space at the Women’s College Auditorium on the old Furman University campus. The orchestra’s 63 musicians now play six Masterworks concerts a year. In addition, they perform four chamber orchestra concerts, three Spotlight Series shows and several other engagements.

From the very beginning, we have responded enthusiastically, supporting the orchestra as patrons, subscribers and donors. Here’s a hearty “Congratulations” on 60 years of entertainment and a wish for many more!