Our History

The Hudson Valley Philharmonic began its existence as the Dutchess County Philharmonic Orchestra. The brainchild of four Poughkeepsie businessmen who also played classical music, the orchestra began in 1932 as a small group of musicians who eventually gave their first public concert in 1934. One of the original businessmen, George Hagstrom, became the ensemble’s first conductor, and the group consisted of professionals, amateurs, and student musicians from area high schools.

Subsequent conductors of the DCPO were: Ole Windingstad (1945), Claude Monteux (1959), Imre Pallo (1976), and Randall Craig Fleischer (1992).

In 1959, Claude Monteux brought the now-renamed Hudson Valley Philharmonic to prominence as a fully professional regional orchestra and began educational concerts for area school children that continued through 2018. Under the baton of beloved (and greatly missed) maestro Randall Craig Fleischer, the HVP performed a series of classical concerts, Young People’s Concerts, and backed up popular acts such as Kenny Loggins, Josh Groban, Manhattan Transfer, Peter Cetera, and Fleischer’s own Rocktopia show that later made it to Broadway. HVP has also performed July 4th concerts, annual Messiah performances and has performed at Bethel Woods Performing Arts Center.

The Hudson Valley Philharmonic has a long history of serving the communities in Dutchess, Ulster, and surrounding counties and bringing great music to adults and children throughout the Hudson Valley.

The musicians of the orchestra need your help to keep the music playing!!!