The Temple Symphony Orchestra (TSO) gave its first performance in December 1994, when founder Tom Fairlie assembled a group of musicians to present a holiday concert for the community. This concert to a standing room only crowd, and a second successful holiday concert the next year, was a catalyst for forming a professional orchestra in Temple, TX. The TSO was incorporated in 1996 & received its non-profit status in 1997. In 1999, a TSO performance in Georgetown led to the formation of the Georgetown Symphony Society. Over the past 30 years, the TSO has grown into a cornerstone of the cultural fabric of Central Texas—bringing exceptional live music, music education, and community engagement to the region.

The TSO’s mission is to entertain, to educate, and to enrich the cultural life of Central Texas. We fulfill this mission by presenting a diverse range of orchestral performances of the highest artistic standards, engaging audiences of all ages and backgrounds, and fostering a deeper appreciation for music through educational outreach and student engagement. Our programs are inclusive, family-friendly, and designed to bring people together in celebration of the arts, thus supporting a more connected and vibrant community.

Each concert season (September through May), the TSO presents a combination of classical and pops symphonic concerts and, through the Barbara Weiss Probe Arts Endowment, one joint concert with the Central Texas Orchestral Society of the CAC. We also offer reduced-price tickets to students (ages 6–22) and free tickets to active-duty military, helping remove barriers to access for families and young people. Our musicians, professionals from throughout Texas, bring world-class performances to our region, while keeping entertainment dollars local and enriching our quality of life.

Funding for TSO is provided by corporate sponsors, grants, an annual fund drive, individual benefactors and patrons, fund-raising events, Concert Program advertising, and ticket sales.

The Temple Symphony Orchestra performs at various venues in the community. Most often, the TSO performs at Temple College's Mary Alice Marshall Performing Arts Center. For their 2025/2026 season, venues will include the Cultural Arts Center, Temple High School, and Temple College. Please, check the venue location for each concert when purchasing your ticket.

Yes, the Temple Symphony Orchestra is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.