The mission of the Salina Symphony is to enrich lives through artistic music performance and education. The Salina Symphony is a regional semi-professional orchestra dedicated to enriching lives through artistic music performance and education.  The Symphony performs six mainstage concerts each season as well as chamber concerts, educational programs and an annual patriotic outdoor concert held on the grounds of the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum.

Eric Stein founded the Salina Chamber Orchestra in 1955 and its first performance was held in 1956. The orchestra was affiliated with Marymount College in 1965 and was named the Salina Civic Orchestra Society. In the 1980s, the orchestra became known as the Salina Symphony and briefly played at the Municipal Auditorium before moving to Kansas Wesleyan University, where it was housed for more than a decade. In 2003, the Symphony moved into the newly renovated Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts. Ken Hakoda served as music director and conductor from 2004-2019. Yaniv Segal was named music director and conductor in 2022.

Now in its seventh decade, the Salina Symphony continues to present a wide array of concerts in the Historic Stiefel Theatre while retaining its unique community-centered feel. A variety of soloists are featured each season, ranging from orchestra members to regional and internationally acclaimed artists.

The Symphony’s Youth Education Program serves students from elementary through high school. Founded by Mr. Stein in 1961, the Youth Education Program has grown from one ensemble to five, involving students from more than 20 different local and area schools. Members of the Youth Symphony, Youth String Ensemble, Youth Jazz Band and Preparatory Orchestra perform two concerts each season. The Salina Youth Choir performs several concerts per season, including the Salina Symphony Holiday Concert.