Excelsior Symphony Orchestra is the new name of the former St. Thomas Orchestra, a community ensemble based in Mamaroneck, New York. “ ‘Excelsior’ better expresses our identity—a name that includes our commitment to ‘excel’ and echoes the motto of our New York home state, ‘Always Upward,’ ” said Music Director William Eckfeld. ESO membership includes professional and avocational musicians, ranging in age from teens to 80-year-olds. The orchestra presents symphonic works that are the bedrock of the classical repertoire, and has also premiered new work by composers based in Westchester County and New York City. “We are increasing our partnerships with premier educational institutions in order to support today’s music students and tomorrow’s classical music audiences,” Eckfeld said. ESO recently developed a program called Diversity on the Podium, engaging guest conductors such as Teresa Cheung, who will lead the orchestra’s Spring 2024 concert. “Our history began in 2002, when we began rehearsing at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Mamaroneck. We have had—and continue to have—very friendly relations with St. Thomas, but have never been officially connected with the church, which sometimes led to confusion,” said Board Chair George Drapeau. ESO performs concerts in the spring and fall at several venues.
