Collection on WAMSO - Minnesota Orchestra Volunteer Association

The Women’s Association of the Minnesota Orchestra (WAMSO), a nonprofit corporation of volunteers, promotes the enjoyment of music and provides support for the Minnesota Orchestra through fundraising activities and music education for children and adults throughout Minnesota. The club’s original name was Women’s Association of the Minnesota Symphony Orchestra, but it is now known as WAMSO – Minnesota Orchestra Volunteer Association.

The organization was founded in 1949. The founding members were Mrs. Rosalynd Pflaum, Mrs. Ehrma Strachauer, Mrs. Margaret Hawks, Mrs. Charlotte Weld, and Mrs. Cornelia Spencer. The Club was located at 7515 Wayzata Boulevard, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55426. It was also located at 907 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota, but is now located at 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403.

Its programs include Symphony Ball, Young Artist Competition, Young Audiences, Kinder Konzerts and other music clinics and classes. Its purpose is “to stimulate interest in and to encourage wide support of the orchestra.” It is a member of the Women’s Association for Symphony Orchestras, a network of organizations throughout the United States and Canada.

The Symphony Ball was created in 1956 by the Women’s Association of the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra (WAMSO) to support and celebrate the nationally acclaimed Minnesota Orchestra. The annual ball has become a major fundraising event for WAMSO.