Mission & History

The Seven Hills Symphony was founded in 1974 as the Strings Plus Chamber Music Society. We are composed of dedicated, skilled musicians living in the greater Cincinnati area. Throughout our history, we have performed classical music in a wide variety of venues, including concert halls, theaters, places of worship, and retirement centers, with a number of talented musicians who have gone on to successful musical careers. Our repertoire spans both classical and contemporary genres.

Originally known as Strings Plus Chamber Society, it was organized by Nancy Hudson, a member of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, as a small strings group, adding timpani and wind instruments as the music needed.

Over the last 50 years, we’ve performed a lot of music, including several pieces written for the orchestra.  The Concert Waltz was commissioned from David Denniston, and performed at the May 1990 concert.

Christopher Stanichar served as music director during the SHS 25^th anniversary season. He earned a Doctorate of Musical Arts (UC-CCM), in addition to BA degrees in French and composition.  Dr. Stanichar wrote the Fanfare for Seven Hills Sinfonietta, performed at the November 1999 concert.

Kevin Li (UC-CCM) composed two works premiered by the SHS: Pale Fire Fanfare, performed Nov 2022; and Isle of Life, performed March 2023.

Other musical highlights include:

• Multiple sing-along presentations of Handel’s Messiah, starting in 1986, with soloists joined by the audience as chorus
• Bachianas Brasileiras No.1 for 8 Celli, by Heitor Villa-Lobos, was featured at the November 1994 concert.
• Beethoven’s Triple Concerto (Op. 56), featuring Kurt Sassmannhaus (violin), William Grubb (cello), and Sujung Cho (piano).  Michael Bohnert Wheatley conducted this concert in June 2009.
• Holst’s The Planets, Op. 32, conducted by Michael Patterson, closed out our 50th Anniversary season in 2025.