Aiken Symphony Sees Best-Ever Ticket Sales Under Current Director

Since Dr. Scott Weiss stepped in as music director in 2022, the Aiken Symphony Orchestra has hit record numbers. Packed houses filled half their shows last season. At Newberry Hall on Aug. 25, 2025, Weiss shared these wins with the Rotary Club of Aiken.

"Ticket sales are way up," Weiss told the Aiken Standard. "Of our concerts last season, I think about half of them were sold out and the rest of them were getting really close. And already, our ticket sales for the coming season are up from the last."

Musicians now earn competitive wages that match or top other South Carolina orchestras. After shows, they are provided with stipend costs for hotel stays and money for gas. 

Weiss explained to the Aiken Standard that the orchestra is wanting to bring on business sponsors to build lasting support. "Other orchestras our size have massive endowments that are their rainy day funds, their safety net, that they can rely on," Weiss said. "We're not there yet. We are still a baby in the picture if you will, so we're really looking to get ourselves financially secure down the road."

The group stays active in the community by teaching music to kids. Guest artists visit local schools, while fifth graders come to special shows at the Etherredge Center. The Friends of the Aiken Symphony Orchestra help make these programs possible.

The 2025-2026 season starts Sept. 19.