Our History
It all started in 1982...
We began in 1982 as the vision of two public school music teachers who helped establish the Brunswick Community Orchestra. In 1994, we were renamed The Coastal Symphony of Georgia, Inc. (CSG) and professional conductors were hired to direct the community-based orchestra. In time, professional musicians were added to the mix and, in 2013, Maestro Luis Haza took the orchestra entirely professional with a vision to provide the best in musical excellence for the community. That vision and commitment continues today under the baton of Michelle Merrill who joined us as Music Director and Conductor after Haza’s retirement.
Entering her eighth season, Merrill continues to design symphony programs of superlative quality for our audiences. She often plans pieces composed by women and composers of color and enjoys planning music from both the old masters and new works alike.
Coastal Symphony of Georgia Milestones
1982
Brunswick Community Orchestra begins by public school teachers Michelle Lazarus and Michael Smith
1985
Brunswick Community Orchestra forms nonprofit; first professional Conductor is Nicholas Palmer
1986
Roger Born serves as Conductor until 1993
1994
Name change to Coastal Symphony of Georgia; Richard Suggs new Conductor
1998
Kermit Breen, Conductor until 2002
2002
Richard Larson, Conductor until 2004
2004
Vernon Humbert, Conductor adds some professional musicians to the community orchestra
2005
Coastal Youth Symphony forms as affiliate
2013
Maestro Luis Haza, Music Director and Conductor until 2018; and first General Manager, Jorge Peña
2014
Youth Symphony formally reorganized as Golden Isles Youth Orchestra
2019
Music Director and Conductor Michelle Merrill
2022
40th Season of symphonic music in the Golden Isles