The Elmira Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1903. At the time, there were only 6 metropolitan orchestras in the country, and none were in a city as small as Elmira. Unlike in the big cities, the musicians and conductor were all volunteer. The group grew steadily in size and popularity until its golden age in the 1920s when it often attracted crowds of 1,000 or more and boasted a number of wealthy sponsors. Once the Great Depression hit, however, their conductor was reduced to begging for funds during intermissions. They eventually recovered their membership and popularity following World War II. In 1957, they merged with the Elmira Civic Chorus to form the Elmira Symphony and Choral Society.