The Northwest Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1987.  Since that time, the orchestra has received local, regional, and national acclaim, having been featured several times on National Public Radio.  Music Director Anthony Spain and the NWSO have been recorded on three CDs on the KOCH, Albany and Gale labels.  These CD’s have been highly praised by sources including the American Record Guide “…sound is beautiful, playing excellent” and Fanfare “... first class orchestra…This is a first class production all around”.   Melinda Bargreen of the Seattle Times described Dr. Spain and the Northwest Symphony Orchestra performances’ as “…strong, committed impassioned performances.  Most recently, “Shard” a CD of music by Michael Nicolella with the NWSO and Anthony Spain conducting, was voted CD of the month in the June/July 2006 issue of “Guitare Classique” in France.

The mission of the NWSO is to be the premier orchestra in performing and promoting the music of contemporary northwest composers while also performing the music of, and educating the public, in the full spectrum of classical music.

The NWSO's commitment to Northwest composers is unparalleled. The NWSO performed its 100th work by local composers at its 20th season’s final Celebration Concert in May 2007. This commitment to local composers has garnered the seven national ASCAP awards for "Programming of Contemporary Music".

• Two 1st place national award in 1994 and 2007
• One 2nd place national award in 2001
• Four 3rd place national awards in 1993, 1996, 1998 and 2004

The NWSO’s home and base of operations is the Highline Performing Arts Center in Burien, WA, and the Highline School District. This area is underserved by the arts and the NWSO receives funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, 4 Culture and Washington State Arts Commission, as well as from the cities of Burien and SeaTac, to perform in this area.  The NWSO also performs on Bainbridge Island, Holy Rosary Catholic Church, and performs an annual benefit concert for Children’s Hospital and Medical Center in Benaroya Hall in Seattle.

NWSO orchestra members come from the Seattle and Tacoma areas.