At a comparatively youthful age, the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra has developed a history rich in community involvement and support. In fact, the TSO grew out of an assembly of volunteers consisting of both professional and amateur players. Formed in 1979 by Dr. Michael Gattozzi and Margaret McCain, the organization was first known as the Tuscaloosa Area Community Orchestra and referred to as “TACO.” Membership was open to any interested person age fourteen and older who would commit to attending Thursday night rehearsals. Rehearsal space was provided by Calvary Baptist Church.

Due primarily to the hard work and organization of Margaret McCain, TACO was officially incorporated and given 501 (c) (3) non-profit status. Emmett Gribbin chaired the original Board of Directors. Other members included: Mrs. David Bahar, Mr. Norman Bassett, Mrs. James H. Black, Mr. Pete Cavert, Mrs. B.S. Chwe, Dr. Thomas J. Diener, Mrs. Wade Farris, Dr. James Hughey, Dr. Morris Mayer, Mrs. Margaret G. McCain, Mr. Clayton Rogers, Mrs. Hope Weston, Mr. Paul Wildes and Dr. James A. Williams.

The first ever public performance was on a Sunday afternoon on November 11, 1979, at the Bama Theatre. Dr. Michael Gattozzi was the conductor, and Emily Rogers was the “concert leader.” The first concerts were free of charge, and concertgoers were urged to contribute at tables set up in the lobby during performances. For several seasons, TACO performed three to four times annually at the Bama Theatre. Children’s Concerts were later developed by Kay Mutert and were added as part of Saturday dress rehearsals. Admission was 50 cents. Eventually, concerts were moved from Sunday afternoons to Saturday evenings, and season ticket packages became available.

Members of the TACO Board and other prominent community members began to realize a professional Symphony would not only act as a cultural flagship for the community but also serve to aid economic development efforts in Tuscaloosa and surrounding West Alabama communities. Even though a professional Symphony would require additional administration and fundraising to pay professional musicians and staff, everyone agreed the benefits outweighed the costs. So, in 1984, under the direction of Board president Madeleine Hill, TACO became TSO: the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra. Musicians had to undergo a professional audition process in order to perform with the Symphony and were paid for their services.

The Tuscaloosa Symphony Guild was founded in 1984 by Elizabeth Hamner. The purpose was to enhance, promote and support the efforts of the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra by means of recruiting and organizing a team of passionate volunteers to host events and assist with season ticket sales.

In the winter of 1988, The University of Alabama opened the Concert Hall in the School of Music’s new Moody Concert Hall. The hall was created to be the home of UA’s performances and also the home of the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra. Today, most TSO season concerts are played in the acclaimed hall.