The Williamsport Symphony Orchestra thanked its supporters as another season wrapped up, and looked ahead to the 2023-24 season.

“I think we attract the best musicians in the area,” said Dean Muller, who has been involved with the orchestra for about 35 years.

He credited conductor Gerardo Edelstein for that success, saying Edelstein elevated the quality of the symphony.

Muller called the reception for supporters this week ahead of the season’s last concert “a chance to thank them for supporting us this year and other years.”

“I think we’re blessed to have a dedicated group of musicians,” said one such supporters, Jim Redmond.

Redmond primarily lives in Pittsburgh, where he and his wife support the Pittsburgh symphony as well, but has a second home here.

“My wife is a musician,” he said. “I think it’s important to support the arts.”

“Tonight is to thank our donors,” said Janet Harris, director of development for the symphony.

Harris, who has been involved with the orchestra for about a decade, noted the junior strings program and the summer concerts the orchestra performs some years as highlights of the symphony’s growth, a sentiment echoed by Muller. Harris said this year she’s particularly looking forward to a concert at the Lycoming County Fairgrounds, to be performed in conjunction with children’s activities at the Hughesville Public Library.

“It’s a collaboration,” she said.

“Your love for music and for this organization … I feel lucky,” Edelstein told the crowd at the reception. “I feel honored to be here.”

“Year to year, we have new challenges,” Muller said.

He thanked the supporters and staff for helping the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra meet those challenges.

“This is your orchestra,” Edelstein said. “It’s not mine, it’s not the musicians’.”

The 2023-24 season will begin Oct. 24 with a concert featuring the works of Rachmaninov and Beethoven, and continue Dec. 8 with “A Broadway Holiday Celebration.”

The wide range of genres is a hallmark of the season, said Hind Jabbour, director of operations.

“We make sure we include something for everyone,” Jabbour said.