The Midland-Odessa Symphony Orchestra & Chorale (MOSC) was founded in 1962 when the then-modest individual orchestras of the two cities (Midland and Odessa, Texas) were combined under the leadership of Dr. Lara Hoggard. The MOSC currently includes a symphony of over 80 resident professional musicians and is ranked by the League of American Orchestras as a metropolitan Orchestra. Considering that metropolitan orchestras are typically supported by an average population of 500,000 or more, Midland-Odessa’s combined population of 250,000 is a remarkable statistical tribute to this orchestra, currently celebrating its 50^th Season. The MOSC now holds the distinction of being the largest professional performing arts organization in West Texas.