Our History

Pro Musica was founded by Cynthia Schwab in 1981 with the mission to foster interest in, appreciation for, and enjoyment of classical music in Joplin and the surrounding four-state area.

In its first season Pro Musica presented one concert, the St. Louis Brass Quintet. In its 25th year, Pro Musica brought some of the world's most celebrated musicians to perform in Joplin. Now in our 30th season, we are still looking forward to bringing "ageless music to all ages".

Pro Musica has been the leader in providing culturally rich, classical music programming for Joplin, Missouri and the surrounding area. The Pro Musica Concert Series presents chamber music ensembles of the highest professional quality (open to the public at no charge), a biennial Symphony Orchestra performance, and the annual Joplin PoPs concert. In addition to the formal concerts, Pro Musica provides educational outreach and enrichment to local schools and Missouri Southern State University, as well as to the social service, civic, and business communities. In the past, Pro Musica has worked in collaboration with Spiva Center for the Arts, Freemen Health System, St. John's Regional Medical Center and Empire District Electric Company.

Pro Musica is supported by the generosity of individuals, business and corporate sponsors, family foundations and trusts as well as the Missouri Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts and Chamber Music America.

We truly appreciate your interest and encourage your tax-deductible contribution to support our mission.