Founded in 2015, Symphony Number One is a chamber orchestra devoted to performing works by emerging composers. A non-profit performing arts organization, SNO maintains close relationships with the other independent classical music organizations of Baltimore, and is a part of Maryland's classical arts space. With its focus on contemporary music, SNO can also be classified as a contemporary classical ensemble.

The orchestra's president is Dr. Janan Broadbent. Nicholas Bentz, co-founder and previous concertmaster, now has the title of Composer in Residence. The orchestra's current concertmaster is Nikita Borisevich. The other co-founder was Saxophonist Sean Meyers; Smith, Bentz, and Meyers first met at the Peabody Institute. The three put together the inaugural concert in May 2015 at the Baltimore War Memorial. In 2016, SNO appointed Melissa Johnson Lander as Executive Director.

SNO was invited to perform at the inaugural Light City festival on April 2, 2016 in Baltimore.[8][9][10] In September 2016, Symphony Number One began its second season with compositions by Strauss, Mahler, and Steve Reich.[11] SNO was named a "Category Buster" by Baltimore Magazine in their 2016 "Best of Baltimore" issue;[12] SNO also won runner up for "Best Band" in Baltimore Magazine's Reader's Poll.[13]

Symphony Number One emphasizes inclusionary policies in orchestra membership, audience access, and selection of featured composers.[14][15] SNO is a two-time recipient of grants by Women's Philharmonic Advocacy for multiple commissions of female composers. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.