Founded in 1962 by a group of interested community leaders headed by Dr. J.A. Graves and his son, Dr. Thomas Graves, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Symphony became one of the first orchestras in Mississippi. The Mississippi Gulf Coast Symphony is a 60 member professional orchestra serving the Gulf Coast region. Today, the orchestra is one of the oldest, longest standing professional orchestras in the state with a budget of $411,000. The orchestra presents a main series of six concert events per year.
Currently, Dr. Peter Rubardt is fulfilling his 11th year as music director. The Mississippi Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra is one of the largest performing arts organizations in Mississippi.