SODELO (Southern Delaware Orchestra)
SODELO is Sussex County's own symphony orchestra! We are dedicated to spreading a love for orchestral music across Southern Delaware. We enrich the community's quality of life through performances, educational programs, and outreach initiatives. Our standing-room-only concerts reflect the community's support, and we aim to achieve even more in the coming years.
$34,722 raised from 123 donors
$30,000 goal
Ready to spur impact?
Donate on DEGives.org
Thanks to our fans and the many generous donations during last year’s Do More 24 Fundraising campaign, SODELO enjoyed an amazing list of accomplishments in only its third year serving Sussex County and its citizens:
- We grew to a full symphony orchestra of 75+ musicians with the addition of brass, winds, and percussion;
- We expanded to five (5) concerts from three (3) the previous year; even as,
- We expanded our impact from Lewes and Rehoboth Beach to include Ocean View and Georgetown, and are expanding even further
- We sold out virtually all of our concerts;
- We provided free programs to residents in Senior Living Facilities;
- We Introduced children to the joy of music in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Lewes, and the Sussex Academy; and
- We collected and distributed instruments to children who needed them through the orchestra’s “Instruments in the Attic” program
We think you’ll agree: Donating to SODELO through DOMORE24 guarantees you'll receive a BIG BANG for your charitable BUCKS! That’s money, by the way, that’s being put to good use right here in Sussex County! We’re currently raising funds for our 2025/2026 concert season and are reaching out to old friends and new supporters to drive our continued growth as Sussex County’s own community-focused, volunteer symphony orchestra.
Here’s what some of the local press have had to say about SODELO’s amazing impact on the community:
Cape Gazette: Southern-Delaware-Orchestra-Delivers-Yet Again
"The orchestra’s performance at Cape Henlopen High School was not just a concert but a celebration of community, culture and the enduring power of live music.", Ted Pfirrman, Cape Gazette, Aug. 25, 2024.
Coastal Style: Encore SODELO
"In SODELO, young musicians, retirees and everyone in between come together, creating a harmony that reflects the spirit of the season—one of unity, joy, and celebration.", Kristen Hampshire, Coastal Magazine.
And, here is a recent interview of Steve Greifer (SODELO Co-founder & board president) on CoastLife.
Finally, here’s a bit of the music we love to make which we truly hope you will enjoy. You can also find our recent performances available on our SODELO YouTube channel.
About SODELO (Southern Delaware Orchestra)
Mission: SODELO is Sussex County's own symphony orchestra! We are dedicated to spreading a love for orchestral music across Southern Delaware. We enrich the community's quality of life through performances, educational programs, and outreach initiatives. Our standing-room-only concerts reflect the community's support, and we aim to achieve even more in the coming years.
The Southern Delaware Orchestra (SODELO) has been recognized as a bright new musical voice in Southern Delaware, and we need your help to do even more for the community in the coming year.
We held our first rehearsal in May of 2022 and have grown from a string ensemble of 32 players to a full orchestra of 75 musicians, with winds, brass, and percussion. Our orchestra members comprise a diverse community of students, local business-owners, professionals, amateur musicians, music educators, retirees, veterans, and more.
We are so proud to continue growing in numbers and musicianship, making music, and building friendships within the orchestra and the community. From Wilmington’s Grand Opera House to Epworth UMC in Rehoboth to Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes, we play sold-out concerts for enthusiastic audiences who respond with standing ovations and "Encore" requests.
We are so proud to continue growing in numbers and musicianship, making music, and building friendships within the orchestra and the community. From Wilmington’s Grand Opera House to Epworth UMC in Rehoboth to Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes, we play sold-out concerts for enthusiastic audiences who respond with standing ovations and "Encore" requests.
For 2025, we have plans to play more than seven concerts in locations across Sussex County and to reach into the community with fun and educational programs. We want to DO MORE for you and need your help and support.
We want to spread the love for orchestral music across Sussex County. Please help ensure we can bring you much more music in the future!
Visit our Home page to learn more about SODELO!
Visit our Home page to learn more about SODELO!
County Served: Sussex
Office Location(s): Georgetown; Lewes; Milton; Ocean View; Rehoboth Beach
Sector: Arts & Culture; Community Improvement; DDOA Grantee; Education; Seniors; Volunteerism; Youth Development
