In 1918, a small group of musicians began what would become the Charleston Symphony Orchestra in 1936. Since then, it has evolved into a professional group made up of 45 full-time musicians lead by Maestro David Stahl, who has been with the orchestra since 1984. Guest artists have included such greats as Itzhak Perlman, Paula Robinson and Marvin Hamlisch. Each year's performance schedule includes five major concert series: Masterworks, Sottile Chamber Orchestra Series, The Charleston Pops, Saturdays in Town and Small Fry.