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The groups continued to perform through the [[Wikipedia:Great Depression|Great Depression]] with financial assistance from [[Wikipedia:Works Progress Administration|Works Progress Administration]]'s [[Wikipedia:Federal Music Project|Federal Music Project]]. The groups' names changed many times over the years before settling on the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra.
Dr. [[Grier Williams]], who became music director in [[19771979]], oversaw the most dramatic growth of the organization. The orchestra had been performing in the auditorium of [[Pensacola High School]] for many years, but the [[City of Pensacola]]'s purchase and renovation of the [[Saenger Theatre]] allowed them to move to the more elegant venue in [[1982]]. Williams served as music director and conductor until [[1996]], when the position was occupied by [[Peter Rubardt]].
The PSO currently enjoys audiences of over 35,000 per year, with an additional 45,000 listeners via the orchestra's radio broadcasts on [[WUWF]]. With renovations at the [[Saenger Theatre]], the PSO's 2007-08 season will be held at other venues, including performances of the "Masterworks" series at [[First Baptist Church]].
