Lewis Dalvit founded the Beloit Civic Symphony in 1953. In 1971, it became the Beloit Janesville Symphony, performing concerts regularly in the two Rock County communities. 

The founder was succeeded by Composer and Beloit College Professor Dr. Crawford Gates, who served as music director until twelve years ago when Dr. Robert Tomaro assumed the post of music director and conductor. Dr. Tomaro is well known as a jazz guitarist and is also the Shogren Family Conductor for the Beloit Janesville Symphony. He is Professor of Music at Beloit College.