Pacific Symphony Offers Classical, Pops & Family Concerts for All!
PacificSymphony.org
batons & gifts for music directors Conductor Batons by Premier Batons
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Presents symphonic and solo works in concert at Bridges Hall of Music on the Pomona College Campus.
members.aol.com
The Symphony provides vital symphonic orchestral training and important performance opportunities for 110 exceptionally talented young instrumentalists between the ages of 16 and 25.
www.aysymphony.org
The Symphony features highly skilled, professional musicians employed to perform some of the world's finest pieces. The concert season has expanded to subscription concerts, as well as chamber, New Directions, Young People's, Academic Decathlon,...
www.bakersfieldsymphony.org
Orchestra offering innovative programming that includes deserving new works and unjustly neglected old compositions.
www.berkeleysymphony.org
A philharmonic orchestra that presents regular summer concert series at the Arboretum of Los Angeles County in Arcadia and will launch an inaugural winter concert series.
www.calphil.org
Orchestra and youth symphony bringing music to the community.
www.claremontso.org
California's first independent youth orchestra, founded in 1952. The musical director is maestro Leo Eylar.
www.cys.org
The Orchestra is supported by artistically-interested and community-minded volunteers and provides and develops a professional symphony orchestra that serves the community's needs and wants by offering a balanced program of established symphonic...
www.fremontsymphony.org
Web site for the Philharmonic, offering information as well as an event calendar.
www.fresnophil.org
The Symphony Orchestra extends beyond the production of an annual concert series; in its broader sense it supports and advances the cause of fine music and an active cultural life in the community and the fellowship that goes with it on a year r...
www.glendalesymphony.org
Internationally acclaimed orchestra performs music from Baroque and early Classical works to compositions from the 19th and 20th century, including works by living composers. Jeffrey Kahane is music director.
www.laco.org
Non-profit musical performing group whose 110-person orchestra and 130-person chorus perform unique orchestral and choral music along with traditional favorites from the classical repertoire.
www.lajollasymphony.com
Performances by the Los Angeles Philharmonic each year include a winter subscription season at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, and a summer festival at the Hollywood Bowl.
www.laphil.org
Professional regional orchestra which serves as a musical resource to Long Beach and the surrounding communities.
www.lbso.org
Comprised of both professional and amateur musicians from throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
www.marinsymphony.org
Attracts young musicians who are trained in the playing of symphonic music, preparing them to remain active as career-minded musicians or enthusiastic amateurs.
www.meremblum.org
Produces a yearly music series including Picnic at the Pops, Central West Ballet and the Holiday Candlelight Concert.
www.modestosymphony.org
The Symphony is a participating member of the American Symphony Orchestra League and the Association of California Symphony Orchestras, and serves the communities of the Monterey Bay, Salinas Valley, Big Sur and San Benito County.
www.montereysymphony.org
This 17 member, conductorless string orchestra stands in front of the audience and engages them individually and as an ensemble creating a unique classical music forum.
www.ncco.org
Northern California symphony orchestra who perform under guest conductors in Sunnyvale's Smithwick Theater.
www.novavista.org
Provides a free educational program that teaches talented young artists and prepares them for placement in higher education institutions and employment in the professional arts industry.
www.ocsarts.net
Seeks the convergence of musical artistic excellence and community service through a relationship with local arts organizations, civic organizations and public and private schools.
www.oebs.org
Presents both classical and pops concerts and has toured Costa Rica, Mexico and Cuba.
www.oyo.org
Third largest orchestra in California, the Pacific Symphony Orchestra performs music by living American composers in addition to works of the great masters. Artistic direction is by usic director Carl St. Clair.
www.pacificsymphony.org
The COSB is a fully-professional orchestra which is resident at the Norris Theatre for the Performing Arts, in Palos Verdes, California. Under Music Director Frances Steiner, it gives a five-concert season.
www.palosverdes.com
Nonprofit corporation founded in 1963 to promote the appreciation of classical music in the South Bay. Monthly concerts are free to the public.
www.palosverdes.com
Since 1984 Jorge Mester has directed this Southern California orchestra that promotes diverse programming, musical excellence, artistic leadership and community support.
www.pasadenasymphony.org
Community-based symphony whose ninety members perform regularly concert series at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center and Flint Center in Cupertino.
www.peninsulasym.org
Since its founding in 1981, San Francisco’s Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra has been dedicated to historically-informed performance of Baroque, Classical and early Romantic music on original instruments.
www.philharmonia.org
Community-based, volunteer orchestra based at Cañada College.
www.redwoodsymphony.org
The Symphony produces numerous subscription concert series during its primary season with performances presented in the historic Copley Symphony Hall.
www.sandiegosymphony.com
Music director and conductor Leonid Grin leads this orchestra in a series of concerts featuring works from Bruch, Copeland, Listz, Mozart and Wagner.
www.sanjosesymphony.org
The Santa Rosa Symphony is a regional orchestra, the ninth largest in the state of California, that presents classical performances, specials and a summer Pops concert every season.
www.santarosasymphony.com
The SDCO provides a resident small orchestra for the greater San Diego area with performances of music written especially for an orchestra of 40 musicians or less.
www.sdco.org
Youth orchestra of San Diego dedicated to the training, development and enhancement of the musical experience through the teaching and performances of classical repertoire.
www.sdys.org
Lead by Michael Tilson Thomas the SFS is a Grammy-award winning orchestra that tours worldwide and the list of composers who have led the orchestra includes Igor Stravinsky, Sergei Prokofiev, Maurice Ravel, Arnold Schoenberg, Paul Hindemith and ...
www.sfsymphony.org
The San Luis Obispo Symphony provides community orchestral performances, fosters symphonic and chamber music education and contributes to the cultural and economic vitality of the Central Coast Community.
www.slosymphony.com
The Santa Monica Symphony presents free concerts audiences of all ages. Its repertoire of classical and contemporary music provides well-rounded programs of wide appeal.
www.smsymphony.org
SSO is a 90-member on-campus student organization supported by the Music Department and the Associated Students of Stanford University. Membership is open to all members of the outlying community with preference given to Stanford students.
www.stanford.edu
Gisèle Ben-Dor leads this Southern California-based orchestra that provides orchestral performances of classical and contemporary compositions.
www.thesymphony.org
The Symphony was established in 1931 and became fully professional in 1983. It has a subscription series and an annual Pops concert.
www.vallejosymphony.org
Professional orchestra dedicated to promoting women composers, conductors and musicians.
www.womensphil.org
Volunteer orchestra composed of Hewlett-Packard employees ranging in skill levels from beginner to professional.
www.yefchak.com
Pacific Symphony Offers Classical, Pops & Family Concerts for All!
PacificSymphony.org
batons & gifts for music directors Conductor Batons by Premier Batons
www.premierbatons.com
Guide to California Symphony Orchestras News and Trends
Learn the latest California Symphony Orchestras news and trends with theater listings and schedules
By Rachel Davy, Writer/Editor
Many symphony orchestras in CA and Northern California orchestras have press releases and event listings on their websites which is another way to learn about the latest news and trends. Here are some additional things to consider when looking for information about Southern and Northern California orchestras news and trends:
1. Scour the Web and local newspapers for the latest news and events about symphonies in Southern California.
2. Read newsletters and press releases from various CA symphony orchestras to find out about the latest news and trends.
3. Find dates of concert performances for orchestras in California with event listings.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Gather information about California Symphony Orchestras news and trends from arts organizations
For business sponsors and musicians who want to keep up to date with the latest symphony orchestra in CA business news, cultural events and conferences, there are organizations and councils which list this information. These CA symphony orchestras organizations are a great resource to learn about upcoming projects, grants and awards given to various orchestras as well as news about orchestra budgets and meetings.
I recommend: Visit the Association of California Symphony Orchestras to learn about events such as their yearly conference. There is also a blog and forum where musicians and others can take part in discussions about Southern California Symphony Orchestras. Go to the California Arts Council to find listings of upcoming orchestra and symphony in California events, rehearsals and programs.
Read newsletters about California Orchestras to learn about the latest news and trends
For the most up-to-date information about California Orchestras news and trends, read press releases which are often updated daily or weekly. If you are a musician, you can research information about the latest appointments and job offerings at the orchestra. Or, if you work for a cultural arts committee, you can find business activities or projects. Many orchestras also offer newsletters to their patrons and others so that they can keep current with orchestra information.
I recommend: Gather information about future projects and news events of orchestras in the state of California by viewing any of the press releases posted by the California Symphony. This site also features a newsletter. The California Youth Symphony offers a newsletter that features listings of upcoming concerts and recitals for California Philharmonic Youth Orchestra projects and activities.
Use listings of concerts and performances to find out the latest California Orchestra news
If you're interested in news about specific symphony orchestras in California, using their listings of upcoming performances and events is a great way to gather information about trends. Cultural and arts blogs also offer concert listings, news and information about California Orchestras.
I recommend: Find information about the California Philharmonic Orchestra from their websites which include concert listings as well as news. Visit the Stockton Symphony Orchestra website which features event listings for their current and future concert series and a newsletter. Read the OCRegister Arts Blog which offers listings of the full Southern California Symphony Orchestra season for the coming year.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- • Not only will newsletters and websites keep you current on news and trends in the Symphony Orchestra, they will give you the latest information on news and artists as well as tips on caring for instruments.
Guide to California Symphony Orchestras
Enhance your company's ties to the community by supporting CA symphony orchestras
By Lea Terry, Freelance Journalist / Copywriter
They're also a way for small businesses to support their community, because by attending these California orchestra performances, they're contributing money to their local economy. And, gifts of season or individual tickets are an ideal way to reward valued clients and employees.
California symphony orchestras include:
- Professional groups that feature internationally known singers and musicians
- Community symphony orchestras in California that offer free public concerts
- Youth symphonies that offer high-caliber entertainment
4. Small orchestras hired to play private events
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Enjoy internationally known entertainment at a professional symphony in California
Professional orchestras in the state of California offer everything from classical to experimental works, and they frequently host some of the world's most famous musical artists.
I recommend: The California Philharmonic plays concerts at several venues, including the LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, the Ambassador Auditorium, also called “the Carnegie Hall of the West,” and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The California Symphony serves the San Francisco Bay Area, and the California Pops Orchestra is the only exclusively Pops orchestra on the West Coast.
Support amateur musicians by attending a community California orchestra
California has a thriving community arts scene, including several orchestras dedicated to showcasing musicians who may not make a living at music, but nonetheless have a passion for it.
I recommend: The Pasadena Community Orchestra offers free year-round concerts, and the Prometheus Orchestra is an all-volunteer, community-based orchestra in Oakland, CA.
See the future of professional music at a California philharmonic youth orchestra
California offers unparalleled opportunities for aspiring artists, including those seeking careers as professional musicians. These musicians may be young, but they're just as dedicated and skilled as their adult counterparts, and they tackle many of the same challenging musical works.
I recommend: The Claremont Young Musicians Orchestra is a southern California symphony orchestra featuring musicians ages 12 to 20. The San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory features young musicians from San Diego, Imperial and Riverside counties.
Book a private orchestra in California for your next corporate event
Many smaller orchestras specialize in private events such as awards ceremonies, banquets or other corporate functions, and can distinguish your company's events from the run-of-the-mill company Christmas party or annual banquet.
I recommend: The Music Connection Orchestra is the highest rated live entertainment company in Los Angeles, and David Levin Entertainment features several orchestras, including classical ensembles, big bands and dance bands, and services for special events.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- • Many symphony orchestras, both large and small, depend on donations to help them operate, and to fund community outreach and education programs. Serving as a corporate sponsor for orchestras in the state of California can enhance your company's image, create a stronger connection to the community, and show potential customers that you support cultural enrichment.
Whether you plan to join a Southern California symphony or one of the Northern California orchestras, training in classical music and having a general knowledge of composers and backgrounds enhances your performance. Some ways to get your symphony orchestra education and training include the following choices:
1. Obtain California symphony orchestras education and training from professionals in your area.
2. Utilize online resources to learn about the music orchestras in California might play.
3. Attend conferences and seminars that give you insight into music and California orchestras.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Hire professionals for music training before joining the California philharmonic youth orchestra
Before you audition for an orchestra in California, consider taking lessons from a professional in the industry. They will guide you through performances and state competitions and teach you proper auditioning techniques. Other professionals offer courses that enrich your performance experience.
I recommend: From the Top educates musicians with a unique, interactive musical curriculum. Students training to participate in a California symphony could do some training with this online educational program. PrivateLessons.com offers students the opportunity to find professionals in their state and area for musical training. Sort through teachers by background training (conductor, performer) or by instrument.
Go online to find resources that educate you in areas important to an orchestra in California
Music experts, including ones from a California orchestra, put courses and interactive training videos online to educate students interested in learning more about music. Online resources also help students analyze style and technique that professionals find important so a student will know what to expect when he or she plays for a symphony or orchestra in California.
I recommend: American Public Media is an educational selection produced through an association of American Public Media and the San Francisco
Symphony. The 13-part series is a radio series and interactive web-based educational program. The San Francisco Symphony offers interactive videos and musical history on topics like Primal Moves and on individual composers. This information educates students on music and concepts they need to know to perform in a symphony.
Learn about playing for symphony orchestras in California by attending conferences
Attending a conference put on by an organization associated with a symphony in California keeps you current in industry changes. It also gives you an opportunity to network with professionals and keeps your face fresh in their minds for when you audition.
I recommend: The California Alliance for Arts Education offers educational opportunities for students interested in learning more about playing in orchestras or other art-related endeavors. It offers study resources as well as conferences, seminars and other training opportunities. The Association of California Symphony Orchestras offers trainings and workshops for those interested in addressing music industry issues. It keeps musicians current with industry trends and changes.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Association of California Symphony Orchestras
Founded in 1969, the Association of California Symphony Orchestras (ASCO) supports California orchestras by facilitating the sharing of symphony resources and information. It hosts seminars, conferences and workshops on symphony-related subjects.
I recommend: Learn more about California symphony orchestras at the Association of California Symphony Orchestras.
California Youth Symphony
Youth symphonies are generally composed of young people from around ages 10 to 18. The California Youth Symphony (CYS), for example, consists of about 500 young performers.
I recommend: Visit the California Youth Symphony for information on shows and programs.
Pops
Pops orchestras focus on playing 'popular' or 'pop' music, as opposed to classical music. Typical offerings may include everything from marches and big band music to jazz standards and recent hits.
I recommend: Check out the Palo Alto-based California Pops Orchestra for more information about the organization.
Pacific Symphony
Formed in 1978, the Pacific Symphony of Orange County boasts that it is the largest symphony orchestra formed in the last 40 years. Its repertoire includes classical works, film programs and pops concerts. A very active organization, the Pacific Symphony performs more than 100 concerts a year.
I recommend: Visit the Pacific Symphony website for calendar and program information.
San Francisco Symphony
The San Francisco Symphony (SFS) has a full program of classical and pops concerts. Founded in 1911, the SFS puts on more than 200 presentations and concerts a year. It also has several programs designed for children and families, including a youth orchestra.
I recommend: Visit SFS to learn more about the symphony and its programs.
Los Angeles Philharmonic Association
The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, or LA Phil, is housed in the famous Walt Disney Concert Hall. Founded in 1919, the LA Phil is probably California's best-known performing arts organization.
I recommend: Plan your visit with the help of the calendar at the LA Phil website.
