California Symphony Orchestras Key Terms

Learn about California's symphonies before you visit

By J. Simonetta

California has several large and well-respected symphony orchestras. If you live in California, or are planning on visiting the state, learn some California symphony orchestras key terms and add some culture to your vacation getaway. The following terms will introduce you to California symphony orchestras.

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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: Plan your visit with the help of the calendar at the LA Phil website.