Santa Rosa Symphony Celebrates 90 Years

The Santa Rosa Symphony has been recognized by the Mayor and City Council of Santa Rosa for its contributions to the city for the last 90 years. Celebrating the anniversary of the Symphony's first concert on April 25, 1928, the Mayor has proclaimed April 25, 2018 Santa Rosa Symphony Day. A private reception will be held to mark the occasion.

Alan Silow, Santa Rosa Symphony President and CEO, says, "It's a privilege to be a part of this strong arts organization with such deep roots in the community. Our music education programs are a national model and our regional orchestra is the largest north of Los Angeles. We look forward to the next 90 years."

The proclamation below speaks to all of the reasons for this honor.

WHEREAS, the Santa Rosa Symphony, a nationally renowned symphony orchestra, is celebrating its 90th Anniversary, recognizing enrichment of the city and the region through classical music performance, music education and outreach; and

WHEREAS, the Santa Rosa Symphony, the third-oldest orchestra in the state of California, held its first concert on April 25, 1928 with local, amateur musicians, performing in rented halls; and

WHEREAS, the Santa Rosa Symphony has grown significantly in scope, reaching more Santa Rosa residents, through more avenues, including: choral performances, a Symphony Pops Series, Youth Ensemble concerts, a Family Concert Series, community ensemble performances around the county and an annual, free community concert at Weill Hall to reach those who might otherwise not attend a performance; and

WHEREAS, the Santa Rosa Symphony, which now employs professional union musicians, has grown into the California regional symphony with the largest budget north of Los Angeles; and

WHEREAS, having been part of its vision and purpose, the Santa Rosa Symphony is the Resident Orchestra of the Green Music Center; and

WHEREAS, the Santa Rosa Symphony has one of the most comprehensive music education programs in the country, breaking down barriers for music education in schools and presenting life-changing performance opportunities to young musicians, reaching more than 30,000 children annually; and

WHEREAS, the Symphony Board, administrative and artistic leadership, staff and volunteers continue to uphold their vision to create one of the nation's leading regional symphony orchestras, recognized as a model of artistic vibrancy, educational leadership, and community engagement; and

WHEREAS, the Symphony administrative and artistic leadership, staff and volunteers work together with a focus on the Symphony's mission to inspire and engage the residents of this region with the finest musical performances and educational programs.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Chris Coursey, Mayor of the City of Santa Rosa, on behalf of the entire City Council, hereby recognize and commend the Santa Rosa Symphony for its historic contributions and do hereby proclaim April 25, 2018, as Santa Rosa Symphony Day.

About the Santa Rosa Symphony

Santa Rosa Symphony, the Resident Orchestra of the Green Music Center, is the third-oldest professional orchestra in California, and the largest regional symphony north of Los Angeles. Bruno Ferrandis, who began his tenure in 2006, is the fourth Music Director in the organization’s history. The Santa Rosa Symphony (SRS) is committed to core values of artistic excellence, innovative programming and community service. This year the SRS infused the local economy with more than $4 million.

Currently in its 90th season, the Symphony’s performance schedule includes 21 Classical Series concerts (7 sets), 7 Discovery Dress Rehearsal concerts, a 3-concert Family Series and a 4-concert Pops Series, as well as special concerts. The Symphony is also recognized for having one of the most comprehensive music education programs in California, serving nearly 30,000 youths annually.

Collaborations with schools and organizations across Sonoma County have gained SRS national attention and support. Awards include an American Symphony Orchestra League MetLife Award for Community Engagement and a first place award for adventurous programming in the 2012-2013 season from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).