Announcing the 2026/27 Season

Timeless classics, bold new works, world-class soloists, and thrilling performances to excite, move, and connect us all.

VIEW THE FULL SEASON

40th Anniversary Season Opening Celebration Dinner

A Special Event Benefitting the California Symphony

Sunday, Sep. 27, 2026 - 6:00 PM

Event Details

Sibelius, Higdon, and Bartók

American Connections

Saturday, Sep. 26, 2026 - 7:30 PM

Sunday, Sep. 27, 2026 - 4:00 PM

Event Details

Support the Symphony

Your donation makes possible world-class performances with rising star soloists and composers, and boosts the futures of underserved local children by providing music education at no cost to families.

 

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Connect with us

@jenniferhigdon1 is one of the most celebrated American composers of our time, and this September, California Symphony will present the Northern California premiere of her Cello Concerto.

Want to get acquainted before the concert? Start with a playlist curated by Artistic & Music Director @donatocabrera, featuring some of his favorite works by Higdon.

Then hear her music live with cellist @julianschwarzcellist at American Connections, Sept. 26–27.

🎧 Playlist at our link in bio

#CaliforniaSymphony #JenniferHigdon #DonatoCabrera #JulianSchwarz #CelloConcerto #ClassicalMusic #BayAreaArts
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The California Symphony team has been working like a machine to bring Walnut Creek an incredible 40th anniversary season — and now it`s your turn to come experience it.

Check out our website to see everything we have in store. 🎻
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California Symphony is celebrating 40 years of bringing orchestral music to Walnut Creek, and the 2026/27 season is one for the books.

Five programs, world-class soloists, and music that tells stories across continents and generations. Check out our website to learn more
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Symphony Reviews

Here was another imaginative California Symphony production masterminded by Cabrera.

SF Classical Voice
California Symphony Leaves the Strings at Home

“It’s been on my wish list for a while — and now we’re finally doing it. It’s such a joyous, celebratory piece.”—Concertmaster Jennifer Cho

Mercury News
California Symphony concertmaster Will See Longtime Dream Come True

The chemistry between soloist and conductor was evident at every point, as Cabrera’s supple baton beautifully telegraphed Chan’s moves to the orchestra.

SF Classical Voice
Read the Review

Donato Cabrera celebrates 10 years of innovation at California Symphony

Mercury News
Read the Review

Walnut Creek has a genuine civic treasure with this orchestra.

SF Chronicle

It's a great orchestra. A great venue. If I could be part of one musical community in the Bay Area, the California Symphony would be it.

Dave Halligan from Berkeley

Hella fun

SF Classical Voice

It's one of the great pleasures of life, attending an evening at the California Symphony.

George Mathews, Subscriber

One of the region's most vibrant musical attractions.

Mercury News

Just a phenomenal performance. It will remain in my memory for the ages.

Mike B., Patron

The entire evening was fabulous. I especially liked and appreciated the brief introduction remarks by the conductor. Just a wonderful musical experience!

Barbara C., Patron

An intriguing mixture of the familiar, the newly-revived, and the new.

SF Classical Voice

Donato Cabrera has elevated the organization to one of the region's most progressive and consistently interesting outfits.

Mercury News

They take the stuffy edge out of the symphony.

Mike Elmore, Board Member

California Symphony certainly breaks the mold, as they expand their audiences for a much more inclusive environment so that everyone, of all socioeconomic classes, can enjoy.

Local Happenings Magazine