Support Our Orchestra, Enrich Our Community
The California Symphony’s new Adopt-A-Musician program offers music lovers a unique opportunity support our orchestra while fostering a personal connection with musicians. Musician adoptions last throughout the concert season they are purchased. Adopters will be recognized in our concert programs and on our website.
Thank You to Our 2026-27 Adopters
The California Symphony gratefully acknowledges the members of our ever-growing donor family! These individuals and organizations have demonstrated a commitment to the arts and improving our community. The following reflects our Musician Adopters for the 2026-2027 season.
Jennifer Cho, Concertmaster, adopted by Janet Welter
Marcel Gemperli, Principal Viola, adopted by Doris Marx
Alexandra Simpson, Assistant Principal Viola, adopted by Ralph and Loella Haskew
Andy Butler, Principal Bass, adopted by Jon Dickson and Dee Formusa
Michel Taddei, Assistant Principal Bass, adopted by Pam and Ed McGrath
Laura Reynolds, Principal Oboe, adopted by Karin Eames
Available Musicians
Donato Cabrera
Artistic and Music Director – $2,500
Donato Cabrera is the Artistic and Music Director of the California Symphony. Internationally, he has led orchestras from the London Symphony Orchestra to the Orquesta de Concepción, Chile.
Sam Weiser
Assistant Concertmaster – $500
Sam Weiser is the first violinist of the Carpe Diem String Quartet and assistant concertmaster of the California Symphony, a Bay Area chamber musician and contemporary music advocate who has premiered over 200 new works.
Philip Santos
Principal Violin II – $500
Philip Santos has served as Principal Second Violin of the California Symphony since 1991, and has performed with the San Francisco and Chicago Symphonies and legendary artists including Itzhak Perlman and Yo-Yo Ma.
Sarena Hsu
Assistant Principal Violin II – $250
Sarena Hsu is a Los Angeles-based studio performer and recording artist whose work spans film scores including Twisters and Bad Boys IV, collaborations with artists like Miley Cyrus and Sabrina Carpenter, and concert halls across North America and Europe.
Leighton Fong
Principal Cello – $500
Leighton Fong is the principal cellist of the California Symphony. He is also a member of the Left Coast Chamber ensemble and the Eco Ensemble.
Matthew Park
Assistant Principal Cello – $250
Matthew Park is Assistant Principal Cello of the California Symphony and co-founder of genre-crossing cello quartet Splntrd Wood, who has collaborated with the Kronos, American, and Telegraph Quartets.
Cory Tiffin
Principal Clarinet – $500
Cory Tiffin is the newly appointed Principal Clarinet of the California Symphony, a versatile clarinetist with a GRAMMY-winning recording credit who has held principal positions across the country and performed with the San Francisco Symphony, Opera, and Ballet.
Anne Ranzani
Principal Bassoon- $500
Anne Ranzani is Principal Bassoon of the California Symphony, Long Beach Symphony, and Monterey Symphony, a Los Angeles-based freelancer who performs regularly with ensembles including the LA Philharmonic, San Diego Symphony, and LA Opera.
Alex Camphouse
Principal French Horn – $500
Alex Camphouse is Principal French Horn of the California Symphony, an active Bay Area freelancer who has performed with the SF Symphony and Opera, and is dedicated to music education through private teaching and masterclasses.
Don Benham
Principal Trombone – $500
Don Benham has served as Principal Trombone of the California Symphony since 1987. Don is a versatile musician who has held positions with the Oakland Symphony, San Francisco Ballet, and Hong Kong Philharmonic, and remains active as a recitalist, arranger, and composer.
David Ridge
Principal Bass Trombone – $500
David Ridge is Principal Bass Trombone of both the San Francisco Opera Orchestra and the California Symphony, an active recording musician and educator who also performs regularly with the San Francisco Symphony and Ballet.
Alex Orfaly
Principal Timpani – $500
Alex Orfaly is Principal Timpanist of the California Symphony, Symphony San Jose, and Stockton Symphony, a Bay Area musician who has performed with the Cleveland Orchestra, LA Philharmonic, and San Francisco Symphony, and is also an active composer for percussion.
Marc Shapiro
Principal Piano – $500
Marc Shapiro is Principal Keyboardist of the California Symphony and an acting member of the San Francisco Symphony, a versatile pianist who has toured internationally with the SF Symphony and recorded film scores and an album with Metallica.
Adoption Benefits
Adoptions for the 2026-27 Season include the following benefits:
Artistic and Music Director, Concertmaster
- Photo opportunity with adoptee to be fulfilled before the end of the 2026-27 season
- Recognition in 2026-27 program books
- Badge to wear at concerts identifying you as an adopter
Assistant Concertmaster, Principals, Assistant Principals
- Recognition in 2026-27 program books
- Badge to wear at concerts identifying you as an adopter