The Journey Begins
November 5, 2018
Thanks for joining me! Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton
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From Texan tuba player to the California Symphony: Executive Director Aubrey Bergauer is on a mission to make classical music more accessible
October 23, 2018
California Symphony goers know her as the sharply dressed orchestra executive who addresses the audience before every concert. To peers in the field, she is a thought leader and sought-after speaker, with a reputation for challenging traditional thinking and established practices in orchestra management. Since becoming Executive Director in 2014, the California Symphony has been
Checking in with Composer-in-Residence Katherine Balch
October 19, 2018
California Symphony Orchestra: What have you been up to since the premiere of your first piece with the California Symphony in May? Katherine Balch: After an amazing week with the California Symphony, I had a fun time celebrating with the folks at Broadcast Music Inc., at the 66th Annual BMI Student Composer Awards ceremony in NYC, where
Fresh Look—The Symphony Exposed
October 11, 2018
This summer, 60 people—from classical music novices to dedicated aficionados—joined the California Symphony for a pilot adult education course led by instructor Scott Foglesong (Chair of Musicianship and Music Theory at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music), which was designed to throw light on the symphony and the music we play. Course instructor Scott Foglesong delivered
“You’re AWESOME!”—Inspiring Bigger Dreams and Brighter Futures
October 11, 2018
Beyond music training and the teaching of life skills like commitment, perseverance, and how to work together, the Sound Minds music education program is also about exposing students in one of the poorest parts of the state to experiences that inspire and encourage them to imagine possibilities beyond anything they could ever have dreamed of before.
Meet Percussionist Allen Biggs
October 9, 2018
We caught up with longtime California Symphony percussionist Allen Biggs to learn more about his life and work, and why he thinks he has best job in the world. California Symphony Orchestra: How long have you been playing with the California Symphony? Allen Biggs: I have been with the California Symphony since the very first
And the Winners Are…
October 3, 2018
We’re delighted to introduce six new recruits to the California Symphony. The group includes four international artists, two Juilliard School graduates, a student of Itszhak Perlman, and a self-described corgi-whisperer. Clockwise from top left: Sarena Hsu Giarrusso (Assistant Principal Violin II), Xander Abbe, Sheng-Ching Hsu, Mijung Kim, Junghee Lee, Yulee Seo. One hot day in June,
Trial by Audition
October 3, 2018
Imagine a job interview where you get to say anything you want and your interviewers have no idea who you are or where you’re from. Where your anonymous artistry is left to speak for itself, and where you never see your interviewers’ faces until AFTER you’re offered the job… We lift the lid on the mysterious
Mom & Me—Finding joy and connection in music, even as her Alzheimer’s progresses
September 17, 2018
Christine Keller has taught at the Sound Minds music education program and other California Symphony education initiatives for more than two decades. In addition to being a teacher, Christine is a professional pianist and one half of the “Keller Duo” with her concert pianist mom, Alice Mae Keller, who has been struggling with dementia since
On Bernstein, Root Beer Floats, and the Jazzy Side of Beethoven
August 25, 2018
Music Director Donato Cabrera and pianist Charlie Albright reprise a celebrated collaboration for the California Symphony’s 2018–19 season opener. We asked Music Director Donato Cabrera and returning virtuoso Charlie Albright about the upcoming BEETHOVEN & BERNSTEIN concert at the Lesher Center — Sept. 23 at 4PM. California Symphony: Donato, you intended for the 2018–19 season opener to commemorate