Monterey Symphony Competitors

For over 100 years, the LA Phil has embodied the spirit of Los Angeles. Guided by our commitment to innovation, excellence, and access, the LA Phil operates four major venues: Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, The Ford, and the Beckmen YOLA Center in Inglewood. At our core is our orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, whose brilliant performances and dedication to the future of music led The New Yorker’s Alex Ross to declare it “so far ahead of other American orchestras that it is in competition mainly with its own past achievements.” We bring the same principles to YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles), our music learning program that has provided instruments, education, and opportunities to thousands of students and families in LA. On stage, off stage, and in the community, the LA Phil’s work reflects the incredible array of music and cultures that have shaped Los Angeles, and the power of music to inspire and connect people.

Founded in 1911, the San Francisco Symphony is one of the most adventurous and innovative arts institutions in the United States. Celebrated for its artistic excellence, creative performance concepts, award-winning recordings, and standard-setting education programs, the Symphony continues to shape the future of orchestral music, making a lasting impact on the cultural fabric of San Francisco and the world.

Pacific Symphony, led by Music Director Carl St.Clair for the last 34 years, has been the resident orchestra of the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall for over a decade. Currently in its 45th season, the Symphony is the largest orchestra formed in the U.S. in the last 50 years and is recognized as an outstanding ensemble making strides on both the national and international scene, as well as in its own community of Orange County. In April 2018, Pacific Symphony made its debut at Carnegie Hall as one of two orchestras invited to perform during a yearlong celebration of composer Philip Glass’ 80th birthday, and the following month the orchestra toured China. The orchestra made its national PBS debut in June 2018 on Great Performances with Peter Boyer’s “Ellis Island: The Dream of America,” conducted by St.Clair. Presenting more than 100 concerts and events a year and a rich array of education and community engagement programs, the Symphony reaches more than 300,000 residents—from school children to senior citizens.