Peninsula Symphony Competitors

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.

California Symphony is distinguished by its position as "a model for regional orchestras" (Mercury News), its contribution to the classical music tradition through its innovative approach to concerts, its commitment to lifelong education for both the children and adults in its community, and its impact on the American classical music canon through the talent being fostered via California Symphony’s nationally recognized Young American Composer Residency.