Chamber Orchestra of the South Bay

The Chamber Orchestra of the South Bay (COSB) is a distinguished classical music institution with a history spanning 39 years, serving as the South Bay's beacon of classical music. As the resident classical orchestra of the Palos Verdes Performing Arts at the Norris Theatre, COSB is unique in the region for offering a full season of performances featuring nationally and internationally-recognized soloists. Founded and directed by Dr. Frances Steiner, the COSB has established a reputation for musical excellence under her leadership. Dr. Steiner, a cellist and conductor of note, is responsible for planning and conducting the orchestra's season, which includes five performances at the Norris Theatre and one or two special events at other venues annually. Her career has been marked by significant achievements, including being the first woman to conduct a professional orchestra at the Los Angeles Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. The orchestra prides itself on attracting award-winning guest artists, with past soloists including renowned pianists Yuja Wang and Orion Weiss, cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan, and guitarist Pablo Sainz Villegas, among others. The COSB also enjoys a close relationship with principal artists from the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, further enhancing its performances. COSB's excellence has not gone unnoticed, with positive critiques published in the Los Angeles Times, the Daily Breeze, and the Palos Verdes Peninsula News. The orchestra has been honored with four awards from the National Endowment for the Arts and has received grant support from prestigious organizations such as the California Arts Council and the Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation. Key figures in the COSB include Nancy Roth, who has been appointed concertmaster starting with the 2020-2021 season, and Hector Salazar, the General Manager and Assistant Conductor. Both Roth and Salazar have contributed significantly to the orchestra's success, with Roth's tenure as principal second violinist spanning two decades and Salazar's conducting receiving praise from the Los Angeles Times. The orchestra also engages with the community through pre-concert presentations, one of which was delivered by Cantor Stephen Richards, a composer and conductor recognized as one of America's outstanding Jewish composers. Supporters of the COSB play a crucial role in sustaining the orchestra's mission, and those interested in contributing to its success can do so through various support channels. The organization's website provides information on how to become a supporter, alongside details on tickets, subscriptions, and other ways to engage with the COSB. The Chamber Orchestra of the South Bay remains committed to enriching the cultural life of the South Bay through its dedication to high-quality classical music performances, educational outreach, and community involvement. Its continued success is a testament to the passion and dedication of its musicians, leadership, and supporters.