Southland Symphony Orchestra

The Southland Symphony Orchestra (SSO) is a community-based ensemble located in Southern California's Greater Ontario and Inland Empire area. Founded and directed by Dr. Sylvia Lee Mann, the SSO held its inaugural concert on December 11, 2011, with the mission to engage, uplift, and educate through exceptional musical experiences. The orchestra aims to inspire a love of music in the community through live symphony performances, innovative programming, and educational outreach. As an advocate for inclusiveness, the Southland Symphony Orchestra and Chorus is committed to welcoming individuals from all backgrounds. This commitment is reflected in their policies, which prohibit discrimination based on race, sex, age, creed, disability, color, national origin, socioeconomic status, citizenship status, gender, or sexual identification/orientation. The SSO actively encourages participation from historically marginalized groups, including BIPOC and the LGBTQIA community, in various roles within the organization. Under the leadership of Dr. Mann, an internationally recognized conductor, composer, and multi-instrumentalist, the SSO has become a prominent artistic force in the region. Dr. Mann's extensive background in music and her roles in various educational institutions and community programs have significantly contributed to the orchestra's success. She is also noted for her innovative response to the COVID-19 crisis, developing online music learning and performance systems to keep the music alive during the quarantine. The Southland Symphony Orchestra prides itself on being accessible to the community, offering affordable or free performances and prioritizing local engagement over more distant, expensive venues. The orchestra is composed of a mix of professional, semi-professional, and volunteer musicians, welcoming participants of all ages and walks of life. Financially, the SSO is a non-profit organization that relies on the support of individuals, corporations, foundations, and government entities to continue its mission. Despite managing to produce concerts at a fraction of the cost of similar-sized orchestras, the SSO faces various expenses, including sheet music rights, publicity, musician compensation, facility use, and insurance. Donations are critical for the orchestra to maintain its operations and to provide educational programs and outreach initiatives to inspire future generations. In summary, the Southland Symphony Orchestra is a vital cultural asset to the Ontario community and the Inland Empire, offering high-quality musical performances and educational opportunities. Its commitment to inclusiveness and community engagement, coupled with the leadership of Dr. Sylvia Lee Mann, positions the SSO as a beacon of artistic excellence in the region.