Long Beach Symphony

The '''Long Beach Symphony Orchestra''' is a distinguished institution in the musical landscape of Southern California, known for its commitment to inspiring and uniting communities through the power of music. Founded in 1934 by opera singer Florence Van Dyke, conductor Robert Resta, and the Long Beach Recreation Commission, the orchestra was initially named the Long Beach Philharmonic. Its inaugural performance took place in 1935 at the Municipal Auditorium, which has since been replaced by the Convention Center.\n\nThroughout its history, the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra has been synonymous with artistic excellence and community engagement. Its strategic location near Hollywood studios allowed it to draw a high caliber of musicians and guest soloists, contributing to its growth and prominence over the years. The orchestra has expanded its offerings to include full symphonic concerts, family concerts, and the precursor to its popular POPS series, the Starlight Serenades in Bixby Park.\n\nA leader in the arts community, the orchestra played a pivotal role in the 1950s by contributing musicians to initiate the Long Beach Unified School District's music education programs. In 1978, the Symphony moved to the Terrace Theater, marking a new chapter with a sold-out performance featuring renowned pianist Van Cliburn.\n\nThe orchestra has been at the forefront of cultural innovation, notably appointing JoAnn Falletta as the first female Music Director of a regional orchestra in 1989. Under the baton of various music directors, including Falletta and the current Music Director, Eckart Preu, the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra has premiered numerous works and has been recognized with awards such as the 1998 ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming.\n\nToday, the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra continues to make significant contributions to the arts and culture of the region. It offers a six-concert Classical series, a five-concert POPS series, and a variety of education and community engagement programs that reach over 300,000 individuals annually. The Symphony's commitment to the community is further evidenced by its collaborations with local organizations and its recognition with awards like the Long Beach Heritage Preservation Award and the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce Award for Outstanding Nonprofit Organization.\n\nThe Long Beach Symphony Orchestra's legacy is one of artistic innovation, educational outreach, and community enrichment, making it a true success story and a cherished institution in Long Beach.