Symphony San Jose

Symphony San Jose, known previously as Symphony Silicon Valley, is a distinguished orchestra based in San Jose, California. It was founded in 2002 and has since established itself as the leading symphonic ensemble in the South Bay region and a significant cultural entity. The inception of Symphony San Jose was akin to a phoenix rising from the ashes, as it succeeded the former San Jose Symphony, which had been a longstanding institution in the area.\n\nThe orchestra has been commended for carving out its own identity, as noted by the Mercury News. It showcases a diverse repertoire that ranges from the works of Duke Ellington to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and it is known for its innovative approach to concert programming. This includes the engagement of numerous guest conductors, which aligns with the European tradition of orchestral leadership, rather than having a single music director.\n\nSymphony San Jose is comprised of highly skilled musicians who are not only nationally recruited but also local residents, many of whom boast an impressive average performance tenure in San Jose of over 20 years. These artists are celebrated for their excellence within the greater Bay Area's music community.\n\nThe orchestra's home is the California Theatre, a beautifully restored venue in downtown San Jose that is celebrated as one of Northern California's premier music halls. The Symphony's performances there are met with great enthusiasm by both audiences and critics.\n\nThe Symphony's programming includes a subscription season with seven sets of concerts, each consisting of two or three performances. Additionally, the Symphony offers special events such as \"Carols in the California\" during December, and performances by the Symphony San Jose Chorale. The concert experience is further enriched by pre-concert lectures known as \"Music Notes\" before each Saturday and Sunday performance.\n\nBeyond its regular season, Symphony San Jose is committed to community engagement, providing free outreach programs for thousands of children annually. It also participates in various community events, including special concerts such as the San Jose State University's 150th Anniversary Gala Concert and performances featuring music from popular video games.\n\nSymphony San Jose prides itself on its innovative and market-driven business model, which is both financially conservative and flexible. This approach allows the Symphony to adapt its programming to its support base and has resulted in it earning an extraordinary 60% of its revenue each year, a notable achievement for a symphony of its size.\n\nThe organization's success and integration into the cultural life of San Jose were encapsulated by a Mercury News critic who, after attending the Symphony's second program at the California Theatre, concluded with the phrase, \"Exciting? Probably.\" This sentiment has been embraced by Symphony San Jose as a reflection of its dynamic role within the community.