West Valley Symphony

== West Valley Symphony == The West Valley Symphony is a cultural institution located in Surprise, Arizona, dedicated to enriching the local community through symphonic music. With a mission to provide opportunities for all residents to experience the beauty of orchestral music, the West Valley Symphony Association strives to maintain a culturally rich and diverse environment. === History === The origins of the West Valley Symphony can be traced back to the late fall of 1968 when the Sun City Symphony, under the direction of founder and conductor Jennings Butterfield, performed its first concert at the Town Hall South Auditorium, now known as the Mountain View Auditorium. The event was met with great enthusiasm, playing to a full house of 1,000 attendees. The orchestra was composed of unpaid professional musicians, including retirees from the Sun City community, members of the Luke Air Force Base, Flagstaff Symphony, and Phoenix Symphony. After the passing of Maestro Butterfield in 1982, the baton was passed to Dr. Bernard Goodman, and subsequently to Dr. Eugene Lombardi from 1983 to 1987. Maestro James Yestadt led the orchestra from 1988 until 2006. During this period, the symphony faced financial challenges, leading to the cancellation of two concerts in 2006. However, a significant bequest from J. E. Donald Hastie in 2007 allowed the symphony to reorganize and resume performances after a two-year hiatus. In 2008, the symphony launched a four-concert series with Maestros Warren Cohen and Cal Stewart Kellogg. The following year, Maestro Kellogg was appointed as the Music Director/Conductor, quickly becoming a favorite for his engaging style and leadership. The symphony's name has evolved over time to reflect the growth of the Northwest Valley, transitioning from the Sun City Symphony Orchestra in 1968 to the Sun Cities Symphony in 1983, then to the Sun Cities Symphony of the West Valley in 1997, and finally to the West Valley Symphony in 2004. === Performance Locations === Over the years, the West Valley Symphony has performed at various venues, including the Sundial Auditorium from 1968 to 1980, the Sundome from 1980 to 2004, and several churches in Sun City West. In 2011, the Valley Vista Performing Arts Center became the symphony's home, which was later renamed The Vista Center for the Arts in 2020. The symphony celebrated its 50th anniversary during the 2018-2019 season with six concerts. However, the 52nd season faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the cancellation of the entire season to ensure the safety of patrons, musicians, and staff. Concerts resumed with the 53rd season in 2021-2022. The West Valley Symphony continues to be a beacon of musical artistry and education in the region, supported by a dedicated board and staff, and sustained by the generosity of its donors and the enthusiasm of its audiences.