Pasadena Symphony & Pops

The Pasadena Symphony Association, a 501c3 non-profit organization, was founded in 1928 by Conductor Reginald Bland as the Pasadena Civic Orchestra. Initially comprised of volunteer musicians, the orchestra's early operations were funded by the City of Pasadena. Over the decades, it evolved into a nationally recognized, fully professional ensemble. In 2007, the Pasadena Symphony merged with the Pasadena POPS, forming the Pasadena Symphony and POPS. The organization performs at the renowned Ambassador Auditorium and the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden. Grammy-nominated conductor David Lockington serves as Music Director, while celebrated entertainer Michael Feinstein is the Principal Pops Conductor. The Pasadena Symphony Association also oversees the Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestras, which have provided music education to over 350 students from Southern California for more than fifty years. The organization is dedicated to delivering high-quality musical performances and fostering community engagement through its diverse concert series and educational programs.