Santa Monica Symphony

History

Since 1945, the Santa Monica Symphony Orchestra has been a major cultural asset, serving audiences of all ages that span the ethnic, economic and social spectrum. Founded by a group of Los Angeles studio musicians, the orchestra has evolved over the decades into its present form, a mixture of the best Los Angeles area professionals, emerging pre-professionals and volunteer musicians of exceptional quality. The concert season attracts an audience of over 5,000 with a well rounded repertoire of both classical and contemporary works. In addition to free concerts, the Symphony's outreach programs include open rehearsals, activities in schools, and performances by our musicians at community events. The Symphony has received prestigious grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the James Irvine Foundation and the Herb Alpert Foundation. The Santa Monica Symphony was one of only sixty-four orchestras in the country to receive a grant under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.

Specialties

The mission of the Santa Monica Symphony Orchestra is to provide free quality classical music concerts to the residents of Santa Monica, Los Angeles County and the Southern California community.