“The Symphony isn’t just about music, it’s about belonging. It’s one of the rare spaces where generations, cultures, and communities all come together.”

 

For Ross and Hayley, the San Diego Symphony isn't just an organization they support, it's where their shared story, love of music, and commitment to community all come together. It’s the heart of their philanthropy and a source of deep personal meaning.

Both longtime San Diegans, their lives first intersected in middle school in Escondido. It wasn’t until after college -- with Ross earning a degree in biology and an M.B.A. from UC San Diego and Hayley pursuing a history major at USC -- that their relationship truly began. Their bond has always been rooted in creativity, shared values, and a profound appreciation for the performing arts.

Music, especially, has been a constant thread. Hayley performed in musical theater her entire childhood and previously ran a youth theater and dance program. She currently serves on the board of a professional theater in North County. Ross and his siblings all played instruments or performed growing up. Today, treasured heirlooms, like the baby grand piano passed down from Hayley’s grandmother, fill their home with history and harmony.

Though Ross has fond memories of attending classical performances as a child, it was a Rachmaninoff performance in March 2024 at the Civic Center that sparked something new for the couple. “We’re both fans of romantic composers,” Ross says. “And that concert really reignited something for us.” The experience didn’t just rekindle a shared passion, it deepened their sense of connection to each other and to the broader San Diego community.

Soon after, they attended a concert by pianist Lang Lang at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park—and what just began as an evening out—became a much deeper journey. They weren’t content to simply be audience members; they wanted to be a part of the Symphony’s mission. As they became more involved, supporting programs like Symphony Kids, internships, and the musical education programs like Music Connects, they discovered a new sense of purpose.

Becoming Beethoven Society members was a natural next step. “The Symphony isn’t just about music, it’s about belonging,” says Ross. “It’s one of the rare spaces where generations, cultures, and communities all come together.”

Their philanthropy spans over 60 local nonprofits, from veteran housing to environmental causes to healthcare, but the San Diego Symphony holds a unique place in their hearts. It’s where their love of the arts meets their dedication to building a vibrant, inclusive San Diego.

Some of their most meaningful Symphony experiences have been family ones, like watching The Lion King in concert with their three-year-old son. “Absolutely unforgettable,” Ross says. Moments like these have deepened their belief in the power of music to connect people of all ages and backgrounds.

Supporting the Symphony was never a question, it felt like coming home. “The arts foster connection,” Ross shares. “The Symphony has been an incredibly welcoming, collaborative force in our city. It reflects the diversity and depth of this region, from military families to agricultural workers, from retirees to young children, and it’s vital that this richness is celebrated through music.”

For Ross and Hayley, the Rady Shell and the Jacobs Music Center are more than stages, they are where their story lives.

By Eden Llodra
September 12, 2025