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Find Your Music™ On The Go
Musician Spotlight: Leyla Zamora, Bassoon
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Leyla Zamora has been a member of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra since 2005. Before coming to San Diego, Leyla held for 10 years, the position of principal bassoon with the Memphis Symphony. We caught up with Leyla as she was finishing up her Summer Vacation gallivanting around Europe and asked her about her time with the Orchestra and what she has her sights set on in this upcoming season.
Getting to Know Guest Conductor Christopher Dragon
Friday, September 1, 2023
Australian conductor Christopher Dragon, Music Director of the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra and Resident Conductor of the Colorado Symphony, returns this weekend to the San Diego Symphony to guest conduct a weekend of exciting programming at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. Read more about Christopher below:
August 2023 Donor Spotlight - Lisa and Gary Levine
Thursday, August 17, 2023
At some point, we all have an experience that changes our lives, raises the bar, and creates memories that will last a lifetime. For Lisa and Gary Levine, that experience happened at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park™. “We sat front row center to see John Legend,” Gary recalled. “The feeling of being there, up close and personal with such an incredible artist, is something I’ll never forget. Lisa and Gary began supporting the San Diego Symphony in 2018 after Lisa attended a concert with some friends. “I came home and told Gary, this is something we need to get involved in,” said Lisa.
Q&A with High School Ambassador: Karolina
Monday, August 14, 2023
Our High School Ambassadors summer internship program at the San Diego Symphony concluded last week. Over the course of six weeks we hosted 30 high school students from all over San Diego County in two different cohorts of three weeks each. Students participated in group projects, leadership workshops and got meaningful experience with audience members working as ushers at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. We asked one High School Ambassador to reflect on their personal experience in the program.
Interview with Byron Stripling, When the Saints Go Marching In
Monday, August 14, 2023
We sat down recently with conductor, trumpet player and vocalist extraordinare, Byron Stripling, to discuss his upcoming collaboration with the San Diego Symphony in When the Saints Go Marching In With Byron Stripling on August 20th at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Byron earned his stripes as lead trumpet player and soloist with the Count Basie Orchestra and today serves as Artistic Director of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra and Principal Pops Conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
July 2023 Donor Spotlight - Bill and Jayne Turpin
Monday, July 24, 2023
Music moves us. It moves us to tap our feet and dance to its rhythm. It moves us internally, eliciting memories and feelings of deep emotion. And it moves us to share in its wonder with the people around us. It is this power that compelled Bill and Jayne Turpin to become involved with the San Diego Symphony and help it share its music. “Every single person we’ve taken to the Symphony loves it,” said Bill. “We have gotten way more out of the Symphony than they have ever gotten from us, and it’s broadened our horizons.”
High School Ambassadors Summer Program at The Rady Shell
Friday, July 14, 2023
It’s summertime again in San Diego! For many high school students that means beach days and summer vacation, for others it’s a time of learning and growth. Every summer at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, the San Diego Symphony hosts high school students from all over San Diego County for the High School Ambassadors program. For three weeks, these students are provided with meaningful hands-on training and skill building experiences in the performing arts field that help to create college and career readiness. Some of the highlights of the paid internship style program are assisting with ushering at summer performances, connecting with arts industry professionals and growing their talent alongside other young leaders in the community. It’s summer school, summer camp, and a summer job all rolled into one!
June 2023 Donor Spotlight - Martha and Ed Dennis
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
There are many components to the art of a symphony. From the craftsmanship of each instrument and the mastery of the musician holding it, to the vision of the composer, and the skillful timing of the conductor. One crucial element that cannot be overlooked, which serves to bring all the other pieces together, is the venue. It is the venue which most excites Ed and Martha Dennis, generous supporters of the San Diego Symphony and, for Martha, lifelong fan of classical music. In her words, “having a world-class acoustical hall is a wonderful opportunity for San Diego and we feel that it will be another significant star attraction in our San Diego landscape.”
May 2023 Donor Spotlight - Philip and Gayle Tauber
Thursday, May 18, 2023
Artists, entrepreneurs, and lovers of music have been supporters of the San Diego Symphony since 1982. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Gayle and Phil grew up together and began dating in high school. Fifty-seven years later, they live in San Diego and collaborate on their shared passion for art, business, and supporting their community. Together, they have built several successful brands and businesses, most recognizably perhaps being Kashi Company, cereal, and grain-based products.