Founded in 1985, the Orange County Symphony is a 90-member regional orchestra serving a metropolitan area of approximately 3 million people. The Orange County Symphony strives to enhance the image of its community through pride in a recognizable and noted entity - a regional symphony orchestra, and to expand musical exposure in children and parents, many of whom could not afford a live classical musical experience. Over the years, the symphony has entertained thousands in concerts at parks and various venues throughout Orange County.
Through the International Conductor Exchange Program, the community was able to enjoy music of composers from France, Bulgaria, and Korea. The Symphony has performed free children’s concerts over the past 19 years and continues this commitment. With the help of the Leo Freedman Foundation Grant, the Symphony was also responsible for putting string education back into the Anaheim Elementary School District for the first time in 40 years. Our community concerts such as Brass Through the Ages and Stradivarius/Guarnerius/Steinway include an educational component to enhance the aesthetic response to music. The Orange County Symphony was featured in a Los Angeles newspaper and listed as one of the Top Ten events in Southern California for its presentation of Every Good Boy Deserves Favor starring Patrick Stewart from the cast of television’s Star Trek: The Next Generation. The Orange County Symphony was also thrilled to feature Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, at a special performance in Pearson Park.
In May, 2002, the Orange County moved headquarters to the Anaheim Cultural Arts building. During this transition time, Dorothy Rose was appointed Executive Director in Spring 2004 to implement a revitalization of the orchestra. The first concert during this period was presented in September, 2004 at the Heritage Forum in Anaheim.
Dean Anderson was appointed Music Director/Conductor of the OCS in April, 2005. During the next 3 years (2005-2008) Dean rebuilt the orchestra to a roster of 50 plus musicians and planned and performed three full concert seasons. Under his baton major symphonic works were presented ranging from Mozart to Hindemith and including Bach, Beethoven, Ravel, Shostakovich, Schumann, Tchaikovsky amongst others. A musical legacy was created by Dean Anderson for the community with the annual October Halloween concert where all children accompanied by an adult and wearing a costume are admitted free. They participate in a costume parade and are treated to goodie bags provided by Target Store.
In May, 2008 Anthony Parnther was named Music Director/Conductor of the Orange County Symphony. Please visit the calendar section to preview the 2008-2009 concert season.
The OC Symphony is honored to be part of the Anaheim community and look forward to many more performances of excellence in concert experiences and presentations.
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| OUR MISSION |
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The Orange County Symphony funds and produces the events of the Orange County Symphony, as well as various other musical events in an effort to enhance the culture of the community and to expand musical exposure in children and parents, many of whom could not otherwise afford a live classical musical experience.
Over the years, the symphony has entertained thousands in concerts at parks and various venues throughout Orange County.
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| EXECUTIVE COUNCIL |
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Barbee Heiny, First Vice President/Financial Officer
Shirley Moreira, Recording Secretary
Carol Latham, Corresponding Secretary
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| DIRECTORS |
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Larry and Sarma Rosenberg
Michael Anderson
Robert Wrynn, Director of Development and Marketing
Shirley McCracken, Advisor
Anthony Parnther, Music Director/Conductor
Dorothy Rose, Executive Director
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