RelyLocal

Normal_408
    0 ratings

    Read Reviews

West Covina Symphony Orchestra

100% Local

215 S Citrus St
West Covina , CA 91791 (view map)
Phone: (626)771-0462 Website: http://westcovinasymphony.com/

Details

The Story of the West Covina Symphony Orchestra:

Once upon a time...there was a real symphony orchestra thriving in the city of West Covina, complete with holiday concerts, volunteers, children's concerts, and opportunities for everyone to hear fantastic music - usually free! The symphony was in its prime in the late 1960's and 70's - and that's when Sylvia Mann began to perform with them. She was still a student in the West Covina Public Schools, but she held her own as one the top musicians of the West Covina Symphony Orchestra. Upon finishing her schooling, Sylvia went on to become a professional conductor, composer and violist, performing all over the world.

When Sylvia returned to West Covina to live, she found that the symphony was gone, and she decided to do something about that! Many community organizations have now joined in the work of helping us rebuild the symphony: from the City of West Covina, to the Chamber of Commerce, the Historical Society, the Women’s Club, the Greater West Covina Business Association, the Regional Chamber of Commerce, to Churches and community clubs, everyone is getting involved.

Communities need symphony orchestras - we need music of all types. Now – we are able to hear a symphony right here! No long drives, no parking hassles downtown. Instead, we can enjoy the music right here in our hometown. Our children will learn the beauty of all types of music. Our quality of life improves with every note.

Music brings people together and enriches our lives. We need all the music we can get! Our purpose is to enrich our community by engaging audiences and inspiring a love of music through exciting live symphony performances, innovative programming, and educational outreach.

Under the baton and dynamic leadership of Dr. Sylvia Lee Mann, the West Covina Symphony Orchestra, in its first season of operation (2008/9), presented a full season of four full-orchestra concerts, an additional full orchestra summer pops concert, as well as performing at several other community functions, including the lighting of the annual Holiday Tree for the City of West Covina, the Contract Cities conference, the West Covina Rose Float Family Celebration, and the Historical Society Annual Banquet. We more than tripled our concert attendance, and we now boast an orchestra of over 60 musicians at every concert. Musicians range in age from 14 – 81, and come from all over Southern California to perform with our orchestra. Some even tell stories of rediscovering their passion for life through playing in the symphony, of finding healing through their music. Soloists of international renown are literally “lining up” to perform with us. What a tribute to our community! Volunteers are onboard (more are welcome, and needed!) helping with every event. Our educational outreach program is underway, offering free concerts for local area schools, a music academy offering music lessons and master classes, and a solo competition for music students, featuring the winners at an annual concert with the orchestra.

Come and be a part of the arts revival – be a part of the West Covina Symphony Orchestra!

Reviews

Login to post a review