Wikipedia

Draft:Santa Rosa Symphony

  • Comment: The reception section is almost entirely quotes; these should be paraphrased instead. Devonian Wombat (talk) 12:45, 13 May 2026 (UTC)
  • Comment: I'm concerned that an LLM may have been used to "polish" the draft (but not necessarily write it), especially in the "Performance and Reception" section, which has some source integrity issues. For example, in the 2024 paragraph, neither of the cited sources use the quoted language "inventive sound world" or ""tour de force". nil nz 00:09, 11 May 2026 (UTC)

Santa Rosa Symphony
Orchestra
Santa Rosa Symphony performing at Weill Hall, Green Music Center
Santa Rosa Symphony performing at Weill Hall, Green Music Center
Founded1928; 98 years ago (1928)
LocationSanta Rosa, California, United States
Concert hall
Weill Hall at Green Music Center
ConcertmasterJoseph Edelberg
Music director
Francesco Lecce-Chong
Websitesrsymphony.org

The Santa Rosa Symphony is an American regional orchestra based in Santa Rosa, California. Founded in 1928, it is the resident orchestra of the Green Music Center at Sonoma State University.

Francesco Lecce-Chong has served as music director since 2018. The orchestra also operates the Santa Rosa Symphony Youth Orchestra, conducted by Jaco Wong,[1] and is active in commissioning and performing contemporary orchestral works alongside standard repertoire.

History

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The early years (1928–1958)

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The Santa Rosa Symphony was founded in 1928 by George Trombley. Its first concert was performed at the Elks Club with 35 local musicians. The orchestra made its public debut in February 1929 with a 45-member ensemble at the Santa Rosa High School Auditorium.[2]

In 1946, Corrick Brown performed with the orchestra at age 12. He returned eight years later as a soloist in a performance of a work by Robert Schumann.[3]

Corrick Brown (1958–1995)
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In 1958, Corrick Brown became music director at age 27, beginning a 37-year tenure.[4] At the time, the orchestra was largely composed of volunteer musicians.

During this period, the orchestra transitioned toward a professional ensemble and expanded its programming and community activities.[5]

In 1982, the orchestra moved to the 1500-seat Luther Burbank Center for the Arts to accommodate its growing audience, where it remained for approximately 30 years.[6]

Jeffrey Kahane (1995–2006)
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In 1992, Jeffrey Kahane appeared as guest soloist with the Santa Rosa Symphony in Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5. He was appointed music director in 1995, succeeding Corrick Brown.[7]

In 1998, the Santa Rosa Symphony launched the Young People's Chamber Orchestra, a strings-only ensemble for advanced student musicians under the direction of principal violist Linda Ghidossi-DeLuca.[8]

In 1999, the orchestra entered a partnership with Sonoma State University that contributed to the development of the Green Music Center, which opened in 2012.[9]

Bruno Ferrandis (2006–2018)
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In 2006, Bruno Ferrandis succeeded Jeffrey Kahane as music director of the Santa Rosa Symphony.[10] That same year, construction began on the Green Music Center main concert hall at Sonoma State University, a performing arts complex intended as the future home of the orchestra.[11]

In 2007, Ferrandis' first season coincided with the orchestra's 80th anniversary. A gala concert featuring selections from opera repertoire marked both the anniversary and Ferrandis' appointment as music director.[12]

In 2012, the Santa Rosa Symphony became the resident orchestra at Weill Hall in the Green Music Center at Sonoma State University, following the completion of the concert hall.[13]

During Ferrandis' tenure, the orchestra expanded its programming to include premieres and works by living composers, and maintained education initiatives including the Simply Strings program.[14]

Ferrandis concluded his tenure following the 2017–2018 season.[14]

Francesco Lecce-Chong Years (2018-present)
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In 2018, Francesco Lecce-Chong was appointed as the fifth music director and conductor before the age of 30.[15][16][17]

In 2019, Lecce-Chong and the Santa Rosa Symphony launched a four-year First Symphony Project in partnership with the Eugene Symphony, commissioning four American composers to write their first symphonies. The project included co-commissions with donor families, composer residencies, and community engagement activities across both orchestras.[18]

In 2020, Lecce-Chong and the Santa Rosa Symphony presented chamber music performances during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also launched SRS@Home virtual concert series, which included recorded performances from Weill Hall and was distributed via the orchestra's Youtube channel.[19]

In 2021, the Santa Rosa Symphony continued the SRS@Home virtual concert series. The series initially drew nearly 3,000 unique viewers at its premiere and later averaged more than 5,000 viewers across 22 U.S. states and three countries. Three recorded concerts conducted by Lecce-Chong and filmed at Weill Hall, Green Music Center,[20] were broadcast on Northern California Public Media stations KRCB and KPJK, marking the first televised concerts in the orchestra's history. The broadcasts reached an estimated 2.8 million households across the greater Bay Area.[21]

Kai Ryssdal, Katherine Balch, David McCarroll, and Francesco Lecce-Chong pose backstage at Weill Hall, Green Music Center.
Kai Ryssdal, Katherine Balch, David McCarroll, and Francesco Lecce-Chong pose backstage at Weill Hall, Green Music Center. (From left to right.)

In 2022, the Santa Rosa Symphony released Cello Concerto & Other Works on the Delos label, featuring works by Ellen Taaffe Zwilich and performances recorded during the orchestra's 2020–2021 virtual season.[22] That year, Lecce-Chong and the Santa Rosa Symphony commissioned Valley of the Moon by American composer Michael Daugherty, which premiered in April.[23] Lecce-Chong also led the first season of the Rachmaninoff and the Hollywood Sound project, a four-year initiative pairing the symphonic works of Sergei Rachmaninoff alongside works by Hollywood film composers.[24] In June 2022, the orchestra premiered Los Braceros, a cantata by Enrico Chapela Barba for mariachi ensemble and orchestra, featuring Mariachi Champaña Nevin.[25]

In 2023, Michael Berkowitz retired as Principal Pops Conductor.[26] That year, J. Andrew Bradford was appointed President and CEO of the Santa Rosa Symphony following the retirement of Alan Silow, who had served in the role for 21 years.[27] Also in 2023, Conductor Emeritus Corrick Brown, the orchestra's second music director, died at the age of 95.[28]

Music Directors

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Notable Guest Artists

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Guest artists of the Santa Rosa Symphony's Classical Series have included pianists Garrick Ohlsson include pianists Garrick Ohlsson,[29] Lang Lang,[30] Jonathan Biss,[31] Joyce Yang,[32] and Jon Kimura Parker.[33]

Violinists and string soloists have included Hilary Hahn,[34] Vadim Gluzman,[35] and Mark O'Connor,[36] as well as cellists Zuill Bailey.[37]

Guest ensembles and collaborators have included crossover and chamber artists such as Edgar Meyer,[38] Bela Fleck, Paul Galbraith,[39] and Maya Beiser.

Performances and Reception

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Santa Rosa Symphony 2025

A 2006 review in the San Francisco Chronicle praised the orchestra's performance of Benjamin Britten's War Requiem under Jeffrey Kahane, describing it as "superb" and "unnervingly great."[40] Another Chronicle review commended Kahane's direction of Michael Tippett's A Child of Our Time, noting Kahane's command of the score's many facets, "bringing crispness to some of its more treacherous, angular passages and serene urgency to the spirituals."[41]

A 2012 article by Robert P. Commanday for the San Francisco Classical Voice noted “...it has become a leading regional orchestra in Northern California" with a substantial and loyal audience, 21 classical series program, and special concerts.[42]

Following the orchestra's move to Weill Hall at the Green Music Center, an October 2012 review observed that under Bruno Ferrandis, "the orchestra displayed plenty of vigor and zest, as well as a robust and full-bodied sound that carries beautifully through the hall's resonant acoustics."[43]

Steve Osborn of the San Fransisco Classical Voice wrote, "From start to finish, the performance of Symphonie Fantastique was an object lesson is orchestral expressivity" regarding a performance conducted by Bruno Ferrandis in 2012.[44]

About Francesco Lecce-Chong's conducting, Steve Osborn for the San Francisco Classical Voice noted in 2018 that Lecce-Chong conducted flawlessly with a crisp and precise beat and exemplary technique. "He highlighted stark contrasts between the legato and staccato passages, he let the syncopations ring out, and his dynamics were clearly evident." His movement was never showy, but was electric in Beethoven's Fifth Symphony's third and fourth movements.[45]

A 2025 Classical Sonoma review observed that "SRS's impressive sound" was reminiscent of the reason people used to go to movie theaters to hear a score played.[46]

Notable Premieres and Commissions

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The Santa Rosa Symphony has commissioned and premiered numerous works since the late 20th century, including major initiatives such as the First Symphony Project.[19]

Selected premieres and commissions documented in Santa Rosa Symphony programs and archival materials:

Composer Repertoire Year Conductor Guest Artist Notes
Kirke Mechem Symphony, Haydn's Return[47] 1960 Corrick Brown N/A World premiere; Commissioned by SRS
Henry Cowell Overture for a Large Orchestra 1968 Corrick Brown N/A World premiere
Kenji Bunch Symphony No.1, Lichtenstein Triptych 2004 Jeffrey Kahane N/A Magnum Opus Commission; world premiere
Osvaldo Golijov The Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind 2006 Jeffrey Kahane N/A Magnum Opus Commission; world premiere
Behzad Ranjbaran Mithra for Orchestra 2010 Bruno Ferrandis N/A Magnum Opus Commission; world premiere
Nolan Gasser Sonoma Overture for Orchestra, Opus 20 2012 Bruno Ferrandis N/A World premiere; Commissioned by SRS
Pablo Ortiz Concerto for Bandoneon and Orchestra 2015 Bruno Ferrandis Juan Pablo Jofre World premiere; Commissioned by SRS
Mohammed Fairouz Pax Universalis 2015 Bruno Ferrandis N/A World premiere; Commissioned by SRS
Paul Dooley Sonoma Strong for Orchestra 2018 Michael Berkowitz N/A World premiere; Commissioned by SRS
Matthew Browne Symphony No. 1, The Course of Empire 2020 Francesco Lecce-Chong N/A World premiere; First Symphony Project Commissioned by SRS
Gabriella Smith One for Orchestra 2022 Francesco Lecce-Chong N/A World premiere; First Symphony Project Commissioned by SRS
Michael Daugherty Valley of the Moon for Orchestra 2022 Francesco Lecce-Chong N/A World premiere; Commissioned by SRS
Enrico Chapela Barba Braceros [The Laborers], Cantata for Mariachi and Orchestra 2022 Francesco Lecce-Chong Mariachi Champaña Nevín World premiere; Commissioned by SRS
Angélica Negrón Symphony No. 1 2023 Francesco Lecce-Chong N/A World premiere; First Symphony Project Commissioned by SRS
Ellen Taaffe Zwilich Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra 2023 Francesco Lecce-Chong Christina and Michelle Naughton World premiere; Commissioned by SRS
Clarice Assad Concerto for Percussion and Orchestra 2024 Francesco Lecce-Chong Third Coast Percussion World premiere; Commissioned by SRS
Shuying Li Coping Cadences 2025 Francesco Lecce-Chong Roy Zajac, Robert Giambruno, Bruce Chrisp, Allen Biggs, Adelle-Akiko Kearns, Elizabeth Prior World premiere; Commissioned by SRS et al

References

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  1. ↑ "Jaco Wong Named as Conductor of Santa Rosa Symphony Youth Orchestra". Symphony. January 8, 2025.
  2. ↑ Howard, Keith. "George "Lem" Trombley (1882–1963)". Kalamazoo Public Library. Retrieved February 25, 2025.
  3. ↑ LeBaron, Gaye (June 12, 1994). "Open letter to Santa Rosa's newest 'maestro'". Press Democrat. Retrieved February 25, 2025.
  4. ↑ Smith, Chris (September 13, 2020). "A virtual, heartfelt Santa Rosa Symphony tribute to Norma, Corrick Brown". pressdemocrat.com. Press Democrat. Retrieved February 25, 2025.
  5. ↑ Peterson, Diane (March 20, 2026). "Corrick Brown, who shaped Santa Rosa Symphony and led family's downtown store, dies at 95". The Press Democrat. Retrieved March 23, 2026.
  6. ↑ LeBaron, Gaye (February 27, 2016). "Gaye LeBaron: A look back at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts". The Press Democrat. Press Democrat. Retrieved February 25, 2025.
  7. ↑ Shere, Charles (March 12, 1995). "Conducting in a New Era: Jeffrey Kahane Leads His First Santa Rosa Concert as Music Director". The Press Democrat. Retrieved March 23, 2026.
  8. ↑ Peterson, Diane (October 10, 2010). "Ghidossi-Deluca Leaves the Symphony". The Press Democrat. Retrieved March 23, 2026.
  9. ↑ Kosman, Joshua (October 9, 2012). "Santa Rosa Symphony review: a new era". San Fransisco Chronicle. Retrieved February 25, 2025.
  10. ↑ Hertelendy, Paul (May 7, 2018). "MAHLER'S SYMPHONIC FAREWELL TO US ALL". ARTSSF. Retrieved February 25, 2025.
  11. ↑ Norberg, Norton, Bob, Laura (March 19, 2007). "Sonoma State's $97.7 million Green Music Center is among a growing–and expensive–trend of university-sponsored public arts centers". The Press Democrat. Retrieved March 23, 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  12. ↑ Peterson, Diane (October 1, 2007). "SR SYMPHONY ENCHANTS WITH NIGHT OF OPERA: FERRANDIS, VOCALISTS TAKE PATRONS ON FANTASTIC ROMANTIC VOYAGE". The Press Democrat. Retrieved March 24, 2026.
  13. ↑ Peterson, Diane (February 8, 2012). "Santa Rosa Symphony announces inaugural season at Green Music Center". The Press Democrat. Retrieved March 23, 2026.
  14. 1 2 Peterson, Diane (May 7, 2018). "Santa Rosa Symphony, community bid fond farewell to departing conductor Bruno Ferrandis". The Press Democrat. Retrieved March 23, 2026.
  15. ↑ Hertelendy, Paul (October 18, 2018). "ASHEN COMMUNITY AND ITS CULTURE: RENEWAL!". ARTSSF. Retrieved February 25, 2025.
  16. ↑ Kosman, Joshua (September 22, 2018). "It's a new chapter for the Santa Rosa Symphony". Datebook. Retrieved February 25, 2025.
  17. ↑ "Francesco Lecce-Chong". Francesco Lecce-Chong. Retrieved February 25, 2025.
  18. ↑ Peterson, Diane (February 11, 2019). "Santa Rosa Symphony and Director Francesco Lecce-Chong plan four-year project for new music". The Press Democrat. Retrieved March 23, 2026.
  19. 1 2 "Santa Rosa Symphony: SRS @ Home". ACSO. Retrieved February 25, 2025.
  20. ↑ "Santa Rosa Symphony presents: SRS @ Home Feb 28". San Francisco Classical Voice. Retrieved February 25, 2025.
  21. ↑ Swanson, Charlie (April 15, 2021). "Santa Rosa Symphony Makes Television Debut This Weekend". Bohemian. Retrieved March 24, 2026.
  22. ↑ Wada, Jennifer (August 25, 2022). "Ellen Taaffe Zwilich - Cello Concerto & Other Works, Featuring Soloist Zuill Bailey and Santa Rosa Symphony, a New Delos Release". MusicalAmerica. Retrieved March 23, 2026.
  23. ↑ Peterson, Diane (April 24, 2022). "Santa Rosa Symphony premieres new work rooted in Sonoma County sights and sounds". Press Democrat. Retrieved February 25, 2025.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  24. ↑ Peterson, Diane (March 17, 2026). "Movie Night at the Santa Rosa Symphony with Rachmaninoff". The Press Democrat.
  25. ↑ Osborn, Steve. "Mariachi Meets Orchestra at the Santa Rosa Symphony". San Francisco Classical Voice. Retrieved February 25, 2025.
  26. ↑ Hayes, Lonnie (March 30, 2023). "Public invited to help choose new conductor for Santa Rosa Symphony's Pops series". The Press Democrat.
  27. ↑ Peterson, Diane (April 25, 2023). "Santa Rosa Symphony names new CEO". The Press Democrat.
  28. ↑ Peterson, Diane (March 19, 2026). "Corrick Borwn Who Shaped Santa Rosa Symphony and Led Family's Downtown Store, dies at 95". The Press Democrat. Retrieved March 19, 2026.
  29. ↑ "Santa Rosa Symphony - New Season". Northern California Public Media. Retrieved March 25, 2026.
  30. ↑ "Lang Lang Headlines Opening of Green Music Center". SSU News. February 27, 2017. Retrieved March 25, 2026.
  31. ↑ "Rising star Biss returns". The Press Democrat. February 25, 2007.
  32. ↑ Peterson, Diane (February 18, 2025). "Guest pianist Joyce Yang teams up with Santa Rosa Symphony". The Press Democrat. Retrieved March 25, 2026.
  33. ↑ "Three premieres anchor Santa Rosa Symphony's 2013-14 season". Symphony. February 20, 2013. Retrieved March 25, 2026.
  34. ↑ Kosman, Joshua (January 22, 2001). "Hahn Shows Mastery and Depth / Mesmerizing Elgar from 20-year-old violinist". SFGate. Retrieved March 25, 2026.
  35. ↑ Peterson, Diane (October 17, 2008). "Gluzman dazzles at symphony opener". The Press Democrat. Retrieved March 25, 2026.
  36. ↑ Osborn, Steve. "Mark O'Connor & the Santa Rosa Symphony: Americana with a Flashing Bow". SF Classical Voice. Retrieved February 25, 2025.
  37. ↑ Wada, Jennifer (August 25, 2022). "Ellen Taafe Zwilich - Cello Concerto & Other Works, Featuring Soloist Zuill Bailey and Santa Rosa Symphony, a New Delos Release". Musical America. Retrieved February 25, 2025.
  38. ↑ Robinson, Bruce (May 26, 2004). "Bela Fleck/Edgar Meyer". Bohemian. Retrieved March 25, 2026.
  39. ↑ https://www.guitarfoundation.org/page/HoFGalbraith
  40. ↑ Kosman, Joshua (April 16, 1999). "A Magnificent 'War Requiem' / Santa Rosa Symphony teams with German singer for Britten". SFGate. Retrieved March 24, 2026.
  41. ↑ Kosman, Joshua (April 15, 2002). "Santa Rosa Symphony takes on rarely heard oratorio / Tippett's 'Child' a hodgepodge of musical styles". SFGate. Retrieved March 24, 2026.
  42. ↑ Commanday, Robert P. (October 1, 2012). "Green Grows the Superb Weill Hall in Sonoma". San Francisco Classical Voice. Retrieved May 11, 2026.
  43. ↑ Kosman, Joshua (October 9, 2012). "Santa Rosa Symphony review: a new era". SFGate. Retrieved March 24, 2026.
  44. ↑ Kosman, Joshua (March 19, 2024). "Santa Rosa Symphony: Hear and Now". SF Chronicle. Retrieved March 25, 2026.
  45. ↑ Osborn, Steve (October 8, 2018). "Lecce-Chong Proves His Mettle With Santa Rosa Symphony". San Francisco Classical Voice. Retrieved May 11, 2026.
  46. ↑ Lert, Peter (January 11, 2025). "Symphonic Contrasts in SRS Weill Hall Concert". Classical Sonoma. Archived from the original on January 18, 2025. Retrieved August 2, 2025.
  47. ↑ Mechem, Kirke (1960). "Haydn's Return". Kirke Mechem. Retrieved March 23, 2026.

Notes

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