Vallejo Symphony Association

Vallejo Symphony Orchestra is the only professional ensemble of its kind in Solano County. With a three-concert mainstage season, as well as community concerts in smaller and more casual venues, the organization reaches more than 10,000 people each year. In addition, its in-school concert series reaches nearly 10,000 students throughout Solano County. After sustaining significant budget reductions due to decreased revenue in the wake of the 2008 economic downturn, the symphony is on the upswing. With first-time support from the Hewlett Foundation, the organization plans to hire new administrative staff, engage board members in renewed fundraising efforts, and increase musician pay and rehearsal hours.

Vallejo Symphony Association’s orchestra is the seventh oldest symphony in California, tracing its roots to the early days of the Great Depression. The orchestra is the only ensemble of its kind in Solano County and the Performing Arts Program’s only grantee in Vallejo. In the midst of replacing a longstanding conductor, the organization’s usual three performance season will feature public performances by three potential conductor candidates, generating new interest in the symphony. Renewed funding will support building the capacity of its database, expand its presence in the media, and improve donor and patron participation. Funding will also support the expansion of community programming in schools, and build new programming with local senior centers.