History
I remember having seasons with less than $1,000 in the bank and starting the year primarily on the hope and faith that we would make it. This orchestra has always had supporters like you who helped make it a success. Early in the 1950s we performed at Redondo High School's old auditorium then, after Mira Costa High School was built, we moved to their auditorium. In 1968, when Marsee Auditorium opened at El Camino College, our symphony became the first symphony orchestra to present a concert on this stage. We were privileged and later, when the LA Philharmonic came to perform here, I talked to musicians who commented on how much they liked the beautiful hall. When the Beach Cities Symphony performed a concert in the 1960s at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion under the baton of then Music Director and Conductor, Louis J. Palange, we noticed the most wonderful feeling of ensemble due to the acoustics of the stage, and we felt the aura of performing where the L.A. Philharmonic does.
Specialties
The Beach Cities Symphony presents four free concerts per year. The orchestra plays classical pieces ranging from the early to the contemporary, including works by local composers. Prize-winning young soloists are given an opportunity to perform with the orchestra. Most performers and soloists are members of the local community. Concerts are held in the community college.