Berkeley Symphony Orchestra

Welcome

The Berkeley Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to performing contemporary, traditional and rarely-heard symphonic literature; premiering the works of emerging and established contemporary composers; showcasing Bay Area artists and soloists; working in collaboration with other artists and arts institutions; and promoting among young people and the general public an understanding and appreciation of significant contemporary works.

The Berkeley Symphony Orchestra?’s primary activity is the four-concert subscription season at Zellerbach Hall. Since the Fall, 1995 beginning of our 25th Anniversary Season, these concerts have been broadcast on KDFC-FM, the Bay Area?’s premier classical radio station. The Berkeley Symphony began recording in 1993 and has produced three CDs of composers Peter Lewis, Jeff Beal and Frank Martin.

The Symphony also offers Under Construction, an annual presentation of new works by Bay Area composers that is free and open to the public. For many composers, this presentation marks the first reading of their work by a full symphony orchestra.

The Orchestra continues to collaborate with UC Berkeley?’s Cal Performances, providing orchestral services for visiting dance groups. Finally, the Orchestra maintains close ties to the University?’s Center for New Music and Audio Technologies. Many successful collaborations involving symphonic music and electro-acoustic enhancement have been developed and presented jointly.