About

History of the Orchestra

In the summer of 2004 Ulli Reiner, Concertmaster, had the vision to form a symphony orchestra that would fill a need for classical music performances in the community and for musicians interested in playing in a full orchestra. Soon a handful of musicians signed up, a conductor was chosen, and the first performance was presented on April 1, 2005. From these humble beginnings, the Poway Symphony Orchestra (PSO) has grown into a full-size symphonic orchestra. Its repertoire has expanded to include a wide variety of classical music masterpieces of the great composers. Appreciative audiences have increased over the years at the three annual concerts in the beautiful local venue that is affiliated with the Poway Center for the Performing Arts. The orchestra is organized through the Poway Unified School District, Adult School.

Since 2005, four conductors have led the orchestra: Randall Brinton, Branden Muresan, Warren Torns, and John LoPiccolo, the current Music Director and Conductor. Maestro LoPiccolo joined the PSO in 2014 and the orchestra performed the first concert under his direction in November 2014. Since then, it has reached consistently high quality performance levels.

The Poway Symphony Orchestra is the only organization to offer such live performances of classical masterpieces in a local venue, thereby enriching the quality of life in the area.

While celebrating its 20th anniversary, the PSO has arrived at a critical mass needed for an enhanced musical profile and increased community recognition. With the dedication and commitment of the musicians under the leadership of Music Director John LoPiccolo, the Poway Symphony Orchestra will reach new heights in its quest to be a shining star in the cultural spectrum offered locally and of which the community can be proud.

To assure its future growth and success the Poway Symphony Orchestra would like to reach out to businesses, foundations and individuals to consider financially supporting this unique cultural asset. In doing so, your name can be associated with the Poway Symphony Orchestra in a number of ways, including acknowledgment in printed materials and on the website. 

Concerts are performed at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road, Poway.