A Brief History:
the Riverside County Philharmonic

“A California success story” (Los Angeles Times) best characterizes the Riverside County Philharmonic’s rapid development and popularity.  Originally formed in 1958 as a volunteer group of musicians, the Philharmonic now has 72 professional musicians.

Each season the orchestra draws cheering audiences from all over the Southland to its classical and pops concerts.  The Philharmonic’s many milestones include the West Coast premiere of William Kraft’s Renaissance, Ellen Taffe Zwilich’s Three Pieces for Orchestra, the world premiere of John Williams’ Clarinet Concerto, and the American premiere of Four Pacific Seasons by New Zealander, Gareth Farr. 

In 2008, Music Director Patrick Flynn and the Philharmonic will mark their 19th season together.  Under Flynn’s direction, the orchestra has been acclaimed by local and out-of-town critics for compelling performances of core repertory, for its unique programming and for its exceptional roster of guest soloists.  On several occasions, reviewers have dubbed the Philharmonic: “Best orchestra in Southern California.” 

Currently the orchestra presents a season of four performances in its home venue, the historic Riverside Municipal Auditorium in downtown Riverside. The Philharmonic is also in high demand throughout the region, including performing concerts in Cerritos, Lake Arrowhead, Lake Elsinore, Fallbrook, Rancho Cucamonga and Temecula, among other communities.  Annually, the Philharmonic performs a 4th of July concert at Riverside National Cemetery.  With these, and free pops concerts in local parks, the orchestra has quadrupled it audience since 2001.

The Philharmonic family is deeply committed to connecting with young people throughout the Inland Empire.  In 1998 it established the Adventures in Music program for Riverside and San Bernardino County schools, annually bringing the magic of music to thousands of youth.  Continuing its long history of community collaboration, the Philharmonic continues a unique partnership in 2008/2009 with Performance Riverside, co-presenting programs from their respective seasons as part of a new Family Series. 

The California Arts Council has consistently listed the Riverside County Philharmonic in its Touring Arts Directory since the year 2000.

Under the direction of a committed Board of Directors and a new Foundation comprised of community leaders, the Riverside County Philharmonic is poised to continue with vigor its mission as one of the leading orchestras in the Southwest, with a goal of inspiring every segment of the community with the love and excitement of great music.