Making History
17 Years Ago…
…the CalPhil Foundation was founded by Music Director and Conductor Victor Vener and a small group of enthusiastic, dedicated music lovers based in Pasadena, California, USA. The Foundation, a nonprofit community benefit organization, supports the California Philharmonic in a quest to expand awareness of classical music, thus increasing the interest and support for great timeless music with wide audience appeal. Along the way, Maestro Vener and the California Philharmonic have garnered many awards, including resolutions passed by the California Legislature State Assembly, recognition from the U.S. Congress and a commendation from the County of Los Angeles.
Dr. Vener has electrified audiences in the United States, Europe and Asia, conducting exciting performances of a wide range of repertoire with his unique blend of outstanding musicianship and personalized audience engagement. The California Philharmonic is recognized for its high-quality professional performances of music by notable composers from the diverse genres of jazz, pops, Broadway and opera. Also, with a strong commitment to new music and to expanding the symphonic repertoire, the Orchestra has presented nine world premieres and four Southern California premieres of orchestral works and three world premieres of chamber works.
The California Philharmonic began with a five-concert inaugural season of Cal Phil Festival on the Green on the beautiful infield of the historic Santa Anita Race Track in Arcadia. Now, the Orchestra presents ten concerts per year in two different, but equally impressive, venues in Los Angeles County, California.
Through free community outreach events, such as Cal Phil Family Night (a concert and interactive activities for children), Talks with the Maestro and Sounds Fun: Concert Experience for Young Minds (partnering with the Pasadena Unified School District) people of all ages and from all walks of life have the opportunity to experience the wonder of live classical music performed by world-renowned musicians.
Geographically, the California Philharmonic serves and entertains a diverse population from the Southern California; including: Pasadena, South Pasadena, Alhambra, Arcadia, Altadena, El Monte, San Marino, Sierra Madre, Glendale, Temple City, Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Calabasa and Manhattan Beach.
The mission and goals of the CalPhil Foundation are used as guidelines when determining the California Philharmonic’s focus. Also, the presence of four essential elements—entertainment, enlightenment, education and excitement—ensure the mission will be successfully fulfilled. Audiences are attracted to the exciting and innovative programming and then delighted to find they’re thoroughly entertained. Whether aficionados or novices, everyone is enlightened, educated and informed through Maestro Vener’s engaging talks—painlessly learning something new about the music, instruments, composers, musicians and/or featured artists.
The Los Angeles region has a well-deserved reputation as one of the pre-eminent art capitals of the United States and the world. The CalPhil Foundation/California Philharmonic is proud to play a significant role as one of this area’s major cultural resources. Whether you’re a local resident or planning a visit to this lovely part of the world, you owe it to yourself to experience the entertaining and unique California Philharmonic.
