25 Years of Success and Community Involvement

There is only one San Diego Chamber Orchestra experience. Under the dynamic leadership of Artistic Director Jung-Ho Pak, the Orchestra is on an exciting mission to provide a dramatic classical music experience that is extraordinary in every way for its guests.

Now in its twenty-fifth year, there is a palpable "buzz" about the Orchestra throughout the San Diego area that is felt by concertgoers, the musicians and the media. This has resulted in sold-out concerts in its multiple venues, standing ovations, exciting word-of-mouth-conversations, a significantly increased presence in major media outlets and a major increase in the number of young professionals attending the concerts.

The Orchestra's incredibly talented musicians (30+), conducted by Maestro Pak, perform six Classics Series concerts from fall through spring in three venues: St. Paul's Cathedral, downtown; the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego's Sherwood Auditorium in La Jolla; and the Del Mar Country Club in Rancho Santa Fe. These concerts have been received with an exceptionally high level of enthusiasm as a result of innovative and creative programming coupled with stellar performances by the musicians.

The Orchestra has had a long-time tradition of performing Handel's Messiah in December, but it created a sensation in San Diego in 2006 by performing the only authentic 18th century re-creation of Messiah by a professional chorus and orchestra in the area. Joined by the Bach Collegium chorus in 2007, two of the three venues (area churches) sold out and the third, the California Center for the Arts (CCAE), Escondido, increased its ticket sales by over 30% from year to year.

The POPS series of concerts (performed by 50+ musicians) have become popular throughout the year. Two performances are scheduled at CCAE each season and a series of summer concerts are performed in outdoor locations throughout the area.

It's an exciting time for the Orchestra...creative programming, innovative uses of technology, high-quality beautiful music, old-fashioned warmth and enthusiasm, some very exciting one-of-a-kind education programs scheduled for implementation in 2008, and a real community feel that brings the musicians and guests together for an extraordinary experience.