Saddleback College Instrumental Music

The Saddleback Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1974 and performs regularly in Saddleback's intimate McKinney Theatre. The orchestra specializes in the exploration and performance of masterworks of the orchestral repertory. Past concerts have featured the music of American composers George Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein and Aaron Copland. Other performances have explored 20th century compositions labeled “ENTARTETE MUSIK.” Outlawed and banned in Germany during the 3rd Reich, these gems of the repertory were given their West Coast Premiere by the Saddleback Symphony Orchestra. The most recent concert “Let’s Go To The Movies!” celebrated the music of Hollywood and featured original soundtrack music from films such as Harry Potter, An American in Paris and Carmen.

The Saddleback Symphony is also dedicated to nurturing the careers of talented young musicians. Each year, the orchestra co-sponsors a concerto competition for instrumentalists and vocalists studying with members of the Music Teachers' Association of California or the American String Teachers' Association. In addition to prizes and trophies, the winners receive an invitation to perform as guest soloists with the Symphony in a special concert presentation.