Orchestra Nova San Diego
| Company type | Nonprofit organization |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music, Performing arts |
| Founded | 1983 |
| Founder | Donald Barra |
| Defunct | 2012 |
| Fate | Filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy |
| Headquarters | San Diego, California , United States |
| Products | Classical music concerts, Pops concerts |
Number of employees | 35 full-time musicians (plus up to 15 additional players for special occasions) |
Orchestra Nova San Diego, initially known as the San Diego Chamber Orchestra, was a chamber orchestra located in San Diego, California, operating from 1984 until 2012. The group was founded by Donald Barra, with Jung-Ho Pak taking over as artistic director and conductor in 2006.
The orchestra was created in 1983 and held its inaugural performances in 1984. In the autumn of 2009, the ensemble adopted the name Orchestra Nova San Diego. Its main concert locations were Sherwood Auditorium at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla and Irwin M. Jacobs Qualcomm Hall situated in Sorrento Valley. Other venues included the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, the Coronado Performing Arts Center at the Coronado School of the Arts, and the California Center for the Arts, Escondido (CCAE).
Composed of 35 full-time musicians, the orchestra expanded its roster by up to 15 additional players for special occasions and Pops performances. The season spanned from fall through spring and generally featured five concerts within the Classics Series, three Pops concerts, along with an annual December presentation of Handel's Messiah.
Although the 2011–2012 season achieved complete sell-out status, the subsequent 2012–2013 season was suddenly discontinued. Just two days before its commencement, the first three scheduled concerts were canceled because of unresolved negotiations with the American Federation of Musicians. The dispute centered on Pak’s request to have discretion over musician selection for each concert, while the musicians insisted on a contract covering the entire season. After these cancellations, Pak resigned without providing any reasons, which resulted in the full cancellation of that season. In December 2012, Orchestra Nova proceeded to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection. Patrons who had purchased tickets did not receive refunds; however, some local arts organizations extended options for exchanges.