San Jose Symphony
| Company type | Non-profit organization |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music, Performing arts |
| Founded | 1937 |
| Defunct | 2002 |
| Fate | Filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and dissolved |
| Headquarters | San Jose, California , United States |
| Products | Symphony orchestra performances |
The San Jose Symphony Orchestra was a symphony orchestra located in San Jose, California. Its performances took place at the Civic Auditorium until 1971, after which it moved to the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts where it remained active until suspending operations in 2001 and ultimately disbanding in 2002.
An ensemble bearing the name San Jose Symphony first emerged in 1879; however, consistent organizational efforts began with the establishment of a symphony association in 1937. Originally known as the San Jose Civic Orchestra, it functioned primarily as a volunteer ensemble presenting a limited number of concerts each year. Following World War II, musicians received payment, and the number of performances gradually grew from approximately three annually during the mid-1960s. The bicentennial season of 1975-76 marked a significant milestone as it featured composers such as Alan Hovhaness, Carlos Chavez, and Aaron Copland conducting their own compositions, signaling the transition toward a fully professional orchestra. In 1995, cellist Nick Dargahi together with Operations Manager Michael Pastreich launched what became the first website for any American orchestra, representing the San Jose Symphony.
In October 2001, the orchestra halted its activities to undergo restructuring. More than a year later, facing insurmountable financial difficulties, it filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection and was formally dissolved.
The professional orchestral role in San Jose was assumed by Symphony Silicon Valley, created in 2002 by Ballet San Jose and incorporating numerous former members of the San Jose Symphony. This organization was renamed Symphony San Jose in 2021.
Music directors
| 1937-1942 | William Van den Burg |
| 1946-1947 | Edward Azhderian |
| 1947-1951 | Gastone Usigli |
| 1951-1970 | Sandor Salgo |
| 1970-1972 | James K. Guthrie |
| 1972-1992 | George Cleve |
| 1992-2001 | Leonid Grin |
Administrators
- 1993-1998 Shirley Lewis (President)
- 1999 Mary Lonich (General Manager)
- 2000-2001 Paul Chummers (Executive Director)