SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra will open their 97th performance season February 21 with the first of five performances designed by Music Director and Conductor Anthony Parnther in honor of the American Semiquincentennial.
“In 2026, we will begin with “American Voices: Lift Every Voice and Sing!” which will celebrate the musical contributions of iconic composers from classically inspired orchestral pieces to contemporary works,” explained Maestro Parnther, adding, “Then, throughout the year, we will continue to shine a spotlight on the genius of American composers.”
Parnther, who recently celebrated his sixth highly successful year with the Orchestra by signing a new three year contract, has helped to ensure the organization’s sustainability by making a personal gift of $100,000.
“My donation is given in honor of all those who value the arts in the Inland Empire to help to ensure our region can maintain the world class level of creative artistic expression it deserves. In place until we reach our historic one hundredth year, it is given as a matching gift to encourage others to support the Symphony and therefore, it is my sincere hope, inspire a more profound local culture of philanthropy,” shared Parnther.
“This is something we never could have imagined,” said Orchestra executive director Dr. Anne Viricel. “To have this type of support from an artistic leader is extremely rare in our industry; but over the past six seasons, I have learned to always expect the unexpected from Maestro Parnther. His commitment to our region is unmatched.”
The opening concert, scheduled for February 21, 2026 at 3 p.m. at the historic California Theatre of the Performing Arts, will feature repertoire by Ludwig van Beethoven, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, Scott Joplin, Winton Marsalis, Florence Price, Richard Smallwood, William Grant Still and others, and will showcase the talents of vocalists Dedrick Bonner and the Singers of Soul.
Then, Friday, May 15 at 7:30 p.m., the Symphony will introduce the newly minted SBSO Chamber Sextet at the San Bernardino Valley College Auditorium. This new San Bernardino Symphony Chamber Ensemble, consisting of our acclaimed principal musicians, will perform a lively collection of eclectic selections including Paquito D’Rivera’s Aires Tropicales and Francis Poulenc’s monumental Sextet for Winds and Piano.
June 20, 2026 at 8 p.m., the Orchestra will perform their annual concert under the stars on the San Bernardino Valley College Football field as the culminating event in the institution’s annual Summerfest which brings thousands to the region. The change to mid-June from early July was in response to both College and patron concerns about safety during the arid Inland Empire weather. Concert repertoire will be a combination of patriotic and popular music and, as in years past, the event will include vendors, food trucks, a kids zone, and a fireworks finale performed during Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture.
September 5, 2025 at 3 p.m., the Symphony will reprise their popular jazz concert featuring the Josh Nelson Ensemble. Now known as the Thomas R. and Mary Ellen Brigante Jazz Performance, the result of a generous estate gift, the repertoire will include contemporary jazz pieces by Mulgrew Miller, Michael Petrucciani, Kenny Kirkland, George Cables, and Josh Nelson.
The season will conclude December 12 with a matinee performance of the Symphony’s annual holiday concert, A Christmas Festival. This festive annual event will include over 200 musicians, vocalists, dancers, acrobats, and a special performance by featured members of the two San Bernardino Symphony Youth Orchestras.
Speaking on behalf of the San Bernardino Symphony Association Board, new President Sonietta Brown shared, “We are overjoyed to unveil this amazing season made possible through the creativity and generosity of our outstanding artistic leader. I hope to see everyone in February and all throughout this historic year.”
Tickets and Location Details
Beginning this season, Symphony tickets will be available in money-saving bundles that allow patrons to pre-purchase seats for two or more concerts at a substantial discount without the requirement to be a full season subscriber. The more tickets purchased, the greater the discount, up to 35%. Same day and single purchase concert tickets are also available at $20-$100 per seat. and may be obtained online at www.sanbernardinosymphony.org or by phone at (909) 381-5388 Monday through Friday. Students, when accompanied by an adult, are always $15.
The historic California Theatre of the Performing Arts is located at 562 4th Street in downtown San Bernardino and San Bernardino Valley College is located at 701 S. Mt. Vernon Avenue, also in San Bernardino. Free, lighted parking is available directly adjacent to both venues.
Venue box office sales are planned prior to performances, but the availability of seats pn concert days cannot be guaranteed.
