Symphony San Jose Prepares Landmark 25th Anniversary Season Filled with Historic Celebrations

Symphony San Jose will commemorate its 25th anniversary while simultaneously honoring the 100th anniversary of the California Theatre and the 150th anniversary of the first orchestral ensemble ever presented in San Jose. These converging milestones will infuse the entire 2026/2027 season with special significance.

Under Executive and Artistic Director Robert Massey entering his fifth year at the helm, the orchestra will deliver 43 performances stretching from October 2026 through June 2027. The lineup will maintain the group's signature balance of enduring classical works, bold new compositions, popular selections, and dynamic collaborations. Standout innovations will include a fresh December classics offering, an additional fully staged ballet partnership with New Ballet, the first-ever performance utilizing the California Theatre’s Mighty Wurlitzer organ, and the brand-new My Very First Symphony aimed at introducing families to the orchestra.

Enthusiasts can anticipate programs spanning Dvořák’s triumphant “From the New World,” Mussorgsky’s vivid “Pictures at an Exhibition,” and a spectacular live-to-picture rendition of Star Wars: A New Hope. You will savor seasonal highlights featuring The San Jose Nutcracker along with a joyful Holiday Spectacular, leading toward a stirring close with Beethoven’s monumental Ninth Symphony. Meanwhile, education outreach will expand through additional Students at the Symphony performances, ensuring the next generation connects with live music.

Subscriptions priced from $90 have become available now via www.symphonysanjose.org or by calling (408) 286-2600. Single tickets from $35 go on sale in mid-August.

Unmask the Magic: Symphony San Jose’s Season Opener Promises a Night of Fantasy and Music

San Jose welcomes a thrilling start to the fall with Symphony San Jose’s 24th season-opening program, MASQUERADE, on October 4 and 5, 2025. This event at the California Theatre in Downtown San Jose invites you to step into a world of fantasy and imagination. The masquerade theme weaves through an evening of three unforgettable orchestral works, blending celebration with the power of live music in a way that feels both timeless and fresh.

The program kicks off with Anna Clyne’s Masquerade, a vibrant piece that pulses with energy and captures the joy of festivity. Next, Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini delivers a stunning showcase for piano, full of lush melodies and technical brilliance. The night closes with Hector Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique, a wild ride through love, madness, and otherworldly visions that still feels revolutionary nearly 200 years after its debut.

A major draw is the appearance of Jon Nakamatsu, a San Jose native and globally celebrated pianist. His performance promises to bring a hometown pride to the stage, making this a special moment for local music lovers. Want to get more out of the experience? Arrive early for the Music Notes session, held an hour before each concert. It’s a free, casual talk with insights, fun facts, and guest interviews, perfect for deepening your connection to the music.

For an extra dose of glamour, the October 4 opening night transforms into Masquerade Fantastique. Picture a red-carpet welcome, a VIP pre-concert reception with wine and live entertainment, and a post-concert courtyard dessert party where you can chat with conductor Nathan Aspinall, Jon Nakamatsu, and Symphony San Jose musicians. It’s all happening at the historic California Theatre. Call 408.286.2600 or email Development@symphonysanjose.org for details and reservations.

This is your chance to enjoy a night of mystery and melody in the heart of Downtown San Jose. Tickets range from $35 to $115, with youth discounts available, so grab yours and join the celebration.