Our History
The University Foundation of Sierra Vista sponsored the debut performance of the Sierra Vista Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, August 26, 1995. The Buena Performing Arts Center was filled to capacity for this first performance! We owe a great debt of gratitude to our founders: Richard and Katheryn Zoller, Dan and Suzanne Howdeshell and Maestro Roger Bayes.
There were thirty-six orchestra members for that first concert. Roger Bayes conducted, and Beverly Wright served as concertmaster. The program included Rossini’s Overture to L’Italiana in Algeri, Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, K. 550, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 in C Major, Opus 21.
The second season welcomed Debbie Dinkel as concertmaster. Programs included John Williams’ Olympic Fanfare and Theme, Robin Hood Prince of Thieves and Main Theme and excerpts from An American Symphony by Michael Kamen, music from Apollo 13 by James Horner, selections from Les Misérables by Claude-Michel Schoenberg, selections from Cats and The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber, The Entertainer by Scott Joplin, An der Schönen Blauen Donau by Johann Strauss, Jr., and the traditionally popular finale, John Phillip Sousa’s Washington Post March.
The Orchestra Today
Photo Courtesy of Pauline Fredericks Photography
Currently, the Sierra Vista Symphony Orchestra consists of nearly 60 professional musicians. The 23rd Season will feature the reformation with Artistic Director and Conductor, Toru Tagawa.
In 2015-2016, a Conductor Search Committee comprised of Board members and community representatives chose Toru Tagawa from the three candidate finalists be our Artistic Director and Conductor. Our three 21st season concerts were each conducted by one of these candidates, allowing audiences and musicians to express their comments and preferences in a survey that was distributed at each concert. In June 2016, the new Artistic Director/Conductor, was announced at the Annual Membership Meeting of the Sierra Vista Symphony Association.
Our Staff
Susan MacGregor, Administrative Office Manager
Jeneanne Rabon, Personnel Manager
Marilyn McNamara, Librarian
Pam Collins, Bookkeeper
Our Board of Directors
The Sierra Vista Symphony Association is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the ongoing mission of the Sierra Vista Symphony Orchestra. Comprising over 100 members, the Association raises over $100,000 each year in order to operate the orchestra. We have a dedicated Board of Directors who meet monthly to oversee the day-to-day operations and develop long-range plans and strategic goals.
Our History
The University Foundation of Sierra Vista sponsored the debut performance of the Sierra Vista Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, August 26, 1995. The Buena Performing Arts Center was filled to capacity for this first performance! We owe a great debt of gratitude to our founders: Richard and Katheryn Zoller, Dan and Suzanne Howdeshell and Maestro Roger Bayes.
There were thirty-six orchestra members for that first concert. Roger Bayes conducted, and Beverly Wright served as concertmaster. The program included Rossini’s Overture to L’Italiana in Algeri, Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, K. 550, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 in C Major, Opus 21.
The second season welcomed Debbie Dinkel as concertmaster. Programs included John Williams’ Olympic Fanfare and Theme, Robin Hood Prince of Thieves and Main Theme and excerpts from An American Symphony by Michael Kamen, music from Apollo 13 by James Horner, selections from Les Misérables by Claude-Michel Schoenberg, selections from Cats and The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber, The Entertainer by Scott Joplin, An der Schönen Blauen Donau by Johann Strauss, Jr., and the traditionally popular finale, John Phillip Sousa’s Washington Post March.
