A Rich History
The Pasadena Symphony Association was founded in 1928 by Conductor Reginald Bland. Originally named the Pasadena Civic Orchestra, its first members were mostly volunteer musicians, many of whom were students of Bland. The annual operating budget was a mere $3,500, which was funded entirely by the City of Pasadena.
Over the past 80 years, the Pasadena Symphony has artistically matured into one of the top performing symphonic ensembles in southern California, comprisedof the most gifted and sought after musicians from the motion picture film industry.
Moving Forward
In the fall of 2007, the Pasadena Symphony incorporated the Pasadena POPS into its Association under the new name Pasadena Symphony and POPS. This merger created an expanded Classics and POPS series providing the community with a full spectrum of live symphonic concerts year-round at the historic Ambassador Auditorium in Pasadena and at its new summer venue on the Lawn adjacent to the Rose Bowl.
A hallmark of its robust education programs, the Pasadena Symphony Association has served the youth of the region since 1972 through the Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra comprised of gifted middle school students from all over the Southland.
Download PSA’s Recovery Plan PDF
PSA Recovery Plan 2009-2010