Poway Symphonic Orchestra Capstone
WIP Capstone on the Poway Symphonic Orchestra
Poway Center for the Performing Arts · Est. 2004
Poway Symphony Orchestra
John LoPiccolo, Conductor and Music Director
For over 20 years, the semi-professional Poway Symphony Orchestra has brought world-class symphonic music to San Diego's North County Inland communities. About 67 musicians perform three inspiring concerts each season at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts.
About the Orchestra
The Poway Symphony Orchestra's mission is to make live classical symphonic music accessible to audiences and fellow performers across North County San Diego. Formed in 2004, the PSO has enriched the cultural and educational life of the region for over two decades.
Conductor & Music Director
John LoPiccolo
Conductor and Music Director
Under John LoPiccolo's baton, approximately 67 musicians deliver performances at the high artistic level PSO audiences have come to expect. He leads the orchestra in programming beloved masterworks alongside exciting guest soloists each season, continuously raising the bar for classical music in North County.
The PSO Foundation
The Poway Symphony Orchestra Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization incorporated in Poway, established in 2015 with the sole purpose of supporting the orchestra. All donations to the Foundation are tax-deductible.
2025–2026 Concert Season
All performances take place at 4:00 PM at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road, Poway CA 92064. Free parking available.
Dvořák in America
Sunday, November 16, 2025 · 4:00 PM
An all-Dvořák celebration of melody, heart, and heritage. Symphony No. 9 captures the grandeur of American landscapes and Dvořák's Bohemian soul — one of the most beloved symphonies in the repertoire.
- Dvořák: Symphony No. 9 ("From the New World")
- Dvořák: Cello Concerto — Cello (Qiele) Guo, soloist
Mendelssohn Classics
Sunday, March 22, 2026 · 4:00 PM
Elegance, drama, and Romantic-era brilliance. Features the beloved Violin Concerto in E Minor with guest violinist YuEun Gemma Kim, plus the bold "Reformation" Symphony.
- Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 5 ("Reformation")
- Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E Minor — YuEun Gemma Kim, soloist
An American Celebration
Sunday, May 31, 2026 · 4:00 PM
Celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States with bold American voices — Copland, Hovhaness, Gershwin, and Bernstein — with pianist Dan Yu as guest soloist.
- Copland: Fanfare for the Common Man
- Hovhaness: Mysterious Mountain
- Gershwin: Selections from Porgy and Bess
- Bernstein: Selections from West Side Story
- Dan Yu, piano soloist
Buy Tickets
Individual concert tickets are available for all upcoming performances. Season subscriptions for 2025–2026 are no longer available — watch for 2026–2027 announcements later this year.
- Discounts available for seniors, students, and children.
- Free parking at the venue.
- All ticket sales are final — no refunds or exchanges.
- Prices include a $5 box office fee.
Videos & Recordings
Relive past performances or hear the orchestra for the first time. Full concert recordings and audio highlights from previous seasons are available on our YouTube channel.
Watch full concerts, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content on the Poway Symphony Orchestra YouTube channel.
Support the Music
Your gift keeps live orchestral music thriving in North County San Diego. Every contribution — large or small — directly supports our musicians, guest artists, and community outreach programs.
Guest Artists
Donations fund acclaimed soloists who elevate each concert with world-class artistry.
Music & Materials
Every program, score, and rehearsal resource is made possible by our patrons.
Community Access
Scholarships and discounted tickets ensure families across North County can attend.
Education Outreach
Support helps bring musical education to local schools and community events.
Join the Orchestra
The Poway Symphony Orchestra welcomes qualified musicians of all ages and backgrounds. Our repertoire spans Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary works, performed at the highest artistic level. We are especially seeking additional string players in all sections.
- Rehearsals: Monday evenings, 7:15–9:15 PM
- Performances: Sundays at 4:00 PM
- Dress rehearsals: Saturdays at 10:00 AM
- Currently seeking string players in all sections
- Musicians of all ages and walks of life welcome
For audition information, contact Conductor John LoPiccolo at (208) 757-1980
Musician Info
Meet the instrument families that shape the orchestra's sound. This section is designed to help visitors, students, and younger audiences connect each part of the ensemble with the players who perform it.
Interactive Instrument Guide
Explore the orchestra by family. Hover over a section to hear a short audio preview, watch the card tilt in 3D, and click to reveal the musicians and instruments that bring each sound to life.
Start Here
Choose an instrument family
Nothing is selected yet. Hover over a family card to preview its sound, then click the one you want to explore to see the musicians and instruments in that section.
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News & Updates
Latest announcements, season highlights, and orchestra news.
February 2026
Mendelssohn Classics — March 22, 2026
Violinist YuEun Gemma Kim joins the PSO for Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 5 and Violin Concerto in E Minor. Tickets available now at powaycenter.com.
Buy TicketsSeptember 2025
Season Subscriptions Offered for the First Time
For the 2025–2026 season, the PSO introduced season ticket subscriptions with a 10% discount, priority seating, and same seats for all three concerts.
Learn MoreOngoing
Matching Gift Opportunity — Gifts Doubled up to $25,000
A generous donor has pledged to match every gift to the PSO up to $25,000. Donate today and your contribution goes twice as far.
Donate NowContact Us
Venue & Box Office
Poway Center for the Performing Arts
15498 Espola Road, Poway CA 92064
(858) 748-0505 powaycenter.com