The Redlands Symphony reflects and enriches the quality of life in the Eastern Inland Empire communities through the transformative power of live musical performances and education.
The Redlands Symphony will reflect the diversity of our community in its programs, inspiring pride, maintaining a high standard of artistic quality, and enriching every life through education and connection.
We value and honor the power of music.
We value and understand the critical importance of our next generation.
We value the diversity of our community and commit ourselves to enriching their lives.
We value open and transparent stewardship of our community's investment in our work.
We value the ongoing and evolving relationships with strategic partners.
The Redlands Symphony was founded in 1950 by Dr. Edward C. Tritt as the University-Community Symphony Orchestra, an adjunct organization to the University of Redlands. The orchestra quickly became a vital part of Redlands’ cultural fabric, bringing a high level of artistic excellence to the stage of the Memorial Chapel. Early successes included the 1957 premiere of a work by William Grant Still and a sold-out performance by Jack Benny in 1974.
In 1974, the Redlands Winter Concert Association, which had been founded in 1956 to present concerts by touring artists in the Memorial Chapel, took over management of the University-Community Symphony Orchestra from the University of Redlands. The Winter Concert Association now assumed the dual role of performing symphonic concerts and presenting outside artists for the community.
The University-Community Symphony Orchestra officially merged with the Redlands Winter Concert Association in 1983, becoming the Redlands Symphony Association. That same season, Jon Robertson accepted the position of Music Director & Conductor. Under his leadership, the orchestra has evolved from a mix of faculty, students, and townspeople to a professional ensemble of the region’s foremost musicians.
In 1998, the Redlands Symphony expanded its service to the community by launching the OrKIDstra program, which provides music education and concert-going opportunities to schoolchildren throughout the region. OrKIDstra has grown steadily over the years and now presents four concerts and curriculum enrichment materials to over 6,000 students from 17 schools, as well as a free Family Concert & Instrumental Petting Zoo each spring.
The Redlands Symphony continues to maintain a close and mutually-beneficial relationship with the University of Redlands. The University provides the orchestra with support in numerous ways, not least of which is the use of the Memorial Chapel. In return, the Symphony provides an opportunity for outstanding students at the School of Music the opportunity to gain experience playing symphonic concerts with some of the region’s finest artist, many of whom are also on faculty at the University.
The Redlands Symphony Orchestra’s remarkable growth under the baton of Maestro Jon Robertson amazed critics and delighted audiences. Highlights have included performances of Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony, the Mozart Requiem, and a staged production of Stravinsky’s A Soldier’s Tale featuring Tony Award-winner John Rubinstein. Over the years, the orchestra has received several “exemplary” ratings from the California Arts Council, which commented, “This is a remarkable, strong orchestra, boasting fine ensemble playing, attention to detail and a rich orchestral sound.” Maestro Robertson retired in 2016 after 33 years on the podium.
On June 4, 2016, the Redlands Symphony announced the appointment of Ransom Wilson as Music Director, promising a future in which the orchestra will soar to even greater artistic heights. Mr. Wilson will be exiting the role of Music Director and Conductor after 9 years at the conclusion of the 2024-2025 season.
Click here for more information on our music director search.
The Redlands Symphony Association’s (RSA) equity goal is to serve our mission of providing exceptional classical symphonic music programs that entertain and educate, while creating an artistic community that promotes equity, diversity, fairness, and equal access for everyone. The RSA does now and always has abhorred discrimination of any kind.
By our policies and our programs, we strive to reflect the broad multicultural tradition of all who live in Redlands and our surrounding community. We consider ourselves to be responsible stewards of a precious artistic form. In that role, we believe it is our duty to present classical symphonic music in a range of options including the concert hall, the classroom and in the broader community. While we respect the importance and value of all musical forms, we are dedicated to the classical repertoire. All our programming shall emanate from this commitment.
As we pursue musical artists, organizational leadership – both volunteer and professional – and provide opportunities for people to make and experience classical music, we are committed to treating all people in an equitable manner.
We understand that the successful creation of a sustainable equity-based, democratic community, requires intentional decisions that reflect these values and an ongoing effort to avoid creating barriers that distract from this commitment. To this end, RSA’s leadership agrees to periodically review the current status of the organization’s promise to pursue this path and make adjustments when necessary.
Approved by the RSA Board – December 16, 2020
Please note that, on concert days, messages are only picked up until 3PM. Messages left after 3PM on concert days will not be returned until the following Monday. For immediate assistance, email us.
For General Inquiries:
symphony@redlandssymphony.com
For advertising sales and inquiries:
advertising@redlandssymphony.com
We are open Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
with the exception of major holidays
301 9th Street, Suite 302
Redlands, CA 92374
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