The San Gabriel Valley has long been known for its cultural richness, but now for the first time, it has a symphony to match.
Founded by Alex Deng and Albert Lu, both Alhambra natives, the San Gabriel Valley Symphony was created in response to a deep need long felt across the region – the absence of a major arts institution serving the local community. While growing up in public schools with limited support for music education, both Deng and Lu were profoundly shaped by the dedication of their teachers. The Symphony honors their foundation by creating new pathways for professional music-making, youth engagement, and cultural storytelling rooted in the SGV.
“We’re creating an orchestra that reflects the people, the talent, and the energy already here in the SGV,” said Co-Founder and Artistic Director Alex Deng. “This symphony orchestra is about giving back, and about showing young musicians in the SGV that they belong on these stages too.”
The Symphony is proud to announce its new residency at the historic San Gabriel Mission Playhouse, where it will present concerts and community centered programs throughout the year in partnership with the City of San Gabriel.
Before its first performance at the Playhouse, the Symphony will make its public debut with a free outdoor concert on Saturday, August 23 at 6:00 PM at the Barnes Park Amphitheater in Monterey Park.
The inaugural concert offers a bold, engaging program that blends classical repertoire with new original pieces that showcase as a reflection of the diverse and dynamic audiences the Symphony seeks to serve. The performance will include several world premieres by a new generation of exciting composers, among them Cameron Moody, whose credits include Star Wars and Jordan Peele’s Nope, and Esin Aydingoz, a Grammy-nominated composer known for her innovative work in film and television music.
Looking ahead, the Symphony returns on Friday, October 4 at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse with its Mid-Autumn Festival Concert. This program blends East and West sounds, presenting iconic film scores by Joe Hisaishi for Studio Ghibli, a U.S. premiere by Simon J. Li, and a world premiere by William Jae. Pianist Ayane Nakajima will be featured throughout the evening as one of the concert’s standout soloists.
The orchestra features world-class professional musicians from across Los Angeles and beyond, many with personal connections to San Gabriel Valley. Together, they launch a legacy, bringing a level of artistry that rivals major institutions, but with a community driven purpose at its core.
The San Gabriel Valley Symphony is a special initiative of Arts Bridging the Gap, a Los Angeles based nonprofit that empowers youth through access to the arts. As a special initiative of the organization, the Symphony combines world-class performance with a commitment to equity and long-term cultural impact.
“Our goal is to make music that resonates, not just in sound but in meaning,” said Co-Founder and Managing Director Albert Lu. “We’re excited to share this with our community, and to invite everyone to be part of it from the very beginning.” For more information, upcoming events, and ways to support the Symphony’s mission, visit www.sgsymphony.org.
