A Brief History of the Topanga Symphony
The Topanga Symphony was founded in the summer of 1982 and has since presented a regular program of free concerts of high quality. It is truly a community orchestra, consisting of a mixture of amateurs, students and professional musicians. The audiences consist mainly of community residents, but every concert is attended by music lovers from all over the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Being community based, the orchestra provides a good opportunity for aspiring musicians to work with experienced professionals.
Since its inception, the Music Director and Conductor of the Topanga Symphony has been Jerome Kessler. He is also director of the Hollywood Chamber Orchestra and I Cellisti. A cellist and composer, he has appeared as conductor, soloist and in chamber music and orchestral events in all four corners of the United States, and in between.
Although most of the musicians are unpaid amateurs, a program of the size and quality provided by the Topanga Symphony does involve significant costs. Since admission is free to the public, other ways must be found to cover these costs.
