In 1961, creating a Symphony Orchestra for the community was the dream of Blanche Nissim, a La Mirada resident and concert pianist.  She and a dedicated group of community advocates and local musicians united to make her dream a reality. Their Mission was to provide free concerts for residents who appreciated the cultural value of beautiful music and an opportunity for local musicians to share their talents.

In 1963 the La Mirada City Council heartily approved the idea and unanimously voted to provide a funding base, a policy which continues to this day. 

            From 1964 to 1977 the orchestra performed in the multipurpose room at La Mirada High School and subsequently in the Crowell Concert Hall at Biola College. After the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts came into existence in 1977, the orchestra was invited to become a resident renter there and continues to perform in that capacity in the beautiful facility today.  Four FREE community concerts have been performed each Season since the first concert in 1964. A fifth FREE concert - a matinee POPS - will be added for the 2008-2009 Season.

            The La Mirada Symphony has enjoyed the talents of a number of conductors since its beginnings.  Jay Dietzer conducted the Premiere Concert in the La Mirada High School multi-purpose room on April 24, 1964, followed in time by Warren Marsh who directed for a short duration. On January 13, 1968, Leon Guide accepted the baton and graced the podium at Crowell Hall and subsequently at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. This beloved conductor completed a total of 33 dedicated years until his passing in 2001. In 2002 the current vibrant and enthusiastic David Stenske, Concertmaster for many years with the La Mirada Symphony Orchestra, accepted the baton as Music Director and Conductor. 

            At that time, the Orchestra Association experienced rejuvenation and welcomed several new enthusiastic and supportive members to its Executive Board. In addition, an important element was added. Following Leon Guide’s recommendation, and in an effort to see that the music genre will be kept alive for our local students, a series of Youth Enrichment Programs were created to provide curriculum enhancement, music education, classroom performances, and special daytime youth concerts. 

            The Association Board believes that  “…The arts are one of mankind’s most visual and essential forms of language, and if we do not educate our children in the symbol system called the arts, we will lose not only our culture and civility but our humanity as well.” (Ernest Boyer)

            Visit the Enrichment Program link for more information.