Alan Mautner Named Music Director and Conductor

The La Mirada Symphony Association proudly announces that Alan Mautner, a longtime member of the orchestra, will take the podium this season as the new Music Director and Conductor. After serving as principal cellist for more than five years, Mr. Mautner now brings his leadership, artistry, and decades of experience to the forefront of the Symphony’s next chapter.

A Southern California Native with a Passion for Performance

Born and raised in Downey, California, Alan Mautner developed his musical roots at an early age. He earned a Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance from California State University, Fullerton, and quickly established himself as a sought-after freelance cellist throughout the region.

He has performed with numerous orchestras throughout Southern California, building a reputation for versatility and excellence. His orchestral experience includes performances with the Pacific Symphony, Riverside Symphony, Redlands Symphony, and Desert Symphony. He has also appeared with the Mozart Classical Orchestra, showcasing his skill across a variety of classical programs.

Most notably, he served as principal cellist for the La Mirada Symphony for five seasons, demonstrating a deep commitment to the ensemble and its musical growth. His leadership within the orchestra laid a strong foundation for his new role as Music Director and Conductor.

His performance collaborations span genres and include legends such as James Taylor, Andrea Bocelli, Dionne Warwick, and Phil Collins, as well as jazz greats like Terry Gibbs and McCoy Tyner. He also performs with his string trio, Vio-fonik, which focuses on contemporary and original compositions.

A Longstanding Leader in Music Education

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Alan Mautner’s leadership in music goes beyond performance. He began conducting in high school and in 1994, he became the conductor of the Symphony Orchestra at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA)—a role he still holds today. Under his direction, the LACHSA Orchestra has consistently received superior ratings at local festivals and been selected into the Los Angeles Philharmonic Educational Partnership, providing students with access to masterclasses and coaching from top professionals.

In Spring 2013, Mr. Mautner led the LACHSA Orchestra in a performance at Walt Disney Concert Hall, showcasing his students on one of the world’s most renowned stages.

A Legacy of Mentorship and Musical Theater

Many of Mr. Mautner’s students have gone on to prestigious institutions such as Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music, Eastman, Oberlin, and USC. His work at LACHSA includes conducting operas like The Magic Flute, Carmen, and Tales of Hoffmann, as well as musicals such as West Side Story, Into the Woods, Evita, and Phantom of the Opera.

In February 2014, he collaborated with LA Opera conductor James Conlon for a production of Benjamin Britten’s “The Little Sweep”, presented during the Britten Centennial.

Committed to Music Access Through YOLA at LACHSA

Mr. Mautner also leads initiatives that bring music to underserved communities. In January 2014, he became Partnership Manager for YOLA at LACHSA, a collaboration with the Los Angeles Philharmonic aimed at providing free string instruction to fourth-grade students in East Los Angeles. In its first month, the program served 95 students—and in March, they received a visit from LA Phil Music Director Gustavo Dudamel during the program’s grand opening.

Leadership Beyond the Classroom

Alan Mautner continues to inspire students through music camps and festivals. In 2007, he became conductor of the Wildwood Music Camp Senior High Festival Orchestra, a role passed down from his father, Arthur Mautner. He has also conducted:

  • The Pasadena Summer Young Chamber Orchestra (1996)

  • Cal Poly Pomona String Ensemble (2005–2009)

  • The 2011 Pasadena All-City Orchestra

  • The La Mirada Symphony as a guest conductor

Looking Ahead to a New Season

With his deep musical expertise, passion for education, and decades of conducting experience, Alan Mautner steps into his new role as Music Director and Conductor with vision and enthusiasm.

Welcome, Conductor Mautner! The La Mirada Symphony looks forward to a thrilling season filled with beautiful performances and community engagement under your direction.