Our Story:More Than 60 Years
From a community dream in the early 1960s to a lasting Southern California tradition, the La Mirada Symphony has built its legacy on music, access, and civic pride.
A city found its voice through an orchestra.
Founded in 1961, the La Mirada Symphony began as a community orchestra with a clear and generous purpose: bringing high-quality symphonic music to local audiences.
Over time, the orchestra became more than a concert series. Instead, it grew into a gathering place, a civic tradition, and a reminder that live music can belong to everyone when a community chooses to make it accessible.
For more than six decades, audiences across La Mirada and the surrounding region have experienced orchestral performances. Today, that commitment continues through free regular season concerts.
Free concerts are not just a tradition. They are part of the Symphony’s identity.La Mirada Symphony
The spark that brought the Symphony to life.
In 1963, concert pianist and La Mirada resident Blanche Nissim helped bring together local musicians and community supporters around a shared idea: La Mirada should have its own symphony.
At first, performances took place at La Mirada High School and later at Biola College. As a result, those early concerts helped establish the Symphony as a source of local pride.
As the audience grew, so did the orchestra’s sense of purpose. Dedicated musicians, committed volunteers, and loyal listeners helped shape the foundation that still supports the Symphony today.
A defining era for the orchestra.
In 1968, Leon Guide became conductor of the La Mirada Symphony. Under his leadership, the orchestra began performing at the newly built La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.
During his 33 years with the Symphony, Guide shaped its artistic growth and, in turn, strengthened its place in La Mirada’s cultural life.
Because of that steady leadership, the orchestra built a sound, character, and reputation that continued to reach generations of audience members.
Passing the music forward.
In 2002, the Orchestra Association began a renewed chapter with an expanded commitment to Youth Enrichment Programs.
Inspired by Leon Guide’s recommendation, these programs were created to help local students discover and appreciate symphonic music.
Through education, classroom performances, and student-focused concerts, the Symphony continues to connect young people with the power of live orchestral music.
For more than six decades, the La Mirada Symphony has helped keep symphonic music accessible to Southern California audiences.
Keeping symphonic music within reach.
Today, the La Mirada Symphony continues its tradition of offering free concerts for residents of Southern California.
However, that commitment depends on the support of the City of La Mirada, community sponsors, donors, volunteers, musicians, and audience members who believe the arts should remain open and welcoming.
As a result, each season continues the Symphony’s history every time musicians take the stage and the community gathers to listen.
The story continues on stage.
Join the La Mirada Symphony for free community concerts at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. Each performance continues a tradition that has connected generations of listeners through live symphonic music.
La Mirada Symphony Association is a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible. Federal ID number: #94-3223735.
COMMUNITY + CORPORATE SUPPORTERS
OUR VISION
The La Mirada Symphony maintains its policy of offering free quality concerts to the residents of Southern California.
The La Mirada Symphony is a California 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization. Your donation today is tax deductible. Our Federal ID number is #94-3223735. Thank you for supporting the performing arts.
Our Mailing Address
The La Mirada Symphony Association
P.O. Box 117
La Mirada, CA 90637-0117
Email: lamiradasymphony@aol.com
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