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 free music and civic pride.
A city found its voice through an orchestra.
Local residents founded the La Mirada Symphony in 1963, and the orchestra played its first concert in 1964. From the start, it had a clear and generous purpose: bring great orchestral music to the people who live here.
Over time, the orchestra became more than a concert series. Instead, it grew into a gathering place and a civic tradition. It also proved that live music can belong to everyone when a community decides to share it.
Since then, audiences from La Mirada and nearby cities have filled the hall for more than six decades. Today, that promise continues with free concerts every season.
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 the early 1960s, concert pianist and La Mirada resident Blanche Nissim had a simple idea: La Mirada should have its own symphony. She then rallied local musicians and community supporters to make it happen.
At first, the orchestra played in the multipurpose room at La Mirada High School and later at Biola College. Even in a room no acoustician has ever praised, those early concerts made the Symphony a point of local pride.
Then, as the audience grew, so did the orchestra’s sense of purpose. Over the years, dedicated musicians and loyal listeners built 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 eventually moved into the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts when it opened in 1977.
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 hand, the orchestra developed a sound and a reputation that carried across generations of listeners.
Passing the music forward.
Later, in 2002, the Association opened a new chapter and expanded its Youth Enrichment Programs.
Following Leon Guide’s recommendation, the Symphony built these programs to help local students discover orchestral music up close.
Today, student soloists share the stage with the orchestra, and the Symphony plans to grow that work in the seasons ahead.
Since 1964, the La Mirada Symphony has kept orchestral music free and open 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.
In other words, every season adds a new chapter whenever the musicians take the stage and the community gathers to listen.
The story continues on stage.
So join us for a free concert at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. After all, each performance adds to a tradition that has connected generations of listeners through live orchestral music.
La Mirada Symphony Association is a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible. Federal ID number: #94-3223735.
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