2026

Dear friends,

When an orchestra plays, the music is not something you simply hear. It is something you feel. The sound doesn’t stay in the air; it moves through you—a living current that sets the body resonating.

What makes it so powerful is not only the scale of sound, but its humanity. Every note carries the touch of a musician: a bow drawn across a string, a breath pushed through metal, fingers pressed against keys. Dozens of artists give themselves over to the music, their voices woven together into something larger than any one of them could create alone.

And in the concert hall, you are part of that weaving—the silence you share with others, the collective gasp, the wave of applause. These moments draw you, the listener, into the same fabric of sound and spirit. It reminds us that to be human is not just to listen, but to be moved by beauty too vast for words.

This month, we present a wide range of concert experiences for listeners of all ages—from our youngest audience members just beginning their musical journeys to lifelong music lovers who continue to find meaning and joy in the concert hall. Truly, there is something for everyone.

When I arrived in San Diego, I was given an extraordinary opportunity by leaders who believed deeply in what this orchestra could become. Their dreams—and the commitment of so many supporters, partners, musicians, and staff—made it possible for the Symphony to grow artistically and to create the beautiful gathering spaces we now share. Today, as we continue to reach new artistic heights, it is our audiences who complete the circle. Music comes alive when it is heard, felt, and shared. You are the landing point of every note, and your presence is what turns sound into experience and sparks the imagination.

Thank you for being part of our Symphony family. We are honored to share this month of music with you and look forward to welcoming you throughout the year.

Warmest wishes,
Martha A. Gilmer
President and Chief Executive Officer