Poway Symphony Orchestra

About the Orchestra

The Poway Symphony Orchestra's mission is to make live classical symphonic music accessible to audiences and fellow performers across North County San Diego. Formed in 2004, the PSO has enriched the cultural and educational life of the region for over two decades.

Conductor & Music Director

John LoPiccolo

Conductor and Music Director

John LoPiccolo returns for his 11th season as Conductor and Music Director of the Poway Symphony Orchestra, where his leadership has helped elevate the ensemble through record attendance, sold-out performances, expanded musician participation, and the introduction of distinguished guest artists to the Poway stage.

Known for creative programming and a strong commitment to artistic excellence, LoPiccolo blends major symphonic masterworks with engaging, audience-friendly selections that make orchestral music more accessible to the community while strengthening the orchestra's long-term presence in North County.

His career includes music director posts with the Idaho Falls Symphony, Helena Symphony, and Waterloo/Cedar Falls Symphony, extensive work as a guest conductor and educator, and collaborations with internationally recognized soloists and ensembles across the United States and abroad.

The PSO Foundation

The Poway Symphony Orchestra Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization incorporated in Poway, established in 2015 with the sole purpose of supporting the orchestra. All donations to the Foundation are tax-deductible.

2025–2026 Concert Season

Browse the concert calendar below to move between each performance month. Full season details and ticket links are now featured near the top of the home page.

Buy Tickets

Individual concert tickets are available for all upcoming performances. Season subscriptions for 2025–2026 are no longer available — watch for 2026–2027 announcements later this year.

• Discounts available for seniors, students, and children.
• Free parking at the venue.
• All ticket sales are final — no refunds or exchanges.
• Prices include a $5 box office fee.

Videos & Recordings

Relive past performances or hear the orchestra for the first time. Explore a curated watch list of recent recordings, orchestral overtures, and featured pieces from the Poway Symphony Orchestra archive.

Interested In Joining

Rehearsals, concerts, expectations, and how to join our orchestra. The ensemble brings together community members, students, educators, and professional musicians for three full-orchestra performances each year at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts.

• Register each term through Poway Adult School before joining the orchestra.
• Three concerts each year are presented at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts.
• Monday rehearsals run from 7:15 PM to 9:15 PM at Tierra Bonita Elementary School.
• Dress rehearsal takes place on the Saturday morning before each Sunday concert.
• String players are especially needed, with additional low brass and percussion openings depending on the program.

For limited openings in woodwinds and brass, please use the Contact section to reach the conductor. For registration details, Poway Adult School can be reached at (858) 668-4024 or at 13626 Twin Peaks Road, Poway, CA 92064.

Meet the Musicians

Meet the instrument families that shape the orchestra's sound and connect each section with the musicians who perform it.

Orchestra Builder

Build the orchestra using a real stage layout. Strings form the front arc, woodwinds sit behind them, brass projects from the back rows, and percussion anchors the rear of the stage.

Challenge Mode

Balance the orchestra before the overture begins

A strong orchestra is not just loud. It is balanced. Place five string sections, four woodwind sections, four brass sections, and two percussion sections in their correct positions to unlock a featured Poway Symphony performance.

Strings0 / 5

Woodwinds0 / 4

Brass0 / 4

Percussion0 / 2

Stage

Drop instruments into the marked stage layout

Start by placing the four string sections across the front of the stage.

Conductor

1st Violins Empty 2nd Violins Empty Violas Empty Cellos Empty Basses Empty Flutes Empty Oboes Empty Clarinets Empty Bassoons Empty Horns Empty Trumpets Empty Trombones Empty Tuba Empty Timpani Empty Percussion Empty

1st Violins 2nd Violins Violas Cellos Basses Flutes Oboes Clarinets Bassoons Horns Trumpets Trombones Tuba Timpani Percussion

Reset Stage

Tip: click a filled stage circle to clear it and try another placement.

Performance Reward

Unlock a featured overture

Your orchestra is still tuning. Fill every family to the correct count to unlock a Poway Symphony Orchestra performance.

Browse More Videos

Performance Locked

News & Updates

Latest announcements, season highlights, and orchestra news.

February 2026

Mendelssohn Classics — March 22, 2026

Violinist YuEun Gemma Kim joins the PSO for Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 5 and Violin Concerto in E Minor. Tickets available now at powaycenter.com.

Buy Tickets

September 2025

Season Subscriptions Offered for the First Time

For the 2025–2026 season, the PSO introduced season ticket subscriptions with a 10% discount, priority seating, and same seats for all three concerts.

Learn More

Ongoing

Matching Gift Opportunity — Gifts Doubled up to $25,000

A generous donor has pledged to match every gift to the PSO up to $25,000. Donate today and your contribution goes twice as far.

Donate Now

Contact Us