Onstage company
Documented collaborators
Founded in 1971 as the Berkeley Promenade Orchestra, the Berkeley Symphony has grown into a cornerstone of the Bay Area’s classical landscape. Under the long leadership of figures like Kent Nagano and, since the 2019–20 season, Music Director Joseph Young, the ensemble has built a reputation for adventurous programming, bold commissions, and a commitment to highlighting works by women and ethnically diverse composers. From its roots in Berkeley to its ongoing collaborations and concert residencies, the orchestra continually pushes the boundaries of contemporary and traditional repertoire.