Poway Orchestra Capstone
Poway Center for the Performing Arts Β· Est. 2004
Poway Symphony Orchestra
John LoPiccolo, Conductor and Music Director
For over 20 years, the semi-professional Poway Symphony Orchestra has brought world-class symphonic music to San Diego's North County Inland communities. About 67 musicians perform three inspiring concerts each season at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts.
Watch The Orchestra
Featured Performance: Egmont Overture, Op. 84
Watch the Poway Symphony Orchestra perform Beethoven's Egmont Overture directly on the home page. It offers visitors an immediate sense of the ensemble's sound, precision, and concert-stage presence.
More PerformancesAbout 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.
2025β2026 Concert Season
All performances take place at 4:00 PM at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road, Poway CA 92064. Free parking available.
DvoΕΓ‘k in America
Sunday, November 16, 2025 Β· 4:00 PM
An all-DvoΕΓ‘k celebration of melody, heart, and heritage. Symphony No. 9 captures the grandeur of American landscapes and DvoΕΓ‘k's Bohemian soul β one of the most beloved symphonies in the repertoire.
- DvoΕΓ‘k: Symphony No. 9 ("From the New World")
- DvoΕΓ‘k: Cello Concerto β Cello (Qiele) Guo, soloist
Mendelssohn Classics
Sunday, March 22, 2026 Β· 4:00 PM
Elegance, drama, and Romantic-era brilliance. Features the beloved Violin Concerto in E Minor with guest violinist YuEun Gemma Kim, Beethoven's Overture to Fidelio, and the bold "Reformation" Symphony.
- Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 5 ("Reformation")
- Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E Minor β YuEun Gemma Kim, soloist
- Beethoven: Overture to Fidelio
An American Celebration
Sunday, May 31, 2026 Β· 4:00 PM
Celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States with bold American voices β Copland, Hovhaness, Gershwin, and Bernstein β with pianist Dan Yu as guest soloist.
- Copland: Fanfare for the Common Man
- Hovhaness: Mysterious Mountain
- Gershwin: Selections from Porgy and Bess
- Bernstein: Selections from West Side Story
- Dan Yu, piano soloist
Navigate The Concert Months
DvoΕΓ‘k in America
Sunday, November 16, 2025
DvoΕΓ‘k's Symphony No. 9 βFrom the New Worldβ and the DvoΕΓ‘k Cello Concerto with featured soloist.
Mendelssohn Classics
Sunday, March 22, 2026
Mendelssohn's βReformationβ Symphony, Violin Concerto, and Beethoven's Overture to Fidelio.
An American Celebration
Sunday, May 31, 2026
A patriotic late-season program featuring American voices and a festive orchestral close.
Buy Tickets
Individual concert tickets are available for all upcoming performances. Season subscriptions for 2025β2026 are no longer available β watch for 2026β2027 announcements later this year.
- Discounts available for seniors, students, and children.
- Free parking at the venue.
- All ticket sales are final β 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.
Featured Performance
Egmont Overture, Op. 84
Start with Beethoven and move into a short listening path that shows the orchestra's range, from bold overtures to lyrical and ceremonial works.
Listen
Explore instrument sounds one by one. Visitors can tap through featured instruments, hear a quick sample, and get a clearer sense of how each voice contributes to the full orchestra.
Strings
Violin
Bright, singing, and agile. The violin often carries melody and shimmer across the orchestra.
Strings
Viola
Warm and mellow. The viola deepens the middle texture and adds rich inner color.
Strings
Cello
Resonant and expressive. The cello can sound noble, lyrical, intimate, or dramatic.
Woodwinds
Flute
Clear and floating. The flute brings air, light, and sparkle to the ensemble.
Woodwinds
Clarinet
Smooth and flexible. The clarinet can sound dark and velvety or light and playful.
Brass
Trumpet
Brilliant and commanding. The trumpet adds brilliance, fanfare, and energy.
Brass
French Horn
Round and noble. The horn bridges brass warmth with lyrical orchestral blend.
Percussion
Timpani
Deep and ceremonial. Timpani shape momentum and power in major symphonic moments.
Support the Music
Your gift keeps live orchestral music thriving in North County San Diego. Every contribution β large or small β directly supports our musicians, guest artists, and community outreach programs.
Guest Artists
Donations fund acclaimed soloists who elevate each concert with world-class artistry.
Music & Materials
Every program, score, and rehearsal resource is made possible by our patrons.
Community Access
Scholarships and discounted tickets ensure families across North County can attend.
Education Outreach
Support helps bring musical education to local schools and community events.
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.
Registration
Prospective and returning musicians register through Poway Adult School each term. Fees help cover the conductor, facilities, administration, and liability insurance. Registration is available online, by phone, by mail, or in person, and orchestra members should be prepared for medium-to-advanced symphonic repertoire.
Rehearsals
Regular rehearsals are held on Mondays from 7:15 PM to 9:15 PM at Tierra Bonita Elementary School in Poway. A Saturday morning dress rehearsal is held on the PCPA stage before each Sunday concert, with detailed schedules shared by the Music Director.
Expectations
The ensemble performs standard symphonic literature with accomplished guest soloists and values strong preparation, dependable attendance, and collaborative musicianship. String players are especially welcome, and woodwind or brass openings may be limited by season.
Concert Attire
Performers wear formal black concert attire. Women wear a long black dress or long skirt with a black top, while men wear a black tuxedo or suit with a white dress shirt and black bow tie, along with black dress shoes.
- 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.
Musician Info
Meet the instrument families that shape the orchestra's sound. This section is designed to help visitors, students, and younger audiences connect each part of the ensemble with the players who perform it.
Interactive Instrument Guide
Explore the orchestra by family. Hover over a section to hear a short audio preview, watch the card tilt in 3D, and click to reveal the musicians and instruments that bring each sound to life.
Start Here
Choose an instrument family
Nothing is selected yet. Hover over a family card to preview its sound, then click the one you want to explore to see the musicians and instruments in that section.
See the mucisians under the following section
News & Updates
Latest announcements, season highlights, and orchestra news.
February 2026
Mendelssohn Classics β 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 TicketsSeptember 2025
Season Subscriptions Offered for the First Time
For the 2025β2026 season, the PSO introduced season ticket subscriptions with a 10% discount, priority seating, and same seats for all three concerts.
Learn MoreOngoing
Matching Gift Opportunity β 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 NowContact Us
Venue & Box Office
Poway Center for the Performing Arts
15498 Espola Road, Poway CA 92064
(858) 748-0505 powaycenter.com