Our Mission
Palm Springs Friends of Philharmonic commits to enriching the cultural life of the Coachella Valley by presenting world-class orchestras and extraordinary classical music performances. We also support initiatives that educate future generations of musicians and audiences. Through our work, we aim to harness the transformative power of music for all.
Our History
2024
The Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra opens the series 50th Anniversary season. The orchestra is conducted by beloved conductor Zubin Mehta - who conducted the very first concert in 1974.
2022
On January 12, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Vasily Petrenko, reopens the series after almost two years of shutdown. 600 enthusiastic audience members revel in the opportunity to hear live music including a powerful performance of Elgar’s Enigma Variations.
Following the February 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Russian National Orchestra concert (scheduled for January 2023) is cancelled, marking a closure to international touring by Russian orchestras.
2021
In lieu of a concert season due to Covid-19, a special music emergency grant program is provided to local schools primarily for the purchase of musical instruments; the competitive program awards over $60,000 to local schools.
2020
The Los Angeles Philharmonic conducted by Gustavo Dudamel performs on March 2; on March 11 the final concert of the season by Rotterdam Philharmonic is canceled due to travel restrictions from Covid-19. In September, the board of directors cancels the entire 2020-2021 season.
2011
After decades of effort on the part of board member Anne Heavey, the Vienna Philharmonic conducted by Semyon Bychkov, performs on the series.
2004
The series partners with McCallum Theatre’s Youth Education program to bring orchestral music to local school children.
2000
The sold-out series has a wait list of over 400 names of those wishing to subscribe; a new $5,000 Maestro category is added to annual donor levels.
1999
25th Anniversary Seasons opens with performance by the New York Philharmonic, conducted by Kurt Masur, representing the orchestra’s only appearance on the series.
1997
Cellist Yo-Yo Ma performs on the series, followed by the annual donor dinner in the lobby of the McCallum Theatre. YoYo Ma makes a surprise appearance at the dinner, pouring wine for special guests.
1996
The series includes five concerts with Boston Symphony, St. Louis Symphony, Dresden Orchestra, Academy of St Martin in the Fields, and a recital by Itzhak Perlman.
1994
20th Anniversary Season and the name of the organization is updated to Palm Springs Friends of Philharmonic.
As part of the revived youth education program, 48 local instrumental students audition for prizes; conversations begin with ISOMATA (Idyllwild School of Music and the Arts – now known as Idyllwild Arts) and scholarships are awarded to local students to attend summer music camp – a program that still exists today.
1991
Two children’s concerts are presented at the Palm Springs High School by Utah Symphony, who was performing on a Community Concert Series.
1990
Board member Ann Heavey begins the recruiting process to bring Vienna Philharmonic to the series. Plans for March 1992 do not come to fruition.
1989
The seven-concert series includes the first presentation of Israel Philharmonic Orchestra with Zubin Mehta.
1988
The sold-out series moves from Palm Springs High School to the new McCallum Theatre. The 5-concert series includes performances by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Seattle Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, and a recital by Itzhak Perlman.
1985
Youth music education programs no longer involve auditions but longer term support is given to three local students pursuing music study; A Music Mobile tours local schools.
1984
The series hosts its first appearance by an international orchestra – the London Philharmonic Orchestra with Vladimir Ashkenazy, conductor, and pianist. The series includes a special concert by Henry Mancini and his orchestra featuring music from “Pink Panther” and “Peter Gunn”.
1982
The series presents its first out-of-state orchestra – the Pittsburgh Symphony with André Previn, conductor. The expanded 6-concert series includes a recital by violinist, Nathan Milstein.
1976
Auditions are held to award scholarships to young music instrumentalists in the Coachella Valley; there was a rigorous audition process overseen by the Board of Directors; all applicants must “be ready to perform three different compositions and must bring their own accompanist”.
1975
Based on the first concert’s success, plans are made for two concerts by the LA Phil and a recital by pianist, Peter Serkin.
1974
January 8: Mimi Rudulph meets with LA Phil’s CEO, Ernest Fleischmann, and finalizes agreement for a concert in Palm Springs; at Fleischmann’s suggestion, thenew organization is called Palm Springs Friends of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
April 26: The Los Angeles Philharmonic under the direction of Zubin Mehta performs to a sold-out audience at Palm Springs High School.
1973
Mimi Rudulph creates a founding committee to bring the Los Angeles Philharmonic to the Coachella Valley; committee members were Mrs. George S. Pathy, Ann Heavey, Joseph Whiteford, Nancy Adler Thornton.
Past Performances
It is with great pride that we list the orchestras and concert artists who have performed the world’s greatest music for our audiences over the past decades. In addition to the Los Angeles Philharmonic who have made over 50 appearances, our stage has been graced by the Chicago Symphony, New York Philharmonic, Boston Symphony, as well as international orchestras such as the Israel Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmonic, and London Philharmonic. For a complete listing of orchestras, conductors, soloists, and repertoire archives, click below!
