About the symphony

Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra

To inspire engage, and educate diverse audiences through live, high quality musical performances throughout the Coastal Bend region.

Our mission

The Corpus Christi Symphony Society was chartered in 1945 by Rabbi Sidney Wolf. During tenure at Temple Beth El, Rabbi Wolf became known for his interfaith work and, in the era of Jim Crow segregation, for his support of integration of public facilities.

On December 10, 1945, C. Burdette Wolfe, the Corpus Christi Junior College (Del Mar) Music Department Chairman, raised the baton as the first conductor for the first performance of the symphony orchestra.

800 patrons braved the 36 degree South Texas weather to experience the inaugural concert in the auditorium of Corpus Christi High School (Miller). The debut season consisted of four concerts total.

our debut in 1945

symphony society chartered

1945
1951

Organized in 1954 and incorporated in 1980 as its own 501 (c) (3), the Symphony Guild's purpose is to aid the Corpus Christi Area Youth Orchestra (CCAYO) and the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra (CCSO) in its endeavor to provide financial support for both organizations.

Guild Members participate in a variety of activities, including special events that support the CCAYO by promoting music education and educational opportunities for the youth in our community, as well as supporting the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra.

The Guild meets six times in the symphony season (September-May) at various locations and times. Some are Guild events and some are business meetings.

Dues are $40/year or $500 to become a Lifetime Honorary member. Please contact the Guild President, Brad Kisner at 361-960-1644 or write blkisner@yahoo.com for more information.

a new organization

the symphony guild

In 1978, Cornelius Eberhardt and the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra are the first to perform in the newly dedicated Bayfront Plaza Auditorium (Selena) on May 20th, 1978. The City Council cut the ribbon on the new Bayfront Convention Center and the symphony performed two hours later in the 2,400 seat hall.

Caller Times staff writer reported much debate at City Hall regarding the $300 rental fee the orchestra would pay for the state of the art Bayfront Auditorium facility.

our new home

The selena auditorium

1978
2024

Maestro John Giordano conducted the inaugural season of the symphony orchestra in their new home at the Performing Arts Center on the Bayfront campus of Texas A&M University Corpus Christi. The season opener featured pianist Andre Watts performing Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2, Opus 83.

The season featured six regular subscription concerts with a special Diamond Jubilee concert featuring the virtuosic violin talents of Itzhak Perlman. By the opening of the 60th concert season, the CCSO performed for many music lovers and continues to serve the Corpus Christi Coastal Bend area to this day.

the symphony at 60

Diamond Anniversary


Maestro Hector Guzman conducts the symphony orchestra in their current home at the Performing Arts Center on the Bayfront campus of Texas A&M University Corpus Christi. Each exciting symphony season includes six classical/light classical subscription concerts; two or more free Education Concerts for up to 20,000 area children; and the CCSO on the Go! Program, which brings musical ensembles into area classrooms for an up-close encounter with professional musicians and their instruments.

Also, The Corpus Christi Area Youth Orchestra sponsors two tuition-free full orchestras: an intermediate string ensemble and one elementary string class for instrumental students from 8-19 years of age. Each CCAYO ensemble performs at least twice a year. An annual audience favorite is the special family concert, which brings popular music, bands, movie music and other musical treats to Coastal Bend who might not otherwise be able to experience live music.

Now in its 79th concert season, the CCSO continues to entertain, educate, and inspire music lovers in the Corpus Christi Coastal Bend area.

THE SYMPHONY today 

2022

Karen Urban, Member-at-Large

John Bell, Member-at-Large

Kylie Cooper, Secretary

Nora Fazio, Treasurer

Patty Nuss, Development

Jaime Nodarse Barrera, Marketing

Dr. Cynthia Bridges, Governance

Dr. Bruce Wilson, Education & Community

Dr. Mary Jane Hamilton, President

executive committee

2024-2025

Carroll Matthews, President Elect

Ed Avila, Musician Representative

Dr. Diana Sipes, Musician Representative

Brad Snyder

Roger TenNapel

Phyllis Roseman

Linda Pate

Brad Kisner

Kevin Koehler

Pam Brower

Louise Chapman

Mary Campbell

Rosaura Bailey

Janie Bell

Board of Directors

2024-2025

Rosendo Cruz

Patty Nuss, Emeritus

Dr. Robert Furgason, Emeritus

Jan Lawrence, Emeritus

Ella Prichard, Emeritus

Gene Seaman, Emeritus

Chrissy Romeros

Elizabeth Chu Richter

Caitlin Chupe

Brian Aycock

Emily Barrera

Jody Hughes

thank you to corpus christi medical center for their support this season!

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