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 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). There were a total of four concerts in that first season.
our debut in 1945
symphony society chartered
Founded in 1954 and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1980, the Symphony Guild supports both the Corpus Christi Area Youth Orchestra (CCAYO) and the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra (CCSO) by providing financial assistance to each organization.
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 throughout the symphony season 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, Carolyn Hallett at carolyn@billhallett.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
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 81st concert season, the CCSO continues to entertain, educate, and inspire music lovers in the Corpus Christi Coastal Bend area.
THE SYMPHONY today
2025
Jaime Nordarse Barrera, Member-at-Large
Brian Aycock, Member-at-Large
Emily Barrera, Secretary
Pam Brower, Treasurer
Patty Nuss, Development
Kylie Cooper, Marketing
Dr. Mary Jane Hamilton, Governance
Dr. Bruce Wilson, Education & Community
Carroll Matthews, President
executive committee
2026-2027
Dr. Bruce Wilson, President Elect
Dr. Mary Jane Hamilton, Past President
Karen Urban, Member-at-Large
Ed Avila, Musician Representative
Dr. Diana Sipes, Musician Representative
Chrissy Romeros
Phyllis Roseman
Julie Rogers
Lee Lopez
Carolyn Hallett
Tasha Jones
Louise Chapman
Dr. Cynthia Bridges
John Bell
Board of Directors
2026-2027
Ronald Graban
Dr. Robert Furgason, Emeritus
Jan Lawrence, Emeritus
Gene Seaman, Emeritus
Linda Pate
Sulu Modak
Caitlin Chupe
Lee Byrd
Jaime Nordarse Barrera
Rosaura Bailey
Kevin Koehler
Brad Snyder
Christina Villeda
Roger TenNapel
Jeff Wise
Robin Nutter, Executive Director
robin@ccsymphony.org
Blakely Millsaps, Director of Marketing
blakely@ccsymphony.org
Kristina Willm, Director of Development
kristina@ccsymphony.org
Sarah Milnarich, Director of Operations
sarah@ccsymphony.org
Dr. Rai Morales, Player Personnel Manager
personnel@ccsymphony.org
Dr. Brian Shelton CCAYO Artistic Director & CCAYO Director
brian.shelton@tamucc.edu
Dr. Carrie Pierce CCAYO Artistic Director, Cello Choir Director & Sinfonietta Co-Director
Carrie.Pierce@tamucc.edu
Dr. Rai Morales, CCAYO Low Brass Choir Director
rai.morales@tamucc.edu
Dr. Sungho Jung, CCAYO Sinfonietta Co-Director & CCAYO Assistant Director
Michael Badillo, Music Librarian
ccsolibrarian@gmail.com
Dr. Dan Sipes, Audio Engineer
ccso staff
introducing
