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

Del Mar College's new auditorium, dedicated to the college's 6th president Dr. Jean Richardson, became the home of the symphony with an inaugural concert in 1951.

In 1955, the new music director, Jacques Singer, formed a support group called the Symphony Guild. For the next 49 years, a woman would serve as the President of the Guild until Judge Henry Santana was elected in 2004. At the encouragement of Jacques Singer, Litta Kline became the orchestra's General Manager in 1956 for the next 36 years.

In 1969, the Symphony Orchestra opened it's Silver Anniversary Season under the baton of Maurice Peress.

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