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
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
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
Joe Galvan, Player Personnel Manager
personnel@ccsymphony.org
Dr. Brian Shelton CCAYO Director
brian.shelton@tamucc.edu
Dr. Carrie Pierce CCAYO Sinfonietta & Cello Choirs Director Carrie.Pierce@tamucc.edu
Rai Morales, CCAYO Low Brass Choir Director rai.morales@tamucc.edu
Dr. José Flores, CCAYO Artistic Advisor
jose.flores@tamucc.edu
Hannah Bittner, Director of Marketing
hannah@ccsymphony.org
Robin Nutter, Executive Director
robin@ccsymphony.org
ccso staff
introducing
Sarah Milnarich, Director of Operations
sarah@ccsymphony.org
Michael Badillo, Music Librarian
ccsolibrarian@gmail.com
Dr. Dan Sipes, Audio Engineer
