Our Story
Meet the SoCal Philharmonic
Branden Muresan
A Southern California native and recipient of numerous awards, musical director Branden Muresan leads the Southern California Philharmonic orchestra.
Orchestra
The approximately 60 regular member of the Southern California Philharmonic bring their unique musical talents to a wide range of instruments and compositions.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors share their knowledge and experiences to help guide the SoCal Phil’s vision of bringing the great orchestral works to the community.
The 2022-23 season marks the 20th year of existence for the Southern California Philharmonic. We invite you to learn more about the group’s long history and join us as we move forward on a musical journey with the mission of bringing the great masterpieces and orchestral works to Orange County.
First Rehearsal of the Yorba Linda Orchestra Association (YLOA)
2003
A group of musicians in Yorba Linda California search for a group to play with. Although initially unsuccessful, with perseverance and some help from the city the Yorba Linda Orchestra Association (YLOA) is formed with dreams of playing at the city’s new performing arts center. Their first concert was on June 6, 2003, with Interim Conductor Larry Lowder at the helm.
Dr. Robert Frelly joins as the new Conductor and Music Director.
2007
With changing priorities within the city, the new performing arts center stalls and financial support for the orchestra dwindles as the group approaches its fifth anniversary. However, new Conductor and Music Director Dr. Robert Frelly
The Yorba Linda Symphony becomes the Southern California Philharmonic (SCP or SoCalPhil)
2009
Hoping to draw a wider audience from the entire Orange County area, the board votes to change the group’s name from The Yorba Linda Symphony to the much broader “Southern California Philharmonic.” Around this time, Dr. Frelly went on to
Branden Muresan Named New Musical Director
After auditioning 5 potential candidates over a 18th-month period, the Board, following the recommendation of the orchestra, chooses Maestro Branden Muresan as the new Conductor and Music Director for the Southern California Philharmonic.
The SoCal Phil Forms New Alliances with CDM High and TACFA
2016
SCP finds a new home at Corona Del Mar High School for rehearsals and concerts in exchange for mentoring high school students in the instrumental program and a new partnership is forged with the Tustin Area Council for the Fine Arts specifically in support of SCP’s Young Artists Showcase.
The Southern California Philharmonic Celebrates its 15th Anniversary
2017
Under the continued leadership of Music Director Branden Muresan, and after a long record of bringing the great classical works to the communities Orange County, CA the SoCal Phil celebrates its 15th year of existence.
The SoCal Phil Performs Traditional Holiday Pops Concert
2018
On December 3rd, SoCalPhil performs the traditional Holiday Pops concert with the Faith Community Chorus of Orange County. Maestro Muresan and FCC Founder and Director, Lynn Chavdarov, shared the podium to perform the Many Moods of Christmas and other holiday favorites.
SoCalPhil holds the 16th Annual Young Artists Competition
2019
SoCalPhil holds the 16th Annual Young Artists Competition and receives a record number 75 applicants!
COVID interrupts SoCalPhil's 17th season
2020
COVID interrupts SoCalPhil’s 17th season, but fundraisers, performances and even rehearsals continue using a virtual format while the world grapples with the disruption caused by a world-wide pandemic!
SoCalPhil returns indoors and outdoors
Proceeding cautiously and relying on outdoor space and the mild local climate, SoCalPhil partners with the City of Anaheim to present two outdoor concerts at the Pearson Park Amphitheatre in the fall of 2021. As winter descends, SoCalPhil partners with the Waldorf School of Orange County and the Randy Higbee Gallery for indoor/outdoor space for rehearsals and concerts. At the end of the 2021-2022 season, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Tustin invites SoCalPhil to perform the June season finale in the Church, a space with incredible acoustics. St. Paul’s extends the invitation for SoCalPhil to perform all of the 2022-2023 season concerts in their beautiful Church.
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A Letter from the President
Greetings from the SoCalPhil! In the 2022-2023 season, we officially celebrated our 20th anniversary as an ensemble, and we are happy to be continuing our 20-year celebration as this year marks a milestone anniversary for one of our most important programs. This year is the 20th Anniversary of the SoCalPhil Young Artists Solo Competition!
Last year we selected nine soloists to perform with the SoCalPhil at our three spring concerts. Because of your support, the support of the musicians in the orchestra, and the continued support of the Tustin Area Council for Fine Arts (TACFA), we were able to provide these first-place winners with the largest “modest” scholarship we have been able to provide in our 20-year history. We are hoping to keep that momentum going this season!
Last season we performed our concerts at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church of Tustin, which was the first year since the pandemic began in 2020 that we have had a real “home.” We are grateful to St. Paul’s for having us back, and we are happy to be performing in this lovely church again for the 2023-2024 season!
Our community orchestra has grown over the past year, and we are exploring other ways that we can support youth in the pursuit of their musical endeavors. If you are interested in learning more about our efforts, please contact us at [email protected]
We have a lot of wonderful music planned for you this season. Please check this website for updates throughout the season and join us on our musical journey!
Beth McCormick – President
Help Support the Arts in Orange County.
With your support, the SoCal Phil can continue its vision of preserving musical appreciation and engagement in our community by presenting some of the most talented and driven young artists, soloists and orchestra musicians.