The Berkeley Symphony Orchestra brings world-class orchestral performances to the East Bay, presenting classical masterworks alongside contemporary compositions. The organization operates with a mission to celebrate Berkeley’s diverse community through music while remaining accessible to audiences across the region.

Musical Programming

The 2026-27 season is titled “Renewal and Reinvention,” exploring how composers revisit and reinterpret works from the past. The season features three Mainstage Concerts and two Chamber Concerts, with programs organized around themes like inheritance, transformation, and remembrance.

Highlights include the world premiere of Alex Nante’s “Vater unser,” a reimagining of a Bach chorale, and the first-ever performance of the fully orchestrated “Intonations: Songs from the Violins of Hope” by Jake Heggie. The orchestra also performs Max Richter’s recomposition of Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” and other familiar classical works presented in fresh contexts.

Guest Conductors & Artists

The season opens with Music Director Laureate Kent Nagano exploring the music of Felix Mendelssohn. Subsequent concerts feature guest conductor Kwamé Ryan and conductorless ensemble performances guided by guest violinist Nick Kendall.

Venues

The orchestra performs at multiple Bay Area venues including the Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts and Zellerbach Hall on the UC Berkeley campus. The Henry J. Kaiser Center offers excellent acoustics and sightlines, while Zellerbach Hall provides an intimate campus setting.

Ticket Information

Subscriptions and single tickets are available through the orchestra’s website. Prices vary based on venue and seating. The organization often offers student discounts and rush tickets to make performances accessible to younger audiences. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 4 PM, and tickets can be ordered online or by telephone.

Contact Information

Phone: (510) 841-2800 Website: berkeleysymphony.org The orchestra’s focus on classical traditions and community engagement makes it an excellent choice for both longtime classical music enthusiasts and those newer to orchestral performance.

Getting There

Venues vary by performance, so check the orchestra’s schedule. Both the Kaiser Center and Zellerbach Hall are on or near the UC Berkeley campus, accessible by BART and local buses. The downtown location of Kaiser Center offers convenient parking and nearby dining options.