History & Vision

Professional Union Musicians Since 1944

Where We’ve Been….

Talk about history! A professional orchestra in San Antonio goes back to 1939 when the renowned San Antonio Symphony was founded. Outstanding music directors/conductors have led the orchestra in innovative seasons including world premieres, magnificent choral collaborations, and music by composers from Latin America and around the world. Its legacy includes guest artists Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, Renée Fleming, and countless others.

Where We’re Going – A Place for Everyone

When the San Antonio Symphony management ceased operations in June, 2022, the musicians – some of whom won their seats in the 1970s and ‘80s — were determined to preserve world-class music in San Antonio. With their formation of the San Antonio Philharmonic, we all have an historic opportunity to re-invent what an orchestra in the 21st century can be. One that reflects the spirit of our time and place. We invite all to take part and feel the pride.

How Will the Philharmonic Be Different?

The Philharmonic envisions a San Antonio in which every resident has access to high-quality orchestral performances and educational opportunities that reflect the beautiful history, diversity, and culture of our community and beyond. We are seeking ways to involve new audiences in the transformative power of music.

Expect dynamic and professional concerts as before. If you are often in the audience, you will recognize your favorite musicians. We also are actively engaging the community, collaborating with artistic and educational institutions, mining ideas and developing programs. Student performances are high on our list — music has the power to open minds and spirits for life.

“San Antonio is one of the most vibrant Latino cities in the U.S., and that means a lot to me as a Mexican-American conductor. Having served as Associate Conductor of the SA Phil since 2024, I have seen and been honored to experience firsthand the performances of this world-class orchestra. We are looking ahead. This is a moment of real opportunity, and we will meet it with ambitious programming that places our musicians f ront and center, with deep community engagement, and an artistic vision that puts San Antonio on the international map. My career has taken me around the world, and I am honored to now step into this role, committed to building something extraordinary that truly belongs to San Antonio.”

Interim Music Director, Felipe Tristán

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Our Musicians

ORCHESTRA MEMBERS HERE

The San Antonio Philharmonic is committed to building a strong arts environment for our entire community. At the heart of that are the professional musicians, your friends and neighbors, who live and work in San Antonio. Retaining great musicians from the San Antonio Symphony, attracting new colleagues, and inviting our colleagues back to San Antonio who have taken temporary work in other cities is a key goal. It’s a testament to the talent of our musicians that some of us have been able to find positions on short notice in other fine orchestras around the country and around the world. It is no less a testament to our commitment to San Antonio that we are willing to lead the way forward for Symphonic music.