Camellia Symphony Orchestra

A nonprofit organization

$15,772 raised by 57 donors

99% complete

$16,000 Goal

For over six decades, the Camellia Symphony Orchestra (CSO) has been a cornerstone of Sacramento’s classical music identity. What began as a local gathering of passionate musicians has evolved into a premier symphonic ensemble. Today, we share world-class performances that celebrate high-caliber artistry while honoring our deep roots in the Sacramento community.

The Camellia Symphony Orchestra performs a vibrant six-concert season at the historic McClatchy Auditorium and throughout the Sacramento region. We take immense pride in elevating our own: by pairing gifted local instrumentalists with elite guest artists, we provide a professional platform for the remarkable talent found right here in our region. 

Under the baton of Maestro Christian Baldini, the Camellia Symphony Orchestra proudly champions the works of female and minority composers whose voices have historically been sidelined. We believe a symphony season should be more than just a series of concerts—it should be a carefully curated journey. By weaving together timeless masterpieces with these vital, rediscovered works, CSO creates a rich and resonant experience for the audience. Every program is a deliberate invitation to explore new musical horizons right here in Sacramento.

This spirit of musical exploration extends to our Camellia Cadets and Juniors youth orchestras, which serve as the heartbeat of our educational outreach and the future of Sacramento's arts scene. A testament to our enduring role in the region is our longstanding collaboration with the Strauss Festival of Elk Grove, where the CSO has provided the musical heart of this beloved tradition for many years.

Your generous contributions are the fuel that keeps our music alive. By donating today, you invest in our local musicians and ensure that high-caliber classical arts remain accessible to all.

Mission

The Camellia Symphony Orchestra enriches the Sacramento region through unique, inspiring, and dynamic performances. By blending bold new works with timeless favorites, we provide educational and musical opportunities for a vibrant cultural landscape.

Needs

Your donation supports these vital areas:

1) The General Fund: The lifeblood of our organization. Contributions here ensure we can maintain our day-to-day operations—from securing rehearsal spaces to the logistical "behind-the-scenes" magic that makes every performance possible. By supporting this fund, you are investing in the sustainability and future of classical music in Sacramento.

2) The Artistic Discretionary Fund: Creative Innovation. This fund allows us to dream bigger. It specifically supports the creative "extras" that turn a concert into a world-class experience—such as commissioning bold new works and bringing elite guest soloists to the Sacramento stage.

3) The Music Education Fund: Inspiring the Next Generation. Our youth orchestras, the Camellia Cadets and Juniors, are the heart of this fund. Your support provides tuition assistance, hosts Free Family Concerts, and fuels our classroom outreach and community programs. By giving here, you are directly removing financial barriers to music education and ensuring that the joy of performance is widely accessible.

Equity Statement

The Camellia Symphony Orchestra celebrates, welcomes, and embraces all people -- musicians and audience members alike. Our programming is particularly noted for showcasing the works of underrepresented composers.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Camellia Symphony Orchestra

other names

CSO

Year Established

1963

Tax id (EIN)

94-6112266

Guidestar

Mission Category

Arts, Culture & Humanities

Operating Budget

$100,001-$250,000

Organization Need

Funding: Unrestricted, Funding: Program

Local Counties Served

Sacramento, Yolo, El Dorado, Placer

Equity Statement

Equity Statement

Address

1731 Howe Ave. PMB 499
Sacramento, CA 95825

Service areas

Sacramento County, CA, US

Davis, CA, US

Phone

916-929-6655

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