Overview

The Fresno Philharmonic, now in its 57th season, is the cultural flagship of Fresno, and one of the leading cultural organizations in the central San Joaquin Valley, one of the fastest growing regions in California. The population of Fresno is approaching 500,000, with an equal number living in surrounding communities. The rapid growth of Fresno’s cultural community in recent years speaks well of Fresno’s potential as an emerging center of cultural activity in the western United States.

The orchestra will perform 5 Masterworks pairs, 4 Pops concerts, and 1 Family Concert in the 2011 - 2012 season in the 2,370 seat Saroyan Theatre in downtown Fresno. Its small ensembles provide over fifty educational outreach services to local schools, and the orchestra performs a week of youth concerts that serve close to 6,000 school children in the Central Valley.

Leading guest soloists, such as Sir James Galway, Itzhak Perlman, Dame Evelyn Glennie, Lang Lang, Lynn Harrell, Sarah Chang, Joshua Bell, and Andre Watts have appeared with the Philharmonic.

Theodore Kuchar is the Music Director and entering his eighth season. He is also Music Director of the Janacek Philharmonic in the Czech Republic, and the Reno Chamber Orchestra in Nevada. He previously served as Music Director of the Ukrainian National Orchestra in Kiev and the Boulder Philharmonic in Colorado. With many recordings on both the Naxos and Brilliant labels, he is one of the most recorded conductors on the scene today. Many of his recordings have received critical acclaim.

The Fresno Philharmonic operates on an annual budget of approximately $1.7 million. There is an endowment of about $2 million. The Philharmonic is managed by a full-time staff of five and four part-time employees. It has a 25-member Board of Directors who are fully engaged with generous financial contributions and their commitment to service on various committees.

Mission

In service to the residents of the Central San Joaquin Valley, the mission of the Fresno Philharmonic is to enrich and transform the lives of our residents through performances of great music.

Vision

To present a premier orchestra that inspires, entertains, and educates persons of all ages from all walks of life throughout the Central San Joaquin Valley.

Fundamental Goals

The Fresno Philharmonic will present high quality concerts and an exceptional concert experience to our audiences.
The Fresno Philharmonic will make audience development a priority.
The Fresno Philharmonic will increase the reach and depth of its music education programs.
The Fresno Philharmonic will ensure its annual and long-term financial stability.

Public Disclosure

In accordance with the Internal Revenue Service regulations for public disclosure, the Fresno Philharmonic is pleased to make copies of its annual tax returns available to the public. In compliance with the new rules effective June 8, 1999, copies of the FPO's filed 990 forms are available here.