Welcome To Season 2026!

Dear Subscribers!

Thank you for trusting us to bring you a new season of captivating and inspiring performances as we celebrate the semiquincentennial of the United States in 2026, marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

July 4, 1776, launched one of the greatest experiments in democratic governance the world has seen. Music has tracked along with societal and cultural shifts over two and a half centuries, responding and instigating. New West Symphony’s 2026 season is full of essential American classics and outstanding symphonic treasures by composers such as Beethoven, Bernstein, Rachmaninoff, Copland, Handel, Gershwin, and Brahms among many others.

The year gets underway with Rachmaninoff’s epic Second Piano Concerto. Mozart created his Marriage of Figaro as the United States was enduring its first tumultuous years and generations of composers captured America’s spirit in their own operatic and music theater expressions. Brilliant masterpieces by Sondheim, Bernstein, John Adams, Philip Glass, and more are featured.

Returning by popular request, cirque performers join the symphony onstage for superhuman feats of strength and agility with orchestral favorites. We are also eager to shine a spotlight on a variety of musical styles that America calls her own, including jazz, blues, and gospel throughout the year, culminating in a not-to-be-missed Too Hot to Handel, a gospel and soul reimagination of Handel’s timeless masterpiece, Messiah.

Celebrate riveting performances, community partnerships, and the spirit of America that we
hold dear – expressed through our music.

Thank you for supporting our epic season with your subscription!

Happy 250th Birthday America!

Featuring Rachmaninoff and Gershwin

Sun, January 25, 2026 at 3 PM
Camarillo (RCPAC)

New West Symphony’s yearlong celebration of America’s musical heritage launches with quintessential patriotic favorites, the emotional power of Rachmaninoff’s sweeping Second Piano Concerto paired with the swinging, jazz-infused sounds of Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess (“Catfish Row” suite) Romanticism, patriotism, and American ingenuity in one exciting season-opening performance.

Michael Christie, conductor
Harmony Zhu, piano

Smith/Key  |  The Star Spangled Banner
Souza  |  Stars and Stripes Forever March
Rachmaninoff   |  Piano Concerto No.2, C minor, Op. 18
Gershwin   |  Suite from Porgy and Bess “Catfish Row”

Mozart and American Voices

Sun, March 8, 2026 at 3 PM
Camarillo (RCPAC)

Revel in the memorable melodies of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro – selected scenes and arias offer a view into this timeless chaotic comedy. Musical Theater and American opera’s powerful arias and stirring choruses by legendary composers show their extraordinary range of musical storytelling. This unique program blends timeless elegance with bold American spirit in a program of extraordinary music.

Michael Christie, conductor
Angels Vocal Art,
Kristof Van Grysperre, artistic director
New West Symphony Chorus,
Dr. Wyant Morton, director

Mozart  |  Marriage of Figaro (Selections)
Selections from Bernstein’s Candide, Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, hits by Sondheim, Glass, Barber, and more!

Beethoven & Copland

Sun, October 4, 2026 at 3 PM
Camarillo (RCPAC)

Share in the timeless elegance and vigor of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1, “Americana” personified in Copland’s Old American Songs, and the celebrated ballet, Appalachian Spring, a cornerstone of American classical music and dance. A captivating program that bridges classical tradition and American spirit.

Pacific Festival Ballet, Kim Maselli, director
Los Robles Children’s Choir, Emma Roche, director

Beethoven  |  Symphony No.1 in C Major, Op. 21
Copland  |  Old American Songs
Copland  |  Appalachian Spring

Symphony Goes to Cirque

Sun, November 8, 2026 at 3 PM
Camarillo (RCPAC)

Back by popular demand! Prepare to be dazzled as Troupe Vertigo joins the Symphony for a breathtaking fusion of music and circus inspired feats. Beloved symphonic works unite with performances of skill, strength, and daring for a night of spellbinding spectacle and beautiful music.

Michael Christie, conductor
Troupe Vertigo