Our Story
Meet the SoCal Philharmonic
The story of the Southern California Philharmonic is one of passion, perseverance, and community. What began in 2003 as a small group of musicians in Yorba Linda has evolved into a thriving community orchestra serving all of Orange County. Along the way, we've changed names, grown our audience, and stayed committed to one core mission:
The Southern California Philharmonic presents orchestral masterworks, promotes artistic engagement for a vibrant civil society, and educates future musicians and leaders. We foster a welcoming, inclusive environment where musicians, patrons, and audiences are respected and valued, ensuring equal opportunity and shared appreciation of symphonic music across our community.
Today, under the direction of Maestro Branden Muresan, the SoCalPhil continues to inspire through live performance, youth mentorship, and a dedication to the cultural enrichment of our region.
Brandon Muresan
A Southern California native and recipient of numerous awards, musical director Branden Muresan leads the Southern California Philharmonic orchestra.
Orchestra
The approximately 60 regular member of the Southern California Philharmonic bring their unique musical talents to a wide range of instruments and compositions.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors share their knowledge, experiences, and dedication to help guide the SoCal Phil’s vision of bringing the great orchestral works to the community.
History
The 2025-26 season marks the 23rd year of existence for the Southern California Philharmonic. We invite you to learn more about the group’s long history and join us as we move forward on a musical journey with the mission of bringing the great masterpieces and orchestral works to Orange County.
Help Support the Arts in Orange County.
With your support, the SoCal Phil can continue its vision of preserving musical appreciation and engagement in our community by presenting some of the most talented and driven young artists, soloists and orchestra musicians.
Share in our story
A Letter From the President
11 years ago, when I became a SoCalPhil Young Artist, I never could have imagined that someday I would be named our orchestra’s next Board President. In a testament to how our Young Artist Program uplifts and encourages the professional development of the next generation, the role models to whom I looked up as a 17-year-old are today my friends and colleagues.
The Southern California Philharmonic is an all-volunteer symphony orchestra comprised of talented musicians who respect and support one another’s musicianship. Our members represent all walks of life – in our ensemble, lawyers and students play alongside engineers and physicians, and 13-year-old youth are on equal footing beside 95-year-old nonagenarians – yet we come together for the shared purpose of engaging with the gift of music.
Some ways that you can support our work are by following us on social media, making a donation to help sustain our charitable efforts, volunteering with our concert production team, exploring ways that your business can partner with our non-profit, or even reaching out to join our orchestra and play with us! Above all, we hope you will join us at our concerts, as we believe that live orchestral performance is an experience like no other.
As the SoCalPhil enters our 23rd year, I invite you to be a part of our community. Whether you enjoy attending one concert or you have been in our musical family for many years, making a positive impact in the lives of our community members is the reason for the SoCalPhil’s existence.
Musically,
Dr. Melissa X. Marius, J.D., Ph.D.
Board President
Principal Pianist
2013-14 Young Artist Alumna
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