Our 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.
First Rehearsal of the Yorba Linda Orchestra Association (YLOA)
2003
A group of musicians in Yorba Linda California search for a group to play with. Although initially unsuccessful, with perseverance and some help from the city the Yorba Linda Orchestra Association (YLOA) is formed with dreams of playing at the city’s new performing arts center. Their first concert was on June 6, 2003, with Interim Conductor Larry Lowder at the helm.
Dr. Robert Frelly joins as the new Conductor and Music Director.
2007
With changing priorities within the city, the new performing arts center stalls and financial support for the orchestra dwindles as the group approaches its fifth anniversary. However, new Conductor and Music Director Dr. Robert Frelly joins and the group continues to tour, including a trip to China.
The Yorba Linda Symphony becomes the Southern California Philharmonic (SCP or SoCalPhil)
2009
Hoping to draw a wider audience from the entire Orange County area, the board votes to change the group’s name from The Yorba Linda Symphony to the much broader “Southern California Philharmonic.” Around this time, Dr. Frelly went on to persue other opportunities and the search for a new conductor begins.
Branden Muresan Named New Musical Director
2013
After auditioning 5 potential candidates over a 18th-month period, the Board, following the recommendation of the orchestra, chooses Maestro Branden Muresan as the new Conductor and Music Director for the Southern California Philharmonic.
The SoCal Phil Forms New Alliances with CDM High and TACFA
2016
SCP finds a new home at Corona Del Mar High School for rehearsals and concerts in exchange for mentoring high school students in the instrumental program and a new partnership is forged with the Tustin Area Council for the Fine Arts specifically in support of SCP’s Young Artists Showcase.
The Southern California Philharmonic Celebrates its 15th Anniversary
2017
Under the continued leadership of Music Director Branden Muresan, and after a long record of bringing the great classical works to the communities Orange County, CA the SoCal Phil celebrates its 15th year of existence.
The SoCal Phil Performs Traditional Holiday Pops Concert
2018
On December 3rd, SoCalPhil performs the traditional Holiday Pops concert with the Faith Community Chorus of Orange County. Maestro Muresan and FCC Founder and Director, Lynn Chavdarov, shared the podium to perform the Many Moods of Christmas and other holiday favorites.
SoCalPhil holds the 16th Annual Young Artists Competition
2019
SoCalPhil holds the 16th Annual Young Artists Competition and receives a record number 75 applicants!
COVID interrupts SoCalPhil's 17th season
2020
COVID interrupts SoCalPhil’s 17th season, but fundraisers, performances and even rehearsals continue using a virtual format while the world grapples with the disruption caused by a world-wide pandemic!
SoCalPhil returns indoors and outdoors
2021
Proceeding cautiously and relying on outdoor space and the mild local climate, SoCalPhil partners with the City of Anaheim to present two outdoor concerts at the Pearson Park Amphitheatre in the fall of 2021. As winter descends, SoCalPhil partners with the Waldorf School of Orange County and the Randy Higbee Gallery for indoor/outdoor space for rehearsals and concerts. At the end of the 2021-2022 season, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Tustin invites SoCalPhil to perform the June season finale in the Church, a space with incredible acoustics. St. Paul’s extends the invitation for SoCalPhil to perform all of the 2022-2023 season concerts in their beautiful Church.