BREAKING NEWS: Francesco Lecce-Chong Signs Landmark Evergreen Agreement with the Santa Rosa Symphony

We’re thrilled to announce a new landmark evergreen agreement with Francesco Lecce-Chong, securing his visionary leadership as he assumes the role of Artistic & Music Director on July 1, 2026.

Over the past eight seasons, Francesco has transformed the Symphony through bold artistic programming, innovative community partnerships, expanded music education opportunities, acclaimed new commissions, and creative initiatives that helped keep music alive during the pandemic.

As we look ahead to our second century, this agreement ensures continuity, stability, and an exciting future for the Symphony and our community.

Please join us in congratulating Francesco on this exciting next chapter! 🎶

Read more at the link in bio.

Two ways to experience the 2026–2027 season.
The Discovery Rehearsal Series offers a behind-the-scenes look at how each Classical Series concert comes together. Watch the orchestra and conductor at work during seven Saturday afternoon rehearsals at Weill Hall.

The Come As You Can Series gives you ultimate flexibility with eight vouchers you can use for Classical Series concerts in any combination. Choose the concerts you want, select your seats, and attend on your schedule.

Discovery Rehearsal Series subscriptions:
Subscription: $119 Adult | $70 Youth (under 12)
srsymphony.org or call (707) 546-8742

Come As You Can Series:
Subscription: $400
Available now.
Call (707) 546-8742 to subscribe today.

This summer, join Santa Rosa Symphony for a season of music shaped by place, storytelling, and connection. 🍷🎻

Experience three intimate vineyard concerts in our Symphony Uncorked series and meet the Symphony’s three concertmaster candidates—Nigel Armstrong, Wyatt Underhill, and Ani Bukujian—each featured in one performance.

On August 7, enjoy Road to Appalachia Featuring Mark O’Connor and Maggie O’Connor, Francesco Lecce-Chong, conductor, Weill Hall at Green Music Center.

📅 Summer at the Symphony 2026
🍷 July 12 at 3:30 pm – Symphony Uncorked: The Mozart Blend | Trione Vineyards & Winery
🍷 July 26 at 7:00 pm – Symphony Uncorked: The Dvořák Blend | Deerfield Ranch Winery
🍷 August 16 at 3:30 pm – Symphony Uncorked: The Beethoven Blend | Foppiano Vineyards

🎻 August 7 at 7:30 pm – Road to Appalachia Featuring Mark & Maggie O’Connor | Weill Hall, Green Music Center

Featuring music by Ludwig van Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Antonín Dvořák, Johann Sebastian Bach, Gabriela Lena Frank, Aaron Copland, Mark O’Connor, and more.

Tickets are on sale now at link in bio.

We had a blast celebrating our concertmaster of nearly 30 years, Joe Edelberg, during our Shakespeare in Music Classical Series performances. The entire weekend felt like a true celebration of Joe’s incredible legacy, and we are deeply grateful for everything he has given the Symphony over the past 29 years.


As you swipe through this carousel, you’ll see just how much he is loved and appreciated by his fellow musicians, staff, and our community—from heartfelt tributes and surprise musical moments to standing ovations that said it all.


Highlights include:

1. A compilation video from the weekend

2. A proclamation honoring Joe from the City of Santa Rosa

3. Santa Rosa Mayor Mark Stapp presenting the proclamation

4. President & CEO Andrew Bradford at our post-concert champagne and cupcake celebration

5. A surprise musical tribute for Joe, including a personalized ditty by Principal Trombone Bruce Chrisp (video courtesy of @staceypelinka )

6. A performance by SRS English Horn player Jesse Barrett, joined by Symphony musicians (video courtesy of Stacey)

7. A raucous ovation for Joe, courtesy of @sfclassicalvoice


Thank you, Joe, for nearly three decades of artistry, leadership, and heart.

💛

Santa Rosa Symphony

Join us this weekend as we wish a heartfelt goodbye to our beloved concertmaster of 29 years, Joseph “Joe” Edelberg 💙.


After each performance, stick around for cupcakes + a champagne toast in Joe’s honor 🥂 (Open to all ticket holders!)


And don’t forget to grab your “I ❤️ JOE” button in the lobby!

🎟️ Tickets for Joe’s last Classical Series concert, Shakespeare in Music, at Link in Bio