California's Berkeley Symphony Receives $1.5 million Gift

The donation comes from Gordon Getty, American businessman and classical music composer

The Berkeley Symphony was founded in 1971 in Berkeley, California and is committed to performing, premiering, and commissioning new music that reflects the culturally diverse people of its home city.

Today, the ensemble announced that it has received a $1.5 million gift from Gordon Getty. Now entering its 52nd season, the donation will support Berkeley Symphony in its future growth under the leadership of Music Director Joseph Young and Executive Director Kate Kammeyer. While extending its impact beyond the East Bay and the greater San Francisco Bay Area, the money will enable Berkeley Symphony to further pursue innovation in its programming and education programs.

“We are profoundly grateful to Gordon Getty for his extremely generous gift and for his unwavering support and friendship to Berkeley Symphony,” says René Mandel, Artistic Director of Berkeley Symphony. “Berkeley Symphony is a champion of music from all eras, and has been a trendsetter of new works by living composers since its inception. This gift enables us to continue this tradition through diverse programming and the growth of our educational programs. Our entire community deeply appreciates Gordon Getty’s largesse and we cannot thank him enough.”

In the 2019-2020 season, Berkeley Symphony entered a new era under the leadership of Joseph Young, the Orchestra’s fourth Music Director in its 50-year history, following a highly successful February 2019 debut.

“This extraordinary gift has filled our hearts with immense gratitude and renewed determination. With this support, we will continue to thrive, unlocking new opportunities and creating a brighter future for the Symphony. Thank you, Gordon Getty, for your unwavering belief in our potential and for empowering us to make a lasting impact on the Bay Area,” says Joseph Young, Music Director of Berkeley Symphony.