Civic Auditorium Handrail Installation Project – Update on January 15, 2026

We have exciting news! Installation of the new handrails at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium has officially begun. 

This long-awaited improvement will make moving through the Civic more comfortable and accessible for everyone attending our concerts.

The project is scheduled to be completed by January 24, 2026. We want to thank the City of Santa Cruz staff, Mayor Fred Keely, and the City Council for finding and allocating scarce funds to enhance your concert experience at the Civic Auditorium.

Thank you for your continued support, your patience, and your enthusiasm for both our music and the improvements that make our venues more welcoming. We look forward to seeing you at the Civic Auditorium, the Mello Center, and Samper Hall soon.

🎶 World-renowned pianist Jon Nakamatsu at Samper Hall on February 1

Seeking musical inspiration in the new year? We've got you covered!

Jon Nakamatsu, known and beloved to Santa Cruz audiences for many years, once again brings his piano artistry to the stage. Now in his third decade of touring worldwide, the Van Cliburn medalist continues to draw critical and public acclaim for his intensity, elegance, and electrifying performances.

Join us for a rare opportunity to hear Mr. Nakamatsu perform in an intimate venue on Sunday, February 1 as our Musician Series continues. The recital's first half features his stunning performance of solo piano works by Bach-Busoni, Beethoven, and Mendelssohn.

A dynamic second half offers Brahms' Quintet in F Minor for Piano and Strings, where Mr. Nakamatsu will be joined by four star performers: violinist Nancy Zhou, Santa Cruz Symphony's Artist-in-Residence and Concertmaster; violinist Nigel Armstrong, former Santa Cruz Symphony Concertmaster; violist Daniel Stewart, Santa Cruz Symphony's Music Director; and cellist Jonah Kim, Santa Cruz Symphony's Principal Cello.

For tickets, call 831-479-6154 or click the button below to purchase online.

Sunday, February 1 at 2:00 PM
Samper Hall at Cabrillo College

Recital sponsored by Cathy and Joseph Parisie

More about our star-studded cast of performers…

Jon Nakamatsu, piano

Now in his third decade of touring worldwide, pianist Jon Nakamatsu continues to draw critical and public acclaim for his intensity, elegance, and electrifying performances. "He plays Romantic-period repertoire with commanding authority," according to San Francisco Classical Voice. The 1997 Gold Medalist of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition—the only American to achieve this distinction since 1981—his career encompasses recording, education, arts administration, and public speaking in addition to his vast concert schedule.

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Nancy Zhou, violin

Described as “a probing musical voice infused with searing virtuosity,” Nancy Zhou’s musicianship resonates with a global audience and brings her on stage with leading orchestras worldwide. A lover of chamber music and an explorer of nontraditional works, she brings an emphasis on the intersection of music, dance, and culture. Since 2023, she has dazzled Santa Cruz Symphony audiences with her flawless technique and beauty of interpretation in her role as Artist in Residence and Concertmaster.

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Nigel Armstrong, violin

Former Santa Cruz Symphony Concertmaster Nigel Armstrong has emerged as a dynamic, creative artist both within and beyond the realm of classical music. From his musical beginnings as a member of "The Little Fiddlers" in Sonoma, CA to collaborations with tango musicians in Argentina, he's enjoyed exploring the violin's versatility throughout his life. A graduate of the Colburn School and the Curtis Institute of Music, Nigel's teachers have included Arnold Steinhardt, Robert Lipsett, Zaven Melikian, and Donald Weilerstein, among others.

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Daniel Stewart, viola

We know him as Maestro of our Santa Cruz Symphony, but Daniel Stewart’s history is impressive. He was the Metropolitan Opera’s assistant conductor, winner of the Conlon Conducting Prize, and guest conductor in Boston, Frankfurt, Los Angeles, Houston, and more. He has performed with renowned symphonies as conductor, composer, and violist. As Performing Arts Monterey Bay described it: "Clearly, he’s the real deal…the quality of great music here is almost beyond belief."

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Jonah Kim, cello

Jonah Kim is an artist of great charisma and originality whose beauty of tone is immediately distinguishable by its signature sweetness. Born in South Korea, Jonah taught himself to play the cello watching VHS tapes of Pablo Casals. He “dives into the music with courage underpinned by formidable technical prowess, with which he achieves a dazzling performance” (All About the Arts) and has been described as "one of the very finest American cellists" (Art Music Lounge).

Celebrate the season of connection at our Holiday Concerts on December 13 and 14!

On December 13 and 14, Santa Cruz Symphony will deliver a spirited family celebration of holiday music for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa featuring many of your favorites. The Holiday Concert is a presentation for the whole family, with reduced ticket prices on most seats. Our show even includes a lively sing-along for added fun!

Children are welcome at our Holiday Concert, and kids under 18 can buy tickets for just $15. Show up before the concert starts and get creative at our craft station, where you can make and decorate your own bracelets and holiday ornaments.

There's nothing quite like live orchestral music to bring the magical spirit of the season to life. As the nights draw in and winter approaches, give yourself and your family the gift of festive music enjoyed together with your community. Get your Holiday Concert tickets today!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13

7:30 PM at Civic Auditorium
(doors open at 6 PM)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14

1:00 PM at Civic Auditorium
(doors open at 11:30 AM)

HOLIDAY TICKET SPECIAL:

Youth tickets (ages 3–17) are just $15 each!

Civic Auditorium Handrail Installation Project – Update

Santa Cruz Symphony cares about the comfort and safety of everyone attending our concerts. We’ve heard your questions about the handrails at the Civic Auditorium and want to provide an updated status.

The City of Santa Cruz has confirmed that the contractor, Selway Construction, is scheduled to install the new handrails in January 2026. Current preparations include material submittals, preconstruction meetings, scheduling, and procurement of materials. While a specific start date has not yet been set, installation is expected to take place during the month of January.

We expect that this means our patrons will be able to enjoy the use of the handrails in time for our Family Concert on March 1, 2026.

You can find additional information on the City’s project page here: Civic Auditorium Handrail Project

We look forward to welcoming you back to the Civic to enjoy both the improved accessibility and the joy of live music. Don’t miss the Family Concert on March 1 to see the handrails in action!

The Planets on November 1/2: An extraordinary cosmic journey awaits you!

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Join us on Saturday, November 1 and Sunday, November 2 for Gustav Holst's best-known composition The Planets, with its evocative depictions of planetary gods such as War, Peace, and Magic. We'll also hear Paul Hindemith's legendary viola concerto Der Schwanendreher, featuring rising star Emad Zolfaghari, and a world premiere of Voices by Santa Cruz native Benjamin Goodwin. You'll want to be there for this unforgettable orchestral experience!

Prepare to be captivated by our gifted young featured artists, violist Emad Zolfaghari and composer Benjamin Goodwin. Emad's virtuosity will bring to life Der Schwanendreher, a distinctly unique piece for viola and orchestra which weaves traditional techniques and melodies into a 20th-century context. Benjamin Goodwin's Voices explores themes of change and acceptance, drawing on personal memories and beloved tunes to convey stories that resonate with listeners of any age. And the Symphony will take you on a celestial journey through our solar system with The Planets—a masterwork which uses a larger-than-usual orchestra to portray the color and drama of the planets as viewed through the lens of Holst's vivid imagination.

This blockbuster program will enchant your senses and inspire your spirit. It's perfect for long-time Symphony fans and first-time concertgoers alike. Bring a friend, and experience the magic together!

You can purchase concert tickets online anytime using the button below. Want to order your tickets from a real person? Call Civic Box Office at 831-420-5260 (hours are Tuesday–Friday, 12pm–4pm.)

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