History and Mission

The Folsom Symphony was founded in 2004 under the direction of Folsom businessmen Bruce Woodbury and Dick Merz, educator and musician Marsha Williams-Miller, and with the contribution and efforts of a collaborative group of devoted local individuals, many of whom remain active with the organization today. Maestro Michael Neumann was engaged as the music director and conductor of the orchestra at its inception and continues at the helm of the artistic side of the symphony, selecting and producing the exciting and satisfying repertoire that reflects the brilliance and enjoyment of the classics.

The Folsom Symphony serves greater Sacramento, Placer and El Dorado counties and is the premier orchestra of the Folsom Lake Region and our mission is to present high-quality symphonic performances for the pleasure and cultural enrichment of the people of the Folsom Lake region.  

Mission Goals and Vision:

• To perform great symphonic music at a standard that excites and thrills audiences
• To demonstrate the cultural and intellectual value of music
• To inspire, uplift, enlighten, and educate audiences with a wide range of orchestral literature – great symphonic, ballet, opera, movie, musical theater, and choral music
• To showcase the talents and musical abilities of area’s musicians and music teachers
• To provide pre-professional performing opportunities for highly qualified music students
• To collaborate with other area arts and musical organizations
• To demonstrate the value of music and music education by enlightening audiences with real-time musical experiences
• To develop new audiences of all ages for classical music
• To stimulate and encourage the support of music, music education, and music participation at a community level

In 2003 several businessmen, professional educators, and music lovers who desired to make great symphonic music a significant and immediate cultural element of our community began to explore the creation of a locally based orchestra. The symphony was envisioned to be both an opportunity to hear a high-quality live symphonic music and to be a venue for musicians and music teachers to perform great symphonic literature. The Founding Board shared the viewpoint that music is not just an enjoyable past time; it enlightens, civilizes, thrills, and brings together diverse groups of people.   All the founders and subsequent Board members have shared the belief that music, music training, and musical performance have great value for the intellectual, cultural, and social advancement of society. The human spirit thrives with the expression of music.