About Us

The Santa Maria Valley is not only home to hundreds of acres of tasty strawberries and a mild climate, but also is the location of the host city for the Santa Maria Philharmonic Orchestra. The Santa Maria Philharmonic provides four exciting concerts each season as part of the subscription concert series, as well as chamber music concerts in smaller venues as part of the Rendezvous Series. The organization also boasts a robust educational program, with The Music Van which visits over 1,000 third grade students each Spring introducing the instruments of the orchestra, four inspirational live orchestra concerts presented each year to 1,000+ fourth graders, and also The Youth Showcase, a recital by audition for aspiring young musicians.

Music Director Michael Nowak is active as a recording musician and conductor in the motion picture industry. Among the many notable films conducted by Michael Nowak are Academy Award-winning Life of Pi, King Kong, Under the Tuscan Sun, Bobby, American Gangster, Disney’s Bedtime Stories and The Kite Runner.

The Santa Maria Philharmonic Society is a non-profit, and relies on donations, grants, and its generous membership base.