The Camellia Symphony Orchestra

Allan Pollack, Music Director

A resident of Berkeley, California for the past 30 years, Allan Pollack brings extensive experience and knowledge of the classical music world to the Camellia Symphony Orchestra. Dr. Pollack earned a PhD in composition from UC Berkeley in 1983 where he is currently a lecturer in the Department of Music. He has written several large compositions for orchestra, all of which have been performed. Since 1987 he has been Music Director of the Mendocino Music Festival, one of California’s most respected summer festivals, and since 1989 Artistic Director of the Symphony of the Redwoods, an orchestra based in Fort Bragg, California. He has also held conducting positions with the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, San Francisco State University, and the Capp Street Community Music Center. Pollack is also an accomplished jazz saxophone and clarinet player.

Dr. Pollack is looking forward to continuing the mission of the Camellia Symphony Orchestra in traditional and adventuresome programming for Sacramento and its surrounding areas.

The Camellia Symphony Orchestra

Founded in 1953, the critically acclaimed, community-based Camellia Symphony Orchestra has won ten ASCAP awards for adventuresome programming. The Orchestra often performs world, national and Sacramento premieres. The artistic mission of the organization is to present concerts and programs of high artistic merit, integrating new works of diverse composers, unique classical compositions that are too rarely performed, and selections from the standard repertoire in a way which reaches the broadest possible audience.

The Orchestra has received high critical praise from the media in Sacramento for its programming and dynamic performances. The organization has been awarded grants from the California Arts Council, the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation, the Sacramento Bee Performing Arts Fund, the Sacramento Symphony Foundation, the Sacramento Regional Foundation, and the American Composers Forum with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Hewlett Foundation. The Camellia Symphony Orchestra is presented by the Camellia Symphony Association, a non-profit organization.

The Camellia Symphony was originally formed as the "Pot Luck Orchestra," a place for musicians to gather, socialize, and play beautiful music together.

Subscription Concert Series The typical yearly subscription series consists of 3 concerts, usually performed between October and the following May. The Orchestra performs at the historical Memorial Auditorium, located at 1500 J Street in Sacramento.	Community Concerts In addition to the Subscription Series at Memorial Auditorium, The Camellia Symphony performs its annual Children's Concert at the Central Library Galleria each Spring, and other community concerts. Season Subscribers attend these community concerts free.
More Concert Performances The Camellia Symphony performs other concerts throughout the year at various locales. Recent performances included a family concert at Fairytale Town at the Sacramento Zoo; a concert on the Main Stage at the California State Fair at Cal Expo; and chamber music concerts at two local churches. Watch this web site for upcoming events.	The Musicians The musicians of the Camellia Symphony also play in various musical groups throughout the greater Sacramento area, and many perform as soloists. Contact the Camellia Symphony Office for more information.
Education Programs The Camellia Symphony has established educational materials for Kindergarten through 3rd grade classes and 4th through 6th grade classes. There is a Lesson Guide and a Workbook with each of the two education plans. Teachers also have the option of bringing musicians into their classroom to discuss symphonies, symphonic music and instruments. K-3 Lesson Plan -- K-3 Workbook 4-6 Lesson Plan -- 4-6 Workbook This program has been sponsored by the Kelly Foundation and the Teichert Foundation in memory of Dr. Edward Rudin, a great and gentle citizen of the world who worked so hard to build a future of peace.	Sponsorship opportunities Consider sponsoring a concert, a musician, a section, or an entire season. FInd out how you can help your community, your orchestra, and the arts in Sacramento, while helping your own business enhance its image, exposure and its standing in the Sacramento metropolitan area's community.