Las Vegas Philharmonic

Our mission is to perform music that enriches and educates, helping to build a vibrant, culturally rich community. The Las Vegas Philharmonic is Southern Nevada's only professional symphony orchestra. Founded in 1998 by founding Music Director and Conductor Laureate Harold Weller and long-time Las Vegas arts supporters Susan and Andrew Tompkins, the Las Vegas Philharmonic made a bold stake for artistic credibility with its first-ever concert a performance of Mahler's Symphony No. 2, "Resurrection" in 1999. The orchestra performed this magnificent work yet again to a sold out hall as resident company for the grand opening of The Smith Center for the Performing Arts in March 2012.

In July 2007, the Las Vegas Philharmonic hired Music Director, David Itkin who led the orchestra for five seasons, and during its transition from Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas to the Philharmonic's new home, Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Las Vegas.

In April 2014, the Las Vegas Philharmonic welcomed Music Director Donato Cabrera. Cabrera made his debut with the Las Vegas Philharmonic in January 2014 conducting the orchestra's Masterworks performance, "Battle Born, Nevada Proud" celebrating Nevada's sesquicentennial. This concert was a return to Las Vegas and Nevada for Cabrera who lived in Las Vegas when he was a child until he was 10, before moving to Reno. He attended the University of Nevada, Reno and still retains family in Las Vegas.

The Las Vegas Philharmonic performs a Masterworks, Pops and Youth Concert Series. Over the years, these three series have expanded to include additional concerts, which now total over 20 performances each season. The organization's Masterworks and Pops Series showcase local talent alongside internationally renowned guest soloists and conductors. International superstars Sarah Brightman, Placido Domingo and Andrea Bocelli (on his tour in Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Denver) have all performed with the talented orchestra. Other world-renown performers have included Bernadette Peters, Leon Bates, Oliva Gorra, Zheng Zhou, Luana DeVol and Deborah Voigt. These stunning accomplishments are impressive, especially given the orchestra's relatively nascent presence.

At the orchestra's core is 76 contracted professional musicians, many of whom are esteemed educators and who perform in other professional productions in Las Vegas, bringing depth and variety to the organization.

Offering music programs for children has been a top priority for the organization from its inception. The orchestra presents a free week-long Youth Concert Series every January for fourth and fifth graders in Clark County. Associate Conductor, Dick McGee, (1998 – 2010) started the Youth Concert Series program. For many students, this is their first opportunity to see a live classical concert and a pivotal moment in their decision to learn a musical instrument. The Philharmonic also holds an annual Young Artists' Concerto Competition in which the winners are given the chance to perform with the orchestra during the Youth Concert Series. Throughout the season the Philharmonic invites local music and choir groups to perform with it, strengthening its connection to the community.

A seven-time recipient of the Best Performing Arts Group award in the annual Best of Las Vegas poll, the Las Vegas Philharmonic has already had an extraordinary impact on the cultural and educational life of Southern Nevada and looks forward to continued growth and reach.