History & Vision
Where We’ve Been….
Talk about history! A professional orchestra in San Antonio goes back to 1939 when the renowned San Antonio Symphony was founded. Outstanding music directors/conductors have led the orchestra in innovative seasons including world premieres, magnificent choral collaborations, and music by composers from Latin America and around the world. Its legacy includes guest artists Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, Renée Fleming, and countless others.
Where We’re Going – A Place for Everyone
When the San Antonio Symphony management ceased operations in June, 2022, the musicians – some of whom won their seats in the 1970s and ‘80s — were determined to preserve world-class music in San Antonio. With their formation of the San Antonio Philharmonic, we all have an historic opportunity to re-invent what an orchestra in the 21st century can be. One that reflects the spirit of our time and place. We invite all to take part and feel the pride.
How Will the Philharmonic Be Different?
The Philharmonic envisions a San Antonio in which every resident has access to high-quality orchestral performances and educational opportunities that reflect the beautiful history, diversity, and culture of our community and beyond. We are seeking ways to involve new audiences in the transformative power of music.
Expect dynamic and professional concerts as before. If you are often in the audience, you will recognize your favorite musicians. We also are actively engaging the community, collaborating with artistic and educational institutions, mining ideas and developing programs. Student performances are high on our list — music has the power to open minds and spirits for life.
Music Director, Jeffrey Kahane
“I believe that the most important task of any orchestra in our time is to be a genuine instrument of community - meaning both a musical instrument that serves its community in many different ways, and an instrument for building, nourishing, and broadening the experience of community through the immense power of the shared experience of music. Although striving for the highest artistic standards is critical and central to our mission, we deeply believe that our commitment to being of service to the entire city of San Antonio and its environs is every bit as important.”
“I'm honored to join the San Antonio Philharmonic as Associate Conductor. This is a wonderful orchestra with world-class musicians and an exciting vision. From my first appearance as guest conductor with the SA Phil, I was struck by the musicians' artistry and I'm thrilled to now continue this collaboration in a more permanent role. As a Mexican-American musician, I'm especially proud to contribute to an institution that reflects the spirit of this city – a place where a rich history meets innovation. I look forward to engaging with the community, celebrating its diversity, and creating performances that feel meaningful, inclusive, and alive for everyone.
I'm especially grateful to Executive Director and CEO Roberto Treviño, Music Director Jeffrey Kahane, and Chief Operations Officer Brian Petkovich for their inspiring leadership and for welcoming me so warmly.
Associate Conductor, Felipe Tristán
The San Antonio Philharmonic is committed to building a strong arts environment for our entire community. At the heart of that are the professional musicians, your friends and neighbors, who live and work in San Antonio. Retaining great musicians from the San Antonio Symphony, attracting new colleagues, and inviting our colleagues back to San Antonio who have taken temporary work in other cities is a key goal. It’s a testament to the talent of our musicians that some of us have been able to find positions on short notice in other fine orchestras around the country and around the world. It is no less a testament to our commitment to San Antonio that we are willing to lead the way forward for Symphonic music.
STAFF
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Roberto Treviño
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CEO
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Brian Petkovich
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER
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Allison Bates
LIBRARIAN
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Dale Bracey
TECHNICAL & FACILITIES DIRECTOR
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Sara De Luna
GENERAL MANAGER
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Ashley Hauptman
DEVELOPMENT MANANGER
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Matthew Bishop
PERSONNEL MANAGER
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Eddie Gutierrez
MARKETING & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR
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Karen Stiles
AUDITIONS MANAGER
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Karen Cramer
GROUP SALES
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Marie Castillo
PAYROLL & FINANCES
OUR HOME AT
SCOTTISH RITE HALL
SCOTTISH RITE HALL— now proudly co-owned and operated by the San Antonio Philharmonic — stands as one of San Antonio’s most acoustically remarkable performance spaces. Renowned for its near-perfect acoustics, the Hall enhances every note, allowing our symphonic performances to resonate with unmatched clarity and depth. Each concert becomes a uniquely immersive sonic and visual experience.
In addition to serving as our artistic home, the Scottish Rite Cathedral is available for private event rentals. This includes access to the grand Ballroom and other elegant interior spaces—accommodating groups of all sizes. To learn more about hosting your event in this historic venue, please visit the link below.
THIS OLD HALL SERIES — a new documentary-style video series that invites viewers behind the scenes as the San Antonio Philharmonic restores, renovates, and modernizes its historic home at the Scottish Rite Cathedral. Hosted by CEO & Executive Director Roberto Treviño, each episode explores a different aspects of the building—uncovering its rich history, the plans of preservation, and how each improvement supports the Philharmonic’s artistic mission and future. Along the way, we’re joined by experts who help explain our plans, our process, and our dreams for transforming this cultural landmark into a world-class performance space.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Jesse Borrego
CHAIR
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April Brahinsky
BOARD MEMBER
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Lauren Eberhart
BOARD MEMBER
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Shokare Nakopodia
BOARD MEMBER
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Marisa Bono
BOARD MEMBER
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Ricardo Romo
BOARD MEMBER
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Roberto Treviño
EX OFFICIO/CEO