Download your images from Cavalleria rusticana, presented on March 15, 2025 at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center.

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A Merged Masterpiece: The Harmony of Sacramento’s Philharmonic and Opera

In this episode of the Non Profit Podcast Network, Giuliano Kornberg, CEO of the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera, joins host Jeff Holden to share the remarkable evolution of the Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera, detailing its journey from a precarious beginning to becoming a cultural staple in Sacramento. Through a unique merger in 2013, the organization combined orchestral and operatic experiences, setting itself apart from regions where these arts are separate. Kornberg discusses his personal ascent from a summer job in San Francisco to Executive Director, offering insights into the intricacies of performing arts management, including union negotiations and post-COVID challenges. The episode highlights the organization’s commitment to innovation and community engagement through collaborations with ballet companies, live movie concerts, and educational initiatives like the Link Up program. These efforts, supported by philanthropy and community dedication and commitment, showcase the power of music to enrich local culture and make the arts accessible to a broader audience.

Download your images from Russian Masters: Prokofiev & Stravinsky, presented on February 8, 2025.

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The Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera (SP&O) received a fresh injection of artistic talent with the appointment of two new musicians to the orchestra: Dr. Laura Arganbright, Second Oboe and Harry Hwang, Second Clarinet. The new SP&O musicians will begin playing later this spring.

“I continue to be impressed with the quality of musicianship in this orchestra, and I know that the addition of Laura and Harry in their new positions will make the orchestra even stronger artistically and more consistent,” SP&O Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor Ari Pelto reflected. “I congratulate each of them and look forward to working with them to bring the best in orchestral music and opera to this community.”

In addition, six musicians were granted tenure in the SP&O, which offers musicians musical and artistic stability. The following musicians are now fully-tenured members:

• Tingting Gu, Assistant Concertmaster
• Tammie Dyer, Section Violin I
• Shawyon Malek-Salehi, Section Violin I
• Matthew Vincent, Section Violin II
• Jacob Joseph, Principal Viola
• Jordan Farber, Principal Bassoon

The new musicians join the orchestra at a time when the SP&O is on a trajectory of artistic growth and overall achievement. Concerts are often sold-out, the subscription base has fully returned to pre-COVID levels, and record numbers of donors are giving. The 2024-25 season continues through May 2025, with 3 more performances at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center.

About the new musicians

Dr. Laura Arganbright, Second Oboe

Dr. Laura Arganbright thrives in Los Angeles with a portfolio career encompassing performance, education, and reed-making. Laura is the principal oboist with the Bakersfield Symphony, with whom she performed Oscar Navarro’s Oboe Concerto “Legacy” in 2022. Laura has also appeared as a soloist in the world premiere of Viet Cuong’s double oboe concerto “Extra(ordinarily) Fancy” and with the Arizona Philharmonic in Marcello’s Concerto in D minor. Passionate about inspiring the next generation of musicians and music lovers, she currently serves as oboe teaching artist for LA Phil’s YOLA program in addition to maintaining a robust private teaching studio. An enthusiastic reed-maker, Laura has operated a handmade reed business since 2015 and derives joy and pride and supplying reeds to oboists throughout California and beyond.

Harry Hwang, Second Clarinet

Based in the Bay Area, Harry has maintained an active orchestral career, having performed with orchestras around the country such as the Houston Symphony, New World Symphony, Merced Symphony, New York State Ballet, and Ann Arbor Camerata. He was featured on the Chicago Tribune Magazine for his role as principal clarinet in a new rendition of Porgy and Bess, which was subsequently commissioned for the Metropolitan Opera in New York. In addition, he participated as a clarinet fellow for summer festivals, such as Sewanee Summer Music Festival and Pacific Region International Summer Music Festival, where he was a semifinalist in the annual Concerto Competition. He completed his studies at the University of Michigan, Eastman School of Music, and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. As an educator, he maintains a small, private teaching studio.

Photos left to right: Dr. Laura Arganbright, Harry Hwang

An evening of exquisite music, food and wine in support of the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera at

Few seats remain! Reserve online here. Tickets transferrable but not refundable.

A special thank you to David & Jan Hardie and Allora Sacramento for sponsoring Opera Night at Allora!

Download your images from Beethoven, Brahms, and Hadelich, presented on January 25 & 26, 2025.

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SACRAMENTO, CA – February 12, 2025 – The Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera (SP&O) received a fresh injection of board leadership with the election of four new members to the Board of Directors. The four new members, who include entrepreneur Michael Nelson, philanthropist David M. Dwelle, attorney Tracey O’Reilly, and real estate developer Kyriakos Tsakopoulos, begin their tenure immediately.

“SP&O is honored to have these four experienced business and community volunteers join our Board of Directors,” said SP&O President Sheree Meyer. “Our board has a track record of tremendous success, as our recent accomplishments demonstrate, but with these new members sharing their passion and knowledge, SP&O is poised to reach even greater heights.”

The new board members join the board at a time when the SP&O is on a trajectory of growth and success. The SP&O’s recent seasons have resulted in a chorus of unprecedented achievements, including a reliable and growing subscription base, sold out performances and, since 2015, over $13 million in gifts and sponsorships made to the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera and the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera Foundation.

About the New Directors:

Michael Nelson is an accomplished entrepreneur and owner of technology firms, including TLC Tech and Scaled. Beyond his business success, Michael is deeply committed to giving back to his community through his involvement in the arts and charitable initiatives. As a former board member and president of the Sacramento Opera, Michael played a key role in advancing the organization and helped facilitate the merger with the Sacramento Philharmonic, resulting in the formation of the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera (SP&O). He believes in the power of the arts to inspire and unite communities and has devoted significant time and resources to supporting these efforts. Michael is excited about the prospect of returning to the SP&O board to continue contributing to its success.

David Michael Dwelle is a California native with a background in financial accounting and a deep appreciation for the performing arts. Over the course of his career, David has gained valuable experience across several industries, including energy, real estate, and professional services. In his current role as an Accountant and Board Member at his family office, David helps oversee financial operations and plays an active part in the family’s philanthropic efforts. He has previously held key roles at Flyers Energy and Pacific Power Renewables, and as a consultant at Deloitte. David’s lifelong connection to music started in high school as a trombone and tuba player in jazz and concert band. David has also music directed several youth theatre productions. His commitment to music education and community outreach continues to be a driving force in his personal and professional life.

Kyriakos Tsakopoulos serves as Co-Chair of AKT Investments, Inc., a diversified, family-owned land development and property investment company based in Sacramento. Mr. Tsakopoulos also serves as President and CEO of Conaway Preservation Group, LLC that owns the 17,500-acre Conaway Ranch located in Yolo County. Active in regional and national civic, charitable and political affairs with a passion for higher education policy, Mr. Tsakopoulos has served as a Trustee of Columbia University, the California State University System, and as Chair of the University of California at Davis MIND Research and Development Institute. In 2018 he served as Chair of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, and currently leads an effort to establish a new college in Placer County, California. Mr. Tsakopoulos trained as an attorney and is a member of the California and United States Supreme Court Bars. He is an avid airplane pilot, golfer and hunter and resides in Sacramento with his wife, Bri, and three children.

Concerts highlighting underrepresented composers, guest artists, plus two operas

SACRAMENTO, CA – January 28, 2025 – The Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera (SP&O) today announces its concert schedule for the 2025-2026 season. The new season, which begins October 11, 2025, includes seven programs across nine concerts. Evening performances will begin at 7:30 pm and matinee performances will begin 2:00 pm at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center.

Among the highlights of the new season are four engagements with Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor Ari Pelto, as well as concerts featuring renowned pianist Jeremy Denk and cellist Zlatomir Fung. Other guests include conductors Melisse Brunet, Sahar Nouri, and George Manahan.

Musical highlights include Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 to close the season, Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Overture, Copland’s Appalachian Spring Suite, Faure’s Requiem, and Brahms’s Symphony No. 1. Opera will be an integral part of the season, with a performance of Bartok’s Bluebeard’s Castle and two fully staged performances of Verdi’s wildly popular La Traviata.

Next season the SP&O is committed to performing a variety of works by familiar and unfamiliar composers alike. Composers Dolores White, Jessie Montgomery, and Daniel Catán will have works featured throughout the season.“

Looking at next season’s programs, it’s impossible not to feel a tremendous sense of anticipation,” said Giuliano Kornberg, SP&O CEO. “The SP&O exists to provide our community with unparalleled classical music, and that is exactly what this new season will offer: dynamic, diverse music produced by exceptional talent.”

In addition to the exciting lineup of artists and programs, there is more good news for audiences. Ticket sales continue to be strong, with limited seats available for most concerts, leading to the SP&O adding a second performance for La Traviata in March and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in May. Subscribers will have the option of two ticket packages, with one including all evening performances and another including five Saturday evenings and two Sunday afternoons.

Subscription packages are on sale now, with seven-performance packages starting at $199. Single tickets will go on sale in August.

For a complete listing of SP&O 2025-26 programs, visit the 2025-2026 Season page.

Download your images from Ari, Awadagin, and Tchaikovsky, presented on November 23, 2024.

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Reasonable Fees For Special Holiday Cheer!

The Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera Carolers can entertain your guests with a wide variety of beautiful a cappella music – traditional and secular.

Trained, experienced, and performing all over the region from the Foothills to the Delta at public festivities, private gatherings, and professional events, the SP&O Carolers can design a festive program especially for you.

As members of the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera Chorus, the Carolers enjoy performing for audiences in operas and symphonic concerts. During the Holiday season the SP&O Carolers dedicate their time and talents to raise funds for the SP&O. All proceeds help fund Sacramento classical music, opera, and education.