Community News September 2025

Written By Sally Dew

New season, new sounds, new faces

Bay Phil’s 25/26 season is here! Giving you brand-new ways to enjoy live, local musical entertainment. What’s on the program?

  • Bold, new performances shaped by your survey feedback

  • Flexible 2- and 3-show packages

  • More classical + more diverse music

  • Our first-ever Chamber event

  • Guest Conductor Alexander Kahn

We can’t wait for you to meet Alexander and experience it all, starting with our spectacularly packed holiday show with fresh music and new guest artists.

Merry-Achi? An amazing choir? And a sing-along?

Yes, and more. Don’t miss out! Get your tickets now and save.

Students welcome back Director Emeritus Judy Lam

We’re thrilled to share that Director Emeritus Judy Lam “unretired” to lead Bay Phil Youth Orchestra (BPYO) this season. She believes in giving back and sharing her love of music with our area’s youth; her dedication to inspire and shape future musicians allows us to continue our Bay Area’s best music education program.

  • 55 young musicians (plus 3 more we know of joining in January)

  • 23 participating chamber ensemble players, organized into six small groups

  • Weekly orchestra rehearsals and weekend chamber sessions

They’re preparing to grace you with beautiful music in a December 6 Season of Love Concert at Irvington Presbyterian Church in Fremont. (Watch for more details.)

BPYO orchestra members rehearse on Monday nights at Cole Hall – thanks to Fremont’s First United Methodist Church and Merna Morse’s support. Chamber Ensemble students rehearse together on weekends.

In case you don’t already know what a gem Judy is, here’s more on her experience and expertise: She’s conducted flute ensembles, chamber groups, choruses, and musicals, many of which featured her original ensemble arrangements. Judy has performed with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and the Hong Kong Youth Orchestra.

Honoring Doris Green

We’re proud to celebrate Doris Green, recipient of the 2025 Alameda County Arts Leadership Award!

For more than 40 years, Doris has championed the arts in Fremont—serving as Bay Phil Board President, Guild leader and active board member, and loyal guest to our events. What you may not know is that she brought her granddaughter to Fremont Symphony events when she was very young, and Katie Littlejohn is now our Box Office and Social Media Manager.

Her impact is felt everywhere: from building arts spaces in Fremont to supporting Bay Phil’s growth.

Doris is a pillar in the Fremont arts community as a dedicated volunteer and leader with the Fremont Cultural Arts Council and Bay Phil. A musician and former music teacher, Doris has also helped bring music to diverse communities in Fremont, throughout Alameda County, and beyond. Congratulations, Doris! 👏👏👏

Save these 25/26 Season dates!

September – October: Secure your 25/26 season package

November 15: Last day to snag holiday tickets at current prices

December 6: BPYO Season of Love Concert

December 14: Bay Phil’s Sounds of the Season show

March 7: BPYO Spring Recital (featuring Chamber Ensembles)

March 15: Bay Phil Deconstructed chamber event (CIEL Creative Space, Berkeley)

May 30: BPYO Side-by-Side Concert with Bay Phil musicians

June 13: BPYO Chamber/Ensemble Concert

June 21: Bay Phil’s America in Rhythm & Rhapsody classical show

Event Venues (except for March 15): Bay Phil shows – Chabot College Performing Arts Center (Hayward) and BPYO concerts – Irvington Presbyterian Church (Fremont)

Join, support & celebrate

Love what Bay Phil brings to the Bay Area? Here’s how to be more involved:

Sally Dew
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Bay Philharmonic unveils its dynamic 25/26 Season