CRESCENDO! A Gala Celebrating Legacy, Momentum, and the Future of Music
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT
Bay Philharmonic
www.bayphil.org
info@bayphil.org
Colton Michael
Interim Marketing and Social Media Director
colton@bayphil.org | (775) 395 9599
Press passes and interview opportunities are now available. Contact colton@bayphil.org for more information.
EVENT DETAILS
Organization: Bay Philharmonic
Event: CRESCENDO!
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 5:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Location: Garré Vineyard and Winery, 7986 Tesla Road, Livermore, California
Master of Ceremonies: Sterling James
Live Entertainment: Standard Deviation Jazz Trio
Live Auctioneer: Damon Casatico, Charity Benefit Auctions
Tickets and Sponsorships:BayPhil.org/gala
CRESCENDO!
A Gala Celebrating Legacy, Momentum, and the Future of Music
60 Years of Inspirational Symphonic Music with the Bay Philharmonic, and 10 Years of Educational Excellence with the Bay Philharmonic Youth Orchestra; Honoring the Legacy, Momentum, and the Future of Symphonic Music in the East Bay Area.
FREMONT - EAST BAY AREA , CALIFORNIA — The Bay Philharmonic is proud to announce “CRESCENDO!” – a gala evening celebrating the orchestra’s 60th anniversary and honoring the 10th anniversary of the Bay Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, which together represent a dynamic and exciting musical future in the East Bay Area.
Held at the exquisite Garré Vineyard and Winery located at 7986 Tesla Road in Livermore, California, this Gala will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m.
CRESCENDO! will celebrate six decades of educational and artistic excellence while recognizing the artistic leadership, musicians, students, donors, and community members who have helped to shape one of the East Bay’s premiere symphonic organizations.
Led by Board, Executive, and Artistic Leaders, Dr. Diana Engel Holmes, Dr. Francis Rojas, Youth Orchestra Director Emeritus, Judy Lam, and Conductor, Dr. Jane K. Brown, the Bay Philharmonic is embracing a bold new vision that celebrates the orchestra’s legacy, expands access to inspirational, live orchestral music, and advances music education throughout the East Bay Area and beyond. Inspired by the musical term crescendo, meaning a gradual increase in volume, passion, and intensity, the gala will reflect the Bay Philharmonic’s growing excitement, momentum, and enrichment for our audiences, and for our promising future generations of leaders and musicians.
Serving as Master of Ceremonies will be Sterling James, a well-known Bay Area radio personality and event host whose career has included prominent roles at Alice at 97.3 and 102.9 KBLX. An East Bay native with decades of broadcasting and event experience, she has become a recognizable voice and trusted presence throughout the Bay Area.
Prizes and Premiere Auction Experiences Include: Private Sonoma Wine Country Getaway, featuring a long weekend at a private estate with vineyard views, a pool, a hot tub, a main house, and a guest house.
An Insider’s Morning with the Conductor, featuring breakfast and a behind-the-scenes look at how an orchestral concert comes to life
“For decades, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing the Bay Philharmonic from the stage alongside generations of remarkable musicians. What has always made this organization special is its commitment to bringing people together through music. As we celebrate 60 years, I’m excited to see that tradition continue while inspiring new audiences and the musicians who will carry it forward.”
In addition to many other exclusive prizes and auction items, guests will enjoy fine dining, inspirational stories, and live entertainment featuring the Standard Deviation Jazz Trio. The evening will also include a live benefit auction led by Damon Casatico of Charity Benefit Auctions.
Funds raised through CRESCENDO! will support artistic programming, youth music education, community performances, and initiatives that help ensure live orchestral music remains accessible for generations to come.
Recognizing the Bay Philharmonic Youth Orchestra’s decade of supporting, shaping, and inspiring young musicians throughout the region, Judy Lam, Director of the Bay Philharmonic Youth Orchestra said, “The Bay Philharmonic Youth Orchestra represents possibility. Every rehearsal, every concert, and every student is part of something much larger than themselves. Celebrating our 10th anniversary alongside Bay Philharmonic’s 60th reminds us that today’s young musicians are the future of our orchestra, our audiences, and our community. CRESCENDO! is a celebration of that future.”
As Bay Philharmonic enters its seventh decade and the Bay Philharmonic Youth Orchestra begins its second, CRESCENDO! is an invitation to experience the East Bay’s hidden gem and help build its future.
For ticket information, sponsorship opportunities, or additional details, visit BayPhil.org/gala or contact info@bayphil.org.
ABOUT BAY PHILHARMONIC
The Bay Philharmonic was founded as a Fremont community-based orchestra in 1966 and has expanded into a full professional symphonic orchestra serving the Fremont and extended East Bay Area. This fine orchestra has inspired audiences throughout the East Bay Area for over 60 years through innovative orchestral performances, meaningful community engagement, and excellence in music education.
Through the Bay Philharmonic Youth Orchestra program, the organization also nurtures the next generation of musicians and leaders while making exceptional musical experiences accessible to audiences of all ages. To find out more about the Bay Philharmonic go to www.bayphil.org.
MEDIA, PRESS PASSES, AND INTERVIEWS
Press passes and interview opportunities are now available. Members of the media are invited to cover CRESCENDO! and schedule interviews with Bay Philharmonic representatives.
To request a press pass or arrange an interview, please contact:
Colton Michael
Interim Marketing and Social Media Director
colton@bayphil.org | (775) 395 9599
