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
Bay Philharmonic Announces CRESCENDO!, Celebrating 60 Years of Music and 10 Years of the Bay Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
EAST BAY, CALIFORNIA. Bay Philharmonic is proud to announce CRESCENDO!, an elegant gala celebrating the orchestra’s 60th anniversary, the 10th anniversary of the Bay Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, and the future of music throughout the East Bay.
The gala will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. at Garré Vineyard and Winery, located at 7986 Tesla Road in Livermore, California.
CRESCENDO! will officially launch Bay Philharmonic’s 2026 to 2027 season, “Experience the BAY PHILHARMONIC: East Bay’s Hidden Gem.” The evening will honor six decades of artistic excellence while recognizing the musicians, students, volunteers, donors, and community members who have shaped the organization. More information about the 2026 to 2027 season to be announced soon!
Led by Board Chair Dr. Diana Engel Holmes, Executive Director Dr. Francis Rojas, and Interim Conductor and Artistic Director Dr. Jane K. Brown, Bay Philharmonic is embracing a bold vision that honors its history, expands access to inspiring live orchestral music, and advances music education throughout the East Bay and beyond.
Inspired by the musical term crescendo, meaning a gradual increase in volume and intensity, the gala reflects Bay Philharmonic’s growing momentum and investment in future generations of musicians and audiences.
“For decades, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing Bay Philharmonic from the stage alongside generations of remarkable musicians,” said Marcella Schantz, Personnel Manager and longtime First Chair Violinist. “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.”
The gala will also recognize the Bay Philharmonic Youth Orchestra’s decade of supporting, shaping, and inspiring young musicians throughout the region.
“The Bay Philharmonic Youth Orchestra represents possibility,” said Judy Lam, Director of the Bay Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. “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.”
Serving as Master of Ceremonies is Sterling James, a Bay Area radio personality, event host, and television personality whose career has included prominent roles at Alice at 97.3 and 102.9 KBLX. A Berkeley native with decades of broadcasting and event experience, she has become a recognizable voice and trusted presence throughout the Bay Area.
Guests will enjoy fine dining, inspiring 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.
Featured auction experiences include An Insider’s Morning with the Music Director, featuring breakfast and a behind the scenes look at how an orchestral concert comes to life, and a 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.
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.
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.
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
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
