YEARS OF MUSIC -  A History of the Monterey Symphony
by
Joseph Truskot, Executive Director

Years of Music documents the effort Monterey County communities made in creating, supporting, and maintaining a symphony orchestra. Hours upon hours of volunteer and staff work were spent putting musicians on stage and getting residents of one of the world's most beautiful locations into our concert halls. Intense differences often arose between the needs of musicians, the desires of the community, and the vision of a music director. Years of Music has meant years of struggle as well as years of remarkable achievement.

Most of the Monterey Symphony's growth has coincided with changes in artistic leadership from Leon P. Minear in April 1947 to Max Bragado-Darman and today's performances. Years of Music, therefore, has been organized into seven distinct episodes of history, paralleling significant changes on the podium, on the stage, in the board room, and at the office. Artistic growth and expanded community service, especially to young people, have always been our mission.

This history of the Monterey Symphony has been made possible by the Robert and Virginia Stanton Fund at the Community Foundation for Monterey County.