The Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra & Chorus
Inspiring the Next Generation Through Music
The Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra & Chorus is guided by a mission to inspire, engage, and enrich audiences of all ages through world-class performances and meaningful music education. We believe music should be accessible to everyone — and that it has the power to foster creativity, connection, and belonging across our community.
In July 2024, the Santa Fe Symphony proudly merged with the Santa Fe Youth Symphony Association, a beloved nonprofit that has served young musicians in Santa Fe and Los Alamos for more than 30 years. Together, our Education & Community Programs now serve more than 2,000 students ages 5–20 through private and group instruction, after-school classes, and more than 15 ensembles, including youth orchestras, choruses, chamber groups, jazz, and mariachi. We also provide need-based tuition assistance and instruments, ensuring that every young person who wants to study music has the opportunity to do so.
Last season, we reached more than 2,000 youth through in-school lessons, after-school programs, and ensemble participation. Through partnerships with Santa Fe Public Schools and Los Alamos Public Schools, our mentorship program also supports music education in 24 schools, strengthening school music programs and expanding access for students throughout the region.
The impact extends far beyond musical training. Students build confidence, discipline, leadership, and lasting friendships while developing skills that benefit them throughout their lives.
One young violinist, "L.R.," participated in our youth programs for 10 years, performing in multiple orchestras and chamber groups. As he prepares for college, he reflects on how the experience shaped him—not only as a musician, but as a person:
“The Symphony didn't just give me music. It gave me a community to grow in.”
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The Santa Fe Community Foundation invited its nonprofit partners to submit stories related to our July topic of Arts, Culture & Our Creative Safety Net
El Rancho de Las Golondrinas
Through hands-on learning at New Mexico Heritage Days, El Rancho de Las Golondrinas helps thousands of students experience the state's history firsthand, creating meaningful connections across generations.
Chimayo Cultural Preservation Association
Each year, the Chimayo Cultural Preservation Association's San Isidro Day celebration brings neighbors of all ages together to honor Chimayó's acequia traditions through blessing the water, planting the community garden, and passing cultural knowledge from one generation to the next.
The Art of Generosity: IndigenousWays
The latest feature of our editorial series with Table Magazine shines light on IndigenousWays, a Santa Fe-based nonprofit that offers educational, artistic, and musical programs to serve Native peoples and their supporters, as well as initiatives aimed at promoting cultural awareness, values and traditions.
