California’s Paradise Symphony Orchestra with Conductor Lloyd Roby.
In Thursday’s (5/30) Enterprise-Record (Chico, California), Jennie Blevins writes, “Not everyone even knows the Paradise Symphony Orchestra exists. It does, and it’s better than ever…. In 1958, Paradise Recreation District Director Harvey Roth [invited] local musicians to meet with him in the hope of organizing a symphony in Paradise … Thus began Paradise Community Orchestra. Thus began Paradise Community Orchestra. Since then, eight conductors have overseen the orchestra, which before the fire had over 50 members, and the Paradise Community Orchestra became the Paradise Symphony Orchestra … The symphony has several youth education programs … The 2019-21 seasons were impacted by the fire and the ensuing COVID-19 pandemic. However, small groups from the symphony performed on Zoom. In mid-2021 … orchestra members began to perform again…. Performances since that time included a free public concert … with annual free patriotic concerts on July 4 and regularly scheduled fundraisers. The concert seasons have proceeded as planned and the 2024-2025 season will begin with two concerts at the Paradise Performing Arts Center July 4…. Orchestra flutist Glenda Ott … has been a symphony member for 41 years. She was also on the board for 20 years…. ‘After the [2018] fire we rehearsed at different locations,’ Ott said…. ‘The music was a godsend.’ ”
