Diablo Symphony Orchestra

In 1966, the Diablo Symphony Association, a non-profit organization, was formed by William Donaldson and several other Rossmoor residents to sever the orchestra’s connection to the school district. The Association gained support from the old Walnut Creek Civic Arts Association and the community of Walnut Creek. Early performances took place in the “Nut House,” which was the predecessor to the current Lesher Center for the Arts where the Diablo Symphony Orchestra has performed since 1990. Over the years, the retirement community of Rossmoor has been an important supporter of the orchestra providing venues for regularly scheduled concerts and dress rehearsals.

Today, in its 53nd year, the Diablo Symphony is not only the oldest aggregation of volunteer musicians in Contra Costa County, but also a valuable asset in the cultural life of the region. The orchestra’s professionally trained musicians continue to perform for audiences of all ages at nominal prices in concerts featuring the world’s great symphonic classics as well as popular music from Broadway and the movies.