Fall 2025

Celebrating Classical Music Monterey Symphony Mar ks 80 Year s of Excel lence B Y M I CHA E L CHAT F I E LD PHOTOGRA PHY B Y MANNY E S P I NOZA T he popularity of classical music has ebbed and flowed over the decades in the United States and is currently riding a wave of renewed popularity—buoyed surpris- ingly by an uptick in interest among listeners under 35. But since its inception, the Monterey Symphony has enjoyed a steady and loyal audience. Fun fact: “We sold out every concert in the 2024/2025 season,” says Symphony President and CEO Nicola Shangrow Reilly. The Symphony was established in 1946 at a tea at the Carmel home of singer and business owner Grace Howden.Then as now, the organization presents varied programs of orchestral music— C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 2 5 127 Under the guidance of Music Director Jayce Ogren, the Monterey Symphony is celebrating its 80th anniversary.