In 1978, a little known Japanese-American conductor was appointed music director of a community orchestra known for performing standard repertoire in street clothes. This association proved to be the seed of a flourishing artistic endeavor in a community known for risk-taking, innovation and diversity. Within just a few years, Kent Nagano had carved out a unique identity for himself and a revitalized orchestra--the Berkeley Symphony.

Twenty-eight years later, Nagano and the Berkeley Symphony continue their relationship. Theirs is a partnership between conductor and orchestra that is unlike that of any orchestra, anywhere. Nagano and the BSO have developed a distinctive brand of programming that includes 20th century scores by composers ranging from Olivier Messiaen to Frank Zappa to the most intriguing young composers of our time. The partnership between Nagano and the BSO has matured into one known not only for its advocacy of the music of our time, but also for its revealing performances of the standard orchestral repertoire.

Kent Nagano and the Berkeley Symphony. A partnership as unique as the community that supports it.