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New West Symphony marks 30 years; orchestra leaders preview fall season and education programs
Summary
New West Symphony CEO Natalia Stuneva and music director Michael Christie briefed the council on the orchestra’s 30th anniversary, regional partnerships, student programs and upcoming concerts in Thousand Oaks and Camarillo.
Thousand Oaks — Representatives of New West Symphony described the organization’s 30th anniversary to the City Council on Sept. 23, highlighting decades of regional programming, partnerships with educational institutions, and upcoming concerts.
CEO Natalia Stuneva traced the symphony’s history to earlier regional ensembles and emphasized the organization’s role in education and community engagement, including student concerts that bring thousands of third- through fifth-graders to performances each year. Stuneva noted that New West Symphony is a resident company of the Bank of America Performing Arts Center and that the organization has sold more than 500,000 tickets over 30 years.
Music director Michael Christie outlined the 2025–26 season, including family-friendly and cross-genre programming, intermission-insight sessions that connect audiences to performers and student-focused side-by-side concerts that pair high-school and college players with the orchestra. Christie highlighted community programs such as the Labby Harmony project, which has operated for about 15 years, and encouraged residents to buy tickets at newwestsymphony.org.
Councilmembers thanked the presenters and noted the role the performing arts play in downtown planning and community life. No council action was required; the presentation was accepted and staff were asked to include any slide materials in the public record.
