Carmel Heritage Society

HistoryThe Monterey Symphony began at a tea in the Carmel Wood's home of Grace Howden, a professionally trained singer and retired business owner, in December 1946. Mrs. Howden became the first president. From its inception, the orchestra has served both the Monterey Peninsula and the City of Salinas. It was composed of professionally trained musicians who resided locally, amateur musicians who practiced other trades, and imported players to fill out the sections.SpecialtiesThe mission of the Monterey Symphony is to engage, educate and excite the people of our region through the performance and continual discovery of symphonic music. The Monterey Symphony provides double performances of a six-concert subscription series at Carmel's Sunset Theater, annual holiday concerts, and an extensive youth activities program, including visits to classrooms by musicians, which culminates in concerts by the full orchestra for school children.