About Nova Vista

About Nova Vista

Nova Vista Symphony, in its 58th concert season, is the largest, long-standing community orchestra in the Santa Clara Valley. Comprised of more than 70 talented, volunteer musicians and led by Maestro Anthony Quartuccio, Nova Vista Symphony endeavors to make live classical music appealing, accessible and affordable to individuals and families, to provide an opportunity for local talented musicians to excel at performing sophisticated orchestral repertoire, to provide a showcase for local soloists and composers, and to educate tomorrow's audiences by exposing youngsters to classical music and the instruments of the orchestra.


A Brief History of Nova Vista Symphony

  • Sunnyvale Symphony combined with members of the Foothill College orchestra to form Nova Vista Symphony in 1966
  • First performance on November 18, 1966 in the Smithwick Theatre
  • Annual Young Artist Competition held 1966-1978, resumed in 1988
  • Performed at the dedication ceremony for the new Flint Center on June 4, 1971
  • Reorganized as nonprofit organization in 1979 after budget cuts to the Foothill-DeAnza district nearly eliminated source of support
  • Annual fundraiser with fireworks at Mirassou Vineyards, 1983-1994
  • 1993 Concert with Nuclear Whales saxophone sextet packed Smithwick Theatre
  • Conductor search in 2000 drew over 80 applicants from four continents; four finalists conducted the 2000-2001 season
  • Collaboration with International Russian Piano Music Competition since 2002
  • Collaboration with Leroy Kromm and the San Jose Symphonic Choir since 2009
  • Conductors:
  • John Mortarotti, 1966-1975
  • Nelson Tandoc, 1970-1977 (assistant conductor and conductor)
  • Dr. Lauren Jakey, 1977-1985
  • Emily Ray, 1985-2000
  • Nuvi Mehta, 2001-2006
  • Ann Krinitsky, 2006-2010
  • Anthony Quartuccio, 2010-present


Board of Directors

Christine Mendoza, President

Kenin Coloma, Vice President

Cathy Olsen, Secretary   

Karmen Peng, Treasurer

Pat Blackie
Lani Cliff

Joyce Jones 

Rich Lamb

David Lee
Brian Lowery

Thomas Mykytyn

Kent Peacock

Nancy Sitton

Nadine White 

George Yefchak 

Pat Blackie
Lani Cliff

Joyce Jones 

Rich Lamb

David Lee
Brian Lowery

Thomas Mykytyn

Kent Peacock

Nancy Sitton

Nadine White 

George Yefchak

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