The Association of California Symphony Orchestras (ACSO) is the collective force for orchestral music in California and the West. Founded in 1969, ACSO is the longest-running and largest membership-supported organization of its kind in the United States and is the preeminent leader in connecting, providing resources and education, and advocating for its community.

Guided by its commitment to be the voice, the forum, and the network for a growing community of orchestras, choruses, festivals, youth and university orchestras, aligned businesses, and orchestra professionals, ACSO provides essential leadership, networking, and learning through its annual conference; year-round educational, networking, and advocacy programs; and customized research and technical support.

Advocacy
ACSO gives voice and representation to orchestras at the state and national levels and advocates for increased public funding and support for the arts.

Professional Development
ACSO’s Annual Conference, regional programs and confabs, and online webinars and workshops offer unparalleled opportunities to learn from top professionals and experts.

Capacity Building
ACSO offers professional guidance and support through connections to experts, digital resource and on-demand learning library, and customized research and technical support produced by ACSO staff. ACSO also publishes an Online Concerts Calendar, posts jobs to a Career Center, and sends out information about the field through our bi-monthly eNews.

Peer-to-Peer Learning
ACSO 12 Virtual Peer Forums connect counterparts at different orchestras and ensembles in the ACSO network. They are safe spaces to exchange ideas, ask questions, share challenges, and offer best practices.