board when I say that it’s a labor of love for everyone who is involved. We are privileged to support an outstanding organization while enjoying live performances of some of the world’s best music.” But classics aren't classics by themselves. The Symphony has brilliantly partnered with groups such as the Cabrillo Symphonic Chorus, Santa Cruz Youth Symphony, Kuumbwa Jazz Honor Band, Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre, Watsonville Taiko, the Klein International String Competition, the Watsonville Community Band, ZunZun, KUSP radio, and many others. For several years, The White Album Ensemble with members of the Symphony presented a wildly popular program of Beatles’ music in a cabaret setting. “The fact is, we are not a roses-and-violins kind of orchestra,” said Nancy. “This is Santa Cruz. We’re young, athletic, and dynamic. We appreciate innovation, and we don’t like the same old stuff. That’s why our posters and program books —and even the musical pieces themselves—have blended a classical approach with a modern twist. We are very accessible to young people and families, and we’re very big on the educational aspect so people understand what they’re hearing. We’re very proud of who we are and how we got here.” Rowland “Reb” Rebele, longtime Symphony sponsor and former board president, said, “The biggest blessing in my life is seeing the orchestra develop so well over the years, despite the typical financial and organizational challenges. But so many people cared about the Symphony, and they stepped up to help us through to the next level. Santa Cruz is a very small community to have an orchestra of this quality, and for that, we are extremely fortunate.” A new chapter In 2012, Maestro Granger announced that he was retiring. During the 2012–2013 concert season, five conductor finalists were invited to perform with the Symphony. Using feedback from the Board, musicians and audience, the search committee selected the Santa Cruz County Symphony's newest conductor, Daniel Patrick Stewart, who also holds the position of assistant to James Levine, conductor of the New York Metropolitan Opera. Maestro Stewart has already brought in such excellent soloists as pianists Yuja Wang, Jon Nakamatsu, Nicolas Hodges and Jeffrey Kahane. Because of his involvement with the Met's Young Artist Lindemann Program, Stewart has also attracted a number of Met soloists, including Yunpeng Wang, Ying Fang, Nadine Sierra, Anthony Roth Constanzo, John Moore, Ginger Costa-Jackson, Ryan Speedo Green, Victor Ryan Robertson, Steven Condy, Michelle Bradley,