EPISODE · Nov 9, 2025 · 54 MIN
Inside the Santa Rosa Symphony & the Future of Classical Music with Francesco Lecce-Chong
from This Must Be the Place · host A PodLocally Production
Inside the Santa Rosa Symphony’s upcoming season — and how classical music can bring a community together.What role does a symphony play in a modern community? In this episode, Francesco Lecce-Chong, music director and conductor of the Santa Rosa Symphony, joins the show to preview the upcoming season and share his vision for making orchestral music accessible, engaging, and relevant.Francesco reflects on his journey to the podium, his approach to interpreting scores, and how he builds programming that reaches new audiences — from the Classical Series and Pops Series to the Family Concert Series. He also discusses the Symphony’s deep commitment to music education in Santa Rosa schools, including the First Symphony Project, and why early exposure to live orchestral music matters.The conversation explores how to get new listeners hooked on classical music, what Francesco still dreams of conducting, and why storytelling, passion, and thoughtful risk-taking are essential to keeping the art form alive.The episode closes with a clean, contemplative pairing from host Allo Gilinsky, the Craft Beer Concierge, featuring “Holy Hell” Helles Lager from Laughing Monk Brewing — a bright, easy-drinking German-style lager that mirrors the balance and clarity of a well-played symphony.🎼 Perfect for classical music fans, local arts supporters, and anyone curious about live music in Sonoma County.Resources MentionedSanta Rosa Symphony: The orchestra led by Francesco Lecce Chong.Family Concert Series: The Santa Rosa Symphony partners with the Charles M. Schulz Museum for a concert series aimed at introducing young people to classical music.Maestro David Robertson: Conductor and mentor who provided valuable advice to Francesco."First Symphony Project": A four-year initiative by Francesco to commission new symphonies for both the Eugene and Santa Rosa orchestras.Mahler's Third Symphony: A significant upcoming performance mentioned by Francesco.Richard Strauss's Rosenkavalier: An opera Francesco expressed interest in conducting.Featured BeerLaughing Monk Brewery, Holy Hell
What this episode covers
Inside the Santa Rosa Symphony’s upcoming season — and how classical music can bring a community together.What role does a symphony play in a modern community? In this episode, Francesco Lecce-Chong, music director and conductor of the Santa Rosa Symphony, joins the show to preview the upcoming season and share his vision for making orchestral music accessible, engaging, and relevant.Francesco reflects on his journey to the podium, his approach to interpreting scores, and how he builds programming that reaches new audiences — from the Classical Series and Pops Series to the Family Concert Series. He also discusses the Symphony’s deep commitment to music education in Santa Rosa schools, including the First Symphony Project, and why early exposure to live orchestral music matters.The conversation explores how to get new listeners hooked on classical music, what Francesco still dreams of conducting, and why storytelling, passion, and thoughtful risk-taking are essential to keeping the art form alive.The episode closes with a clean, contemplative pairing from host Allo Gilinsky, the Craft Beer Concierge, featuring “Holy Hell” Helles Lager from Laughing Monk Brewing — a bright, easy-drinking German-style lager that mirrors the balance and clarity of a well-played symphony.🎼 Perfect for classical music fans, local arts supporters, and anyone curious about live music in Sonoma County.Resources MentionedSanta Rosa Symphony: The orchestra led by Francesco Lecce Chong.Family Concert Series: The Santa Rosa Symphony partners with the Charles M. Schulz Museum for a concert series aimed at introducing young people to classical music.Maestro David Robertson: Conductor and mentor who provided valuable advice to Francesco."First Symphony Project": A four-year initiative by Francesco to commission new symphonies for both the Eugene and Santa Rosa orchestras.Mahler's Third Symphony: A significant upcoming performance mentioned by Francesco.Richard Strauss's Rosenkavalier: An opera Francesco expressed interest in conducting.Featured BeerLaughing Monk Brewery, Holy Hell
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Inside the Santa Rosa Symphony & the Future of Classical Music with Francesco Lecce-Chong
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