About The Asia America Symphony

The Asia America Symphony is dedicated to opening artistic and cultural borders throughout Southern California by fusing the music of east and west in innovative, exciting ways. Under the guidance of its conductor and music director David Benoit, the Symphony is currently striking out in bold new directions, inviting new Asian artists as well as prominent ones from abroad who may not be known to local audiences, combining performances of jazz and classical compositions within the same program, and introducing traditional Asian instruments into traditional western classical performances in very non-traditional ways.

The Asia America Symphony originated in 1961 as the Japanese Philharmonic Orchestra of Los Angeles, a community ensemble of union and non-union musicians. Founder Dr. Aikira Kikukawa served as its conductor for three decades. In 1991, under the direction of former Los Angeles Philharmonic violist and assistant conductor Heiichiro Ohyama, it became a fully professional orchestra and was renamed the Japan America Symphony Orchestra. To better reflect the diversity of Los Angeles’ growing Asian population, it was renamed the Asia America Symphony Orchestra in 1995.

Renowned pianist and composer, David Benoit was appointed Music Director and Conductor in 2001. He has opened artistic and cultural borders by fusing the music of east and west as well as classical and jazz performances. Dedicated to youth education, he formed the Asia America Youth Orchestra to provide young musicians of ages 12-18 with an innovative training program to develop their talents and prepare them for multi-faceted careers as orchestra musicians. The Asia America Youth Orchestra, conducted by David Benoit, gave its first performance on April 28, 2002 before a sold-out audience.

The Asia America Symphony Guild is a support group of the Association, and is comprised of approximately 80 members. The Guild is an integral part of AASA , and its members have assisted with concerts, rehearsals, fundraisers, youth programs, and community events since its inception.

The Asia America Symphony Association's Mission Statement:

The Asia America Symphony Association is dedicated to promoting music and cultural exchange, encouraging the development of young musicians, and offering a broad variety of activities designed to educate and enrich the diverse communities of Southern California.