Simi Valley Symphony Orchestra Brings Holiday Harmony to Ventura County
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — The season begins with a new sound. On Sunday, December 21, the Simi Valley Symphony Orchestra presents its first “Spirit of Christmas Concert” at the Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center in Camarillo. The performance runs from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m., offering families across Ventura County a festive evening of live symphonic music and community celebration.
The concert features orchestral arrangements of classic Christmas music and familiar film favorites from Frozen, Home Alone, The Polar Express, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The orchestra performs under the direction of Joseph Metcalfe, Co-Founder and Artistic Director of the Simi Valley Orchestras (SVO). “Our vision is to give families a place to come together, reconnect with the spirit of Christmas, and experience the joy and emotional power of this music performed live,” said Metcalfe.
A Growing Musical Presence
The Simi Valley Symphony Orchestra serves as the flagship ensemble of the Simi Valley Orchestras, which also includes the Community Orchestra, Youth Orchestra, and Community Choir. Together, they form a regional network that offers musicians of all ages and backgrounds a place to learn, perform, and grow. Membership in the Symphony Orchestra is by audition, reflecting a strong commitment to musical excellence and artistry.
Earlier this year, the Symphony Orchestra made its official debut at the 2025 SIMI Film Fest with a Film Music Concert that showcased its sound and professionalism. The ensemble now plays a central role in expanding access to live orchestral performance throughout Ventura County.
Leadership with Vision
Conductor Joseph Metcalfe brings decades of experience as a composer and artistic leader. His music has been featured in feature films, on global streaming platforms, and in special projects for Disney Imagineering, Netflix, and Amazon. A graduate of USC’s film scoring program, Metcalfe has worked with industry legends including Jerry Goldsmith, Elmer Bernstein, and Christopher Young. His approach to the orchestra centers on quality, collaboration, and connection with the community.
Katie Garibaldi, Co-Founder and Manager of the Simi Valley Orchestras, supports that mission through creative direction and organizational leadership. An award-winning singer-songwriter and former editor at Guitar Player Magazine, she oversees event operations, ensemble management, and outreach. Her focus is on building a strong and inclusive musical community where participation and excellence thrive side by side.
A Concert for Families
The “Spirit of Christmas” concert invites guests to enjoy a festive hot-chocolate bar and complimentary red-carpet photos during intermission. These simple touches reflect the orchestra’s goal of creating an inviting and memorable experience for every attendee.
Tickets range from $20 to $55, with family, youth, and senior discounts available at thesvso.com.
A City That Plays Forward
The launch of the Simi Valley Symphony Orchestra marks an important addition to Ventura County’s growing arts scene. Supported by the Simi Valley Orchestral & Choral Foundation, the orchestra strengthens the city’s cultural presence and opens the door for new audiences to enjoy high-level symphonic performance close to home.
The December 21 concert begins a new chapter for Simi Valley’s musical community — one built on unity, talent, and shared celebration.
