The Chico Guild History

1959 - 2009

The former Chico Symphony, now North State Symphony since the merger with the Redding Symphony, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2005. The Chico Symphony Guild, now Chico Guild-North State Symphony, is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary in 2009. It was founded by compassionate young women like Carol van Bronkhorst, whose husband was the CSO conductor in 1959, and other music lovers who provided cookies and punch to the members of the orchestra after concerts to boost their energy. The Guild grew steadily in membership and support for the symphony. Its members sold tickets, distributed posters and gave champagne receptions for the donors and orchestra members in appreciation of their strong support. These activities have become a tradition and are enjoyed by all during the symphony season.

Over the years, the Guild has become a major fundraiser for the orchestra. Under the baton of Walter Dahlin, the Guild made the preparations for the Pops Concerts at the Chico Fair grounds. He also initiated the Mozart Mile, a fun run or walk in Chico's beautiful Bidwell Park in the fall as a fundraiser by the Symphony Advisory Board, assisted by Guild members and musicians who entertained the runners along their route. This too has become a tradition and is attended by hundreds of runners. Under each successive conductor, the quality of the orchestra has grown and has undergone a gradual shift to professional musicians, many from out of town. Many bonds of friendship were formed with these talented instrumentalists whose dedication to classical music knows no bounds - and neither does our admiration for them.

The Guild has held many fundraisers during the last fifty years: Concerts in the Park, elegant dinners with silent and live auctions, Prelude garden parties, even a fashion show, and always with lovely musical entertainment by orchestra members or young artists. One of the Guild's early missions was the launching of the Young Artist Auditions. This showcase for young musicians has been going strong for decades. Since the merger of the two orchestras, the YAA has welcomed the help of the Redding League. The public is always invited to listen to the auditions.

At most meetings, students or symphony members are given an opportunity to perform before an audience and talk about their pieces and their instruments. The Guild members couldn't think of a more enjoyable way to start a meeting. These musical presentations have become a tradition as well.

Kyle Wiley Pickett has been the NSS conductor since the merger. Under his expert artistic leadership, the orchestra has achieved a degree of excellence that attracts first class soloists and makes possible a repertoire that satisfies the most discerning tastes. The Chico Guild is proud of its long history of support for this fine orchestra. Some members have been loyal supporters and workers for many years; others have come and gone but there are always new members who want to work hard to keep our beloved NSS afloat. We look forward to our anniversary year which is part reminiscing and part setting the tone for the future with trailblazing ideas to capture a new generation of symphony lovers. We welcome the challenge.

Information on current activities of the Chico Guild and how to join!