San Antonio Philharmonic Finds a New Home at Scottish Rite Cathedral
In a stunning development for the cultural scene in San Antonio, the San Antonio Philharmonic has made a commitment to establish its home at the breathtaking Scottish Rite Cathedral in downtown. The partnership, which has been years in the making, was solidified recently when the executive director of the Philharmonic, Roberto Treviño, and the chairman of the Scottish Rite Library and Museum, Robert Park, signed the official documents in a small but heartfelt ceremony.
“This is truly a historic moment not just for the San Antonio Philharmonic but for our entire city and its cultural life,” shared Jeffrey Kahane, the Philharmonic’s Music Director, just before the ceremony began. His enthusiasm resonated throughout the room filled with musicians, patrons, and supporters who have long awaited this moment. With the Philharmonic now set to manage most of the sprawling cathedral’s spaces, there is an infectious sense of excitement about the opportunities that lie ahead.
A Partnership Built on Shared Goals
The Scottish Rite Cathedral, originally built by the Freemasons a century ago, has served as the heart of the Scottish Rite fraternal organization. With this new partnership, both entities will work together, with the Philharmonic focusing on bringing back orchestral music to the beautiful halls of the cathedral and the Scottish Rite maintaining its ceremonial rooms.
“One amazing thing about this partnership is that it’s really like running two things in parallel,” Treviño pointed out. The vision is clear: the rebuilding of both the orchestra and the cathedral itself. Although concerts in the cathedral won’t happen for a few years due to necessary renovations, the excitement is palpable. “We are going to raise the necessary funds to make this partnership flourish,” Treviño added confidently.
Necessary Improvements and Future Plans
The cathedral, while stunning, needs significant updates to support the Philharmonic’s musical endeavors. Key improvements on the list include a new HVAC system, upgrades to the plumbing and electrical systems, and adaptations to make the space ADA-compliant with elevators and ramps. An assessment to outline all the required work is on the agenda, starting as early as next week.
Kahane is hopeful about utilizing the cathedral for rehearsals as soon as possible. In fact, he dreams of opening one of those rehearsals to the public before a performance of Beethoven’s celebrated Symphony No. 9 on November 16-17. “The acoustics in this building are absolutely phenomenal,” Kahane remarked enthusiastically. “I believe this will offer a powerful experience for both the audience and the musicians.”
From Symphony to Philharmonic
The idea of establishing the orchestra in the cathedral has been floating around for decades. However, it took a downturn in the history of the former San Antonio Symphony—which dissolved in 2022 amid financial struggles—for this dream to finally take shape. The Philharmonic was created by many of the former symphony musicians, and while they have faced challenges, including legal disputes and concert postponements, they remain undeterred.
Bassoonist Brian Petkovich, who played in the Scottish Rite with the original symphony years ago, shared his nostalgia while attending the signing. “The acoustics in this place are fantastic,” he recalled fondly. “Bringing this space to a new generation of music lovers is going to be so exciting!”
Future Events and Community Involvement
Despite the hurdles, the Philharmonic is on the move, engaging in various community events. They are set to collaborate on an “Ode to Joy” flash mob during Luminaria, showcasing their commitment to fostering a connection with the community. This Saturday’s festival around Plaza Guadalupe offers a fantastic opportunity for philanthropy and fun.
Treviño emphasized the excitement, saying, “There will be activities happening throughout the entire block. The Philharmonic will even provide music for a classic lucha libre show!”
With dreams of a vibrant new home, the San Antonio Philharmonic is stepping into a bright future, and the entire city is ready to embrace this revival of orchestral music in a landmark cathedral setting.
