Classical Music Month: Why It Still Matters

Hello friends,

Did you know that September is Classical Music Month? In 1994, President Bill Clinton signed the declaration, recognizing the profound cultural importance of this music. It was a moment of national pride — a way of honoring a tradition that has shaped our history, inspired our creativity, and continues to connect us across generations.

Now, 31 years later, classical music needs us more than ever. Public funding for the arts has steadily declined. Schools have fewer music programs. Orchestras, choirs, and arts organizations around the country are struggling to keep doors open. Yet the need for music — for beauty, for connection, for a reminder of what makes us human — has only grown deeper.

Here in San Francisco, we at Zephyr Symphony are committed to carrying that torch forward. We believe that classical music is not a relic of the past but a living force for today: it inspires, heals, and creates community in a world that sorely needs it. Every performance we present is not just about notes on a page — it’s about shared experiences, stories told in sound, and the joy of being part of something greater than ourselves.

But here’s the truth: we cannot do it without you. While public support shrinks, it’s friends, listeners, and champions like you who make the music possible. Every ticket purchased, every gift made, every conversation where you share why music matters — all of it keeps the sound alive.

As we continue to celebrate Classical Music Month throughout the end of the year, I invite you to celebrate not just by listening, but by acting. Support Zephyr Symphony. Tell others why the arts matter to you. Come to a concert. Bring a friend. Make a donation. Together, we can ensure that this music continues to ring out in San Francisco — not just for us, but for future generations.

Classical music has always been about endurance: Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms — their voices have lasted centuries because people kept believing they mattered. Now it’s our turn to keep the music alive.

With gratitude,
Don Scott Carpenter
Founding Music Director, Zephyr Symphony