Street Symphony Street Symphony

Street Symphony

The Los Angeles-based grassroots organization uses music to empower unhoused and incarcerated communities.

Activating Social Justice in the Arts

Street Symphony

Street Symphony was established in 2011 by MacArthur fellow Vijay Gupta, who was the youngest violinist to perform with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. After leaving the LA Phil in 2019, Gupta dedicated himself to building Street Symphony and working on social justice issues.

Street Symphony has offered more than 400 musical events and performances for unhoused and incarcerated communities, helping individuals share their artistic voice and become agents of change. Anchored by accomplished professional musicians, the symphony stages monthly performances at Skid Row shelters and county jails. Street Symphony also operates the Messiah Project, an acclaimed annual performance built around George Frideric Handel's Messiah and featuring the stories of community members. The organization's Daniel Chaney Teaching Artist program pairs professional artists with those experiencing homelessness to further bridge the gap between this community, creative expression, and professional opportunities.

GRoW Support

2024

General Operating Support

2023

General Operating Support 

2022

General Operating Support 

2021

General Operating Support

2019

General Operating Support

Street Symphony