From the soaring music of “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” to the unmistakable sounds of James Bond, the Cal State San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra brought a little Hollywood magic to campus as it opened its 2026-27 season in the university's brand-new Performing Arts Center.

The Oct. 22 concert celebrated more than the start of a new musical season. It marked an exciting milestone for the university's performing arts community, bringing student musicians and guest artists together on the stage of the new 478-seat theater.

For Lucy Lewis, CSUSB’s director of orchestral studies, the concert represented the culmination of weeks of rehearsals.
For Lucy Lewis, CSUSB’s director of orchestral studies, the concert represented the culmination of weeks of rehearsals.

The evening's program offered something for nearly every musical taste, blending classical compositions, jazz and beloved film scores. Selections included music from “The Magnificent Seven,” “Breakfast at Tiffany's” and “Cinema Paradiso,” along with the iconic flying theme from “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” and a musical journey through the James Bond films.

Adding a touch of jazz to the evening was Edgar Melendez, CSUSB alumnus and professor of saxophone and director of the university's saxophone ensemble, who was featured on alto saxophone in Bill Holcombe's “Saxanova,” a composition known for its warm harmonies and romantic, jazz-inspired melodies.

Edgar Melendez, CSUSB alumnus and professor of saxophone and director of the university's saxophone ensemble, was featured on alto saxophone in Bill Holcombe's “Saxanova.”
Edgar Melendez, CSUSB alumnus and professor of saxophone and director of the university's saxophone ensemble, was featured on alto saxophone in Bill Holcombe's “Saxanova.”

The concert also featured violinist Lucy Lewis, CSUSB's director of orchestral studies, performing Ennio Morricone's music from “Cinema Paradiso,” with guest conductor Susan Barnes leading the orchestra.

Barnes, who serves as director and conductor of the San Bernardino Symphony Overture Orchestra, has conducted university, community and professional ensembles throughout Southern California. She also serves as director of orchestral and choral music at Carter High School in Rialto and as a lecturer in CSUSB's James R. Watson and Judy Rodriguez Watson College of Education.

Violinist Lucy Lewis performed Ennio Morricone's music from “Cinema Paradiso,” with guest conductor Susan Barnes leading the orchestra.
Violinist Lewis performed Ennio Morricone's music from “Cinema Paradiso,” with guest conductor Susan Barnes leading the orchestra.

For Lewis, the concert represented the culmination of weeks of rehearsals and years of anticipation for a new performance space. In her welcome message in the concert program, Lewis described the new Performing Arts Center as a milestone many years in the making, noting that the evening's musical selections were specifically chosen to celebrate the occasion.

The opening-night concert also highlighted the collaborative spirit of the CSUSB Symphony Orchestra, which brings together student musicians, faculty and community performers. Through rehearsals and live performances, students gain experience working alongside accomplished musicians while developing their own artistic abilities.

Lewis described the new Performing Arts Center as a milestone many years in the making.
Lewis described the new Performing Arts Center as a milestone many years in the making.