Minano named MVP Volunteer by Association California Symphony Orchestras

Donna Marie Minano, Board President of the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra (SBSO), has been selected as a recipient of the 2025 Most Valuable Player (MVP) Volunteer Award from the Association of California Symphony Orchestras (ACSO).

Established in 1996, the MVP Volunteer Award honors exemplary individuals and volunteer organizations that contribute meaningfully to the success and sustainability of orchestras and classical music organizations across California and the western United States.

Minano has served as Board President of the San Bernardino Symphony for the past three years and has been a transformational leader throughout her tenure. She is also the co-founder and copresident of Inland Valley Repertory Theater, and brings a wealth of experience in arts leadership to her role at SBSO. Her cross-sector expertise, combined with her thoughtful and caring leadership style, helps guide the board in making sustainable, strategic decisions—always with a focus on quality and patron experience.

“Donna is the board leader every orchestra hopes for,” said Anne Viricel, Executive Director of the SBSO. “She has successfully recruited new board members, re-engaged past ones, and fosters a culture of forward-thinking leadership rooted in optimism and inclusion. We truly appreciate her!”

“During good times and challenging times alike, orchestras rely on volunteers to keep the music playing. Donna Marie exemplifies the deep commitment, vision, and generosity that make volunteers indispensable to our field,” said Sarah Weber, ACSO Executive Director in a statement. “Her long-standing service, advocacy, and leadership have made a lasting difference for the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra and its community.”

Minano will be receive the award during the ACSO’s Annual Conference in Costa Mesa, August 7–9, 2025.

The Association of California Symphony Orchestras (ACSO), founded in 1969, is a member service
organization representing 130+ orchestras and music organizations and their 2,000 board and staff in its network. ACSO’s members are comprised of professional, academic, youth, and community-based
orchestras, choruses, and festivals in California and the western region. ACSO’s annual awards program recognizes remarkable individuals and organizations for their meaningful contributions to the orchestra field. For more information, visit www.acso.org.