09/15/2026
Phil Lyons, Avid supporter of Classical Music in Orange County, has passed away. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lyons, and his children and grandchildren.
The Lyons’ are consistent supporters of the John Alexander Scholarship for Graduate Choral Conducting at CSUF School of Music, and have contributed $135,000 to the program.
CSUF Music’s Director of Choral Studies, Rob Istad, had this to say;
“My career would not be what it is without Phil Lyons,” said Pacific Chorale leader Robert Istad, whose title reflects the Lyons’ generosity: Phillip N. and Mary A. Lyons Artistic Director Chair. “When I first came to Orange County in 1998, Phil was an early fan of mine and mentor. I am so grateful to have formed such a close friendship with him and Mary. They endowed my artistic director chair at Pacific Chorale, but more than that, they believed in me. In so doing, they gifted me with confidence to lead Pacific Chorale. Phil was a wonderful and remarkable human. Every Chorale event is imbued with his legacy. I can think of no better way to honor him than through the great music he loved and cherished.”
We thank the Lyons family for their continued support of the Arts.
Read more at:
https://cultureoc.org/phil-lyons-visionary-champion-of-classical-music-has-died/
Photo courtesy of Pacific Symphony
