About SDRO
The San Diego Recording Orchestra (SDRO) is a professional studio symphony based in San Diego, California, dedicated to delivering world‑class live orchestral recording for film, television, video games, and visual media of all kinds. SDRO specializes in orchestral music that is recorded live-to-picture, and has the versatility to record concert music, original arrangements, album projects, and beyond.
SDRO offers flexible session options ranging from large‑scale orchestras of 60+ players to intimate chamber ensembles, making it possible to tailor each session to the artistic needs of any project. With unlimited instrumentation and the ability to contract large numbers of musicians, SDRO is equipped to handle projects of any size, scope, or genre.
Mission Statement
The mission of the San Diego Recording Orchestra is to make live orchestral music accessible, inclusive, and artistry-focused—empowering composers and creators to realize their musical visions through world-class recording, collaboration, and providing educational opportunities to young, aspiring musicians. SDRO is committed to honoring the legacy of orchestral film music while evolving the studio orchestra model to serve today’s diverse, independent, and forward-thinking creative community.
Breaking Tradition
SDRO was founded on a simple but powerful idea: live orchestral recording should be accessible to everyone. By offering competitive and affordable rates, SDRO breaks down long‑standing industry barriers and opens the door for composers, filmmakers, and artists at every stage of their careers to have their music performed by a live orchestra.
Uniquely, SDRO is the only professional recording ensemble within a drivable distance from Los Angeles, allowing composers to attend sessions in person—without compromise. For those unable to travel, SDRO also provides high‑quality remote recording services, making collaboration seamless, no matter where clients are located.
Full‑Scope Music Services
SDRO proudly collaborates with Morgan Fator Music Services to offer comprehensive, end‑to‑end music solutions. These services—including orchestration, music preparation, session conducting, and score production—can be packaged directly with recording sessions, streamlining workflows and ensuring that every project is handled with care, clarity, and musical excellence.
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Artistic Leadership
Founder Morgan Fator, a media composer, orchestrator, and conductor, serves as Music Director and Principal Conductor of SDRO. Under her leadership, SDRO balances a deep respect for the classic cinematic orchestral sound with the versatility required to perform music across any genre, from traditional symphonic scores to experimental, hybrid, and contemporary styles.
Community & INCLUSION
SDRO is proudly LGBTQ‑friendly, indie‑film‑community‑focused, and progressive in its values and practices. The orchestra is committed to creating a welcoming, collaborative environment where artists of all backgrounds can thrive.
Beyond the studio, SDRO partners with Mission Bay High School to provide meaningful educational opportunities for young musicians, inspiring and mentoring the next generation of professional studio instrumentalists. Through this partnership, SDRO invests in the future of orchestral music and the local artistic community.
EVERY MUSCIAN GETS PAID
At SDRO, every single musician we contract gets paid equally, fairly, and receives credit for every project. Always. We intend to build a community of musicians who are respected for their professionalism, musicianship, and the incredible contributions of artistry they make during every session. Additionally, every team member at SDRO gets paid as well. For this reason, SDRO does not accept volunteer work, but remians accesible in large part due to flexible but competitive pricing. At SDRO, ANYONE can record their music live, and EVERYONE is recognized properly for their hard work.
Making Dreams a Reality
At its core, the San Diego Recording Orchestra exists to bring music to life. Whether supporting an independent filmmaker’s first project or recording a large‑scale film score, SDRO is dedicated to helping composers and creators hear their visions realized by a live orchestra.
SDRO doesn’t just record music—we make composers' dreams come true.
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Get in touch with SDRO and learn how we can bring your musical vision to life!