Discovering The Soraya — A Jewel in the Valley

Tucked away on the campus of California State University, Northridge (CSUN), The Soraya rises from an otherwise quiet Northridge neighborhood — a 167,000‑square‑foot monument to the arts that feels more like a European opera house transplanted into the San Fernando Valley. 

Designed by the design powerhouse HGA Architects and Engineers and led by architect Kara Hill, The Soraya delivers a dramatic first impression. The lobby isn’t a narrow hallway — it’s a grand foyer that invites you to linger, soak in the ambiance, meet friends, or simply pause before the show starts. This attention to design helps set the tone: a performing-arts experience elevated from ordinary. 

Inside, the 1,700-seat auditorium — known as the Great Hall — masterfully blends intimacy with scale. Its circular layout ensures that no seat feels far from the stage, and thanks to advanced acoustic design, each performance rings clear whether it’s a delicate string quartet or a full-blown rock show. Musicians and audience members alike consistently praise the sound quality, with some calling it among the best in the region. 

A Home for All: Diverse Programming That Reflects the Valley

What truly makes The Soraya special is the diversity of programming. This isn’t a venue that sticks to one genre — instead, it embraces variety. On any given month you might catch:

• A classical orchestra or symphony

• A Grammy‑quality jazz set as part of the renowned Jazz at Naz Festival (The Soraya is widely recognized as the jazz epicenter of the Valley — and one of the top jazz venues in Los Angeles.)
• Family‑friendly film + live orchestra nights

• International music and dance performances — offering a window into global culture, right here in Northridge

• Spanish-language productions, reaching the Valley’s diverse community and offering intergenerational cultural experiences.

Whether you’re a lover of classical music, jazz, theater, world culture, or just looking for a fun family night out — The Soraya delivers something for everyone. That breadth reflects the diversity and vibrant tapestry of the community it serves.

Built for Community — Serving More Than Just Audiences

The story of The Soraya’s origin is as compelling as the performances it houses. What began as a dream among Valley leaders — a performing arts center befitting a region of 1.8 million residents — became reality in 2011, when the venue opened with backing from the community, the university, and generous donors.

In 2017, thanks to a transformational gift by the Younes Nazarian family, the venue was renamed in honor of Younes and Soraya Nazarian — anchoring the theater’s identity to both philanthropy and artistic legacy.

But The Soraya isn’t just a stage — it’s a bridge between the arts and education. Through its partnership with CSUN’s arts, media, and communication departments, students get access to discounted tickets, master classes, and even the chance to share the stage with major artists. This commitment opens doors for the next generation of creators and arts lovers. 

Beyond that, The Soraya plays a vital role in building community: families come together, friends meet over lobby chatter, arts lovers from different backgrounds share experiences — all contributing to a sense of belonging in the Valley.

Why It Feels So Special — The Audience Experience

Walking into The Soraya isn’t just about seeing a show — it’s a full-on experience. From the moment you arrive, to parking on campus, to ticketing, to the performance itself and leaving with memories, everything is designed to delight. Staff aim for top-tier customer service, making the whole visit smooth and welcoming.

One of the best compliments ever heard came after a Frank Sinatra tribute night — a longtime attendee told the sound engineer, “That was the best sound mix I have ever heard.” That’s the kind of praise that speaks volumes about what The Soraya offers: a professional, high-quality performance experience — but in a location that feels like home.

For families, it’s a chance to share culture and wonder without a long drive downtown. For students, it’s affordable access to world‑class art. For the Valley at large — it’s a treasure, a cultural anchor, and a place where memories are made.

SEO & Long‑Tail Keywords (naturally woven in)

If you’re searching for “live music venues in San Fernando Valley,” “theatres near Northridge CA,” “family-friendly concerts Los Angeles Valley,” “jazz festivals in Valley Performing Arts Center,” or “CSUN performing arts center events,” The Soraya checks all those boxes. Its mix of orchestras, jazz, global dance, film + live orchestra nights, and theater productions position it as a go-to theatre for a broad audience.

Just as importantly — if you google “best concert hall in the Valley” or “cultural events Northridge,” The Soraya consistently shows up, reinforcing its role as the Valley’s cultural hub.

Final Call: Don’t Wait — Experience the Magic

If you’ve never been to The Soraya, now is the perfect time to check it out. Whether you’re a longtime arts lover or curious about discovering new cultural experiences — from dramatic stage performances to jazz festivals, orchestras, dance, and family shows — The Soraya makes it easy, accessible, and unforgettable.

Cut through the traffic, skip downtown chaos, and enjoy world-class entertainment in your own backyard. Once you step inside its lobby, find your seat in the auditorium, and feel the music in the air — you’ll understand why The Soraya isn’t just another theater. It’s a Valley treasure.

So go ahead — book a show, bring your family or friends, and let The Soraya surprise you.

Visit Info

Name: The Soraya (Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts)
Address: 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330
Phone: (818) 677-3000
Website: www.TheSoraya.org
Instagram: @TheSorayaStage
Facebook: Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts