account:   Log in
this Week
photoConcert for Hope » Concert for Hope
September 13th, 2008

In celebration of the Grand Opening of the Orange County Rescue Mission's Village of Hope, Baritone Jubilant Sykes joins the Pacific Symphony in Aaron Copland's tribute to the wonder of traditional American music in American Songs.

photoOpening Night at the Symphony » Opening Night at the Symphony
September 18th, 2008

Join us in celebrating the Pacific Symphony’s 30th Anniversary Season and the debut of the William J. Gillespie Concert Organ with an elegant pre-concert dinner and exclusive post-concert reception.

photoClassics 2008-2009 » Organ Grandeur
September 18th - 20th, 2008

Marking the debut of the stunning William J. Gillespie Concert Organ, this season-opening celebration features Bach’s wonderfully melodramatic Toccata and Fugue — which has been used in films, video games and even rock songs. Also on the program: Saint-Saens’ roof-raising Symphony No. 3.

photoClassical Connections » Organ Symphony
September 21st, 2008

Popularly known as the “Organ” Symphony, two of the four sections feature the magnificent new William J. Gillespie Concert Organ. Saint-Saëns said of this symphony — probably the zenith of his work — that he had “given everything to it that I was able ...

photoClassics 2008-2009 » Tantalizing Tango
October 16th - 18th, 2008

Relax to Beethoven’s beloved “Pastoral” Symphony. Then, Astor Piazzolla’s sinuous interpretations of the tango are a natural for the passionate virtuosity of Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg. Like Piazzolla’s work, Ginastera’s 1941 ballet “Estancia” celebrates Argentina’s folk music.

Music in the Community

 

Target Symphony in the Cities

For many, it’s a must-do summer tradition – a visit to the local park for a free outdoor concert by Pacific Symphony, led by Music Director Carl St.Clair! For the fourth year in a row, Target returns as the title sponsor for the 2008 Target Symphony in the Cities concert series, a popular event throughout Orange County’s many communities. The series attracts more than 10,000 people each summer – many of whom bring picnics and lawn chairs and make it a very full and memorable summer experience. This year’s concerts, take place in the cities of Brea, Irvine, Lake Forest and Mission Viejo during the month of August. Ninety minutes before the concert there are many interactive and hands-on activities at a “musical playground” for children, which includes a conducting clinic. Children who participate have the opportunity to assist Maestro St.Clair in conducting during a portion of the concert. For more information about these free community concerts, call (714) 755-5788.

Concert dates and locations:

Each concert begins at 7PM. The Musical Playground for kids starts at 5:30PM.


“We have been very fortunate to have Target as our title sponsor; in fact, it has been called Target Symphony in the Cities since 2005,” says John Forsyte, Pacific Symphony president. “It is because of Target’s generosity, support and interest in our community that Pacific Symphony is able to offer high-quality music in some of Orange County’s most beautiful outdoor areas – free to people who might not otherwise have an opportunity to hear these very talented musicians. We are also very grateful to the Cities that work so hard to make this such an overwhelming success each year.”

Program

Shostakovich Galop from Moscow Cheryomushki
Gliere Russian Sailor’s Dance
Khachaturian Sabre Dance
Strauss Jr. Egyptian March
Strauss Jr. On the Beautiful Blue Danube
Strauss Jr. Thunder and Lightning Polka
Rodgers and Hammerstein Excerpts from the Sound of Music (soloists TBD)
Prelude and the Sound of Music
My Favorite Things
Sixteen Going on Seventeen
Climb Every Mountain
Do Re Mi
Sousa Hands Across the Sea
Williams Liberty Fanfare
Trad./arr. Prechel Patriotic Sing-along (world premiere of this arrangement)

 

Community Informances

This program makes classical music accessible to older adults who are unable to attend concerts at the Orange County Performing Artscenter.  Free, daytime ensemble performances bring music directly to them in comfortable facilities, such as the Newport Beach Public Library.  Consisting of traditional chamber music, these “informances” highlight members of the Symphony playing their instruments, speaking about the works to be performed, and responding to questions from the audience.