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» 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.

» 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.

» 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.

» 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 ...

» 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.

Programs for Youth

arts-X-press

A highly innovative and collaborative educational initiative entitled arts-X-press was launched in the Summer of 2001, in celebration of Cole Carsan St.Clair. This program, housed on the University of California, Irvine campus, provides 150 seventh and eighth grade students from throughout Orange County with a weeklong immersion in the arts.

Arts-X-press is designed to produce a comprehensive, yet nurturing environment in which participants may foster their creativity, grow as individuals and discover ways in which the arts can enrich their lives. Local artists and arts educators of the highest caliber serve as faculty and staff, and outstanding high school and college arts students act as counselors for the program.

Arts-X-press began with Music Director, Carl St.Clair’s passion for arts education. To honor the memory of his son Cole, Maestro St.Clair sought to establish an arts-based program having a lasting and major impact on the community, as well as making a real difference in the lives of young people. Arts-X-press is the result of his vision. St.Clair continues to play an integral role in the formation and realization of this project.

Click here for:
» Parent Presentation: Directions & Information
» Information for those attending arts-X-press this summer
» Application for students to participate in arts-X-press
» arts-X-press description
» Video: arts-X-press: In celebration of Cole Carsan St.Clair
» FAQs about arts-X-press
» arts-X-press blog
» arts-X-press Opportunities

Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra

The Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra provides performance opportunities for young instrumentalists (ages 12-18) throughout Orange County and beyond. The Youth Orchestra is a key education program of Pacific Symphony and is led by Music Director Michael Hall (also Associate Conductor of Pacific Symphony). Students receive regular coaching sessions from Pacific Symphony musicians and the program benefits from Pacific Symphony Music Director Carl St.Clair’s artistic vision. Maestro St.Clair acts as the Artistic Advisor for all activities. Students rehearse on a weekly basis and perform a three concert subscription series in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at the Orange County Performing Artscenter.