Symphony Gala

View the 2023 Gala Invitation

Pacific Symphony Celebrates 25 Years of Leadership Under John Forsyte,
with Chicago-Themed Gala in His Honor

Chaired by Carol Choi, Sandy Segerstrom Daniels, Eleanor Gordon, Diana Martin, and Jane Yada,
April 29th, 2023, at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach & Resort in Dana Point

Our Kind of Town, Chicago Is
Our Kind of Orchestra, Pacific Symphony is

1893-2023: 130 Years of Resilience and Innovation Only twenty-two years after Chicago’s famous fire, the city hosted the great Colombian Exposition of 1893, laying the groundwork for the architectural marvel that has over the century become the modern Chicago skyline. The fair pointed to the transition from global isolation to inclusion, inviting the world to present and admire innovation in technology, arts and culture, and even food. How did the Windy City beat out bigger city rivals?
By fundraising more, and showing the world what its citizens valued.

In 1890’s Chicago, Thomas Edison, George Westinghouse, and Nikolaus Tesla battled over who would win the contract to supply electricity to the World’s Fair, and George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. proved his giant rotating wheel could rival the Eiffel Tower. Over the next three decades, the jazz styles of Chicago would gain global recognition while mobsters and “merry murderesses” occupied the Cook County Jail. As structures and institutions rose up around the city, the world’s first nuclear reaction was initiated, the Second City comedy troupe was formed, and Twinkies were invented. The first televised U.S. presidential debate took place in this city, and at a trial in 1969 the crowd chanted, “the whole world is watching.” For 25 years Chicago boasted the tallest building in the world, and in pop culture, the Blues Brothers reunited their band, and the city’s other famous Ferris took a day off. Today, the city is a leader in sustainability and innovative environmental initiatives with over 8,800 acres of green space. And, Chicago is the hometown of Pacific Symphony’s President and CEO of 25 years, John Forsyte.

Innovation, resilience, and passionate fundraising are at the core of Pacific Symphony’s success through 25 years of John Forsyte’s leadership. During his tenure, Pacific Symphony grew from a local community orchestra to a Top Tier designation by the League of American Orchestras, with a budget that has grown more than 150%; 10% of which is dedicated towards institutional programming, among the highest of any American symphony orchestra. Pacific Symphony has transcended ethnic, racial, and financial barriers while connecting community members of all ages through music, education, and enrichment programs, and continues its pursuit of diversity, equity, and inclusion practices through its long-range strategic plan.

At the 2023 Pacific Symphony Gala, celebrate John Forsyte’s leadership by spending A Night in Chicago on April 29th, at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club. Via décor and entertainment, travel through eras of Chicago innovation from the 1893 Colombian Exposition, the Jazz Age, the tumultuous 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, and through today, with music performed by Pacific Symphony musicians, the Jake Brown Jazz Band, and Brass Transit. The evening will also include a robust live auction and lively Fund-a-Dream.

Guests are encouraged to dress in the elegant styles of their era of choice.

For tickets or more information, download the gala invitation or contact JHerring@PacificSymphony.org.