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SummerFest 2025 is presented by City of Hope Orange County with the venue underwritten by the City of Irvine

The ultimate outdoor concert experience is back for a second season at the Great Park Live amphitheater, continuing a beloved tradition of Orange County summers filled with awe-inspiring sunsets, orchestral music, delicious food, wine and splendid weather. Pacific Symphony peforms five spectacular concerts for SummerFest 2025, presented by City of Hope Orange County and underwritten by the City of Irvine which has designated the Symphony as the venue’s resident orchestra. From the annual July 4 Spectacular with fireworks to Star Wars on the big screen, the Symphony’s renowned conductors, Carl St.Clair, Enrico Lopez Yañez, Richard Kaufman and others, take audiences on a fun-filled adventure for each performance.

“We are thrilled to return for another season at Great Park Live, where music and community come together under the stars,” says Pacific Symphony President John Forsyte. “This season builds on the energy of last year’s SummerFest while introducing new, inspiring elements that elevate the experience. We are dedicated to always bringing wonder, joy, and connection through orchestral music, and we can’t wait to share these unforgettable moments with our community.”

City of Hope Orange County is honored to support SummerFest 2025, said Annette Walker, president of City of Hope Orange County. “We know music has a transformative power to uplift, to bring people together, and to heal. That’s something we celebrate at City of Hope Orange County,” Walker said. “We look forward to celebrating another magical summer series with Pacific Symphony.”

A high-energy tribute to American icons Jimmy Buffett and The Beach Boys kicks off the July 4 show, alongside patriotic favorites and an exhilarating fireworks display, led by Principal Pops Conductor Laureate Richard Kaufman. Then, the Star Wars anthology continues with The Force Awakens in Concert, as the remarkable orchestra performs the score live to the full-length feature film. On August 8, Music Director Carl St.Clair leads a classical program featuring Oscar Navarro’s vibrant A Downey Overture, Beethoven’s majestic Piano Concerto No. 5, the “Emperor” with pianist Michelle Cann, and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition in Ravel’s stunning orchestration.

Then comes Disco Fever – Let’s Dance! on August 23. Led by Principal Pops Conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez, the night welcomes non-stop dancing to the high-energy concert featuring guest artists Maiya Sykes and Ty Taylor. The two singers perform chart-topping disco anthems like “We Are Family,” “Stayin’ Alive,” “I Will Survive” and “The Hustle.” The fun continues inviting audience members onstage for a dance-off. Inspired by Enrico’s father’s love for the genre, this concert is a groovey ride back to the ‘70s.

A SummerFest tradition, Tchaikovsky Spectacular is led by conductor Francesco Lecce-Chong. The grandeur of Tchaikovsky’s most prestigious works shines in a captivating concert where passion and power collide, with Natasha Paremski on piano. The evening opens with the soaring beauty of his Piano Concerto No. 1 followed by the dramatic story of Francesca da Rimini told in a symphonic poem. The evening comes to a close with the explosive 1812 Overture, a thrilling celebration of Tchaikovsky’s bold compositional mastery, complete with fireworks for an unforgettable finale.

Subscriptions are now available for purchase with packages ranging from $189-$580 that include free parking and free ticket exchanges. Table seating is reserved exclusively for subscribers. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (714) 755-5799 or visit PacificSymphony.org.    

Calendar Listings:

PACIFIC SYMPHONY 2025 SUMMERFEST SEASON
Presented by City of Hope Orange County

JULY 4 SPECTACULAR
Music Of Buffet, Beach Boys & More   
July 4, 2025 – 8 PM

Kick off SummerFest 2025 with a bang! Enjoy an epic outdoor concert celebrating America and iconic hits of Jimmy Buffet and the Beach Boys such as “Margaritaville,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” and many more, followed by a stunning fireworks display.

Richard Kaufman, conductor
Travis Birch, vocals/guitar
Chris Blem, vocalist
Scott Coulter, vocalist
John Boswell, pianist

 
STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS IN CONCERT
Full-Length Feature Film
August 2, 2025 – 8 PM

Thirty years after the defeat of the Empire, Luke Skywalker has vanished and a new threat has risen: The First Order, led by the mysterious Supreme Leader Snoke and his dark side enforcer,
Kylo Ren. General Leia Organa’s military force, the Resistance — and unlikely heroes brought together by fate —are the galaxy’s only hope at thwarting a new reign of evil.

Anthony Parnther, conductor 

© 2015 & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.
Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts in association with 20th Century Fox Film Corp, Lucasfilm and Warner/Chappell Music. © All rights reserved.

 
BEETHOVEN’S EMPEROR & PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION
August 8, 2025 – 8 PM

Experience an evening of musical brilliance, featuring Oscar Navarro’s vibrant A Downey Overture, Beethoven’s majestic Piano Concerto No. 5 with pianist Michelle Cann, and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition in Ravel’s stunning orchestration. Under the direction of Carl St.Clair, this concert promises to be a celebration of great music.

Carl St.Clair, conductor
Michelle Cann, piano

DISCO FEVER – LET’S DANCE!
August 23, 2025 – 8 PM

Get ready for a night of non-stop dancing as Pacific Symphony presents Disco Fever, a high-energy concert conducted by Principal Pops Conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez. This exciting performance features the incredible vocal talents of Maiya Sykes and Ty Taylor performing iconic disco anthems like “Stayin' Alive,” “I Will Survive” and “The Hustle.” The fun continues with an on-stage dance-off, where audience members can show off their best disco moves. Inspired by Enrico’s father’s love for the genre, this concert will take you on an unforgettable ride back to the groovy '70s.

Enrico Lopez-Yañez, conductor
Maiya Sykes, vocalist
Ty Taylor, vocalist


TCHAIKOVSKY SPECTACULAR
September 6, 2025 – 8 PM

Experience the grandeur of Tchaikovsky's most iconic works in this exhilarating concert, where passion and power meet. The evening opens with the soaring beauty of Piano Concerto No. 1, featuring a stunning performance that will captivate and thrill. After intermission, immerse yourself in the dramatic intensity of Francesca da Rimini, a symphonic poem filled with vivid storytelling. The evening culminates with the explosive 1812 Overture, a thrilling celebration of Tchaikovsky’s bold compositional mastery, complete with fireworks for an unforgettable finale.  

Francesco Lecce-Chong, conductor
Natasha Paremski, piano      
                       

About Pacific Symphony

Founded in 1978, Pacific Symphony is the largest orchestra formed in the U.S. in the last 50 years and is not only a fixture of musical life in Southern California, but is also recognized as an outstanding ensemble making strides on both the national and international scenes. The orchestra presents more than 100 concerts and events each year and a rich array of education and community engagement programs, reaching more than 300,000 residents of all ages.

Pacific Symphony made its debut at Carnegie Hall in 2018, where it was invited to perform as part of a yearlong celebration of composer Philip Glass' 80th birthday. The Symphony made its first-ever tour to China the same year, with performances in five cities, including Shanghai and Beijing. The Symphony has been recognized with multiple ASCAP Awards for Adventurous Programming and included among the country’s five most innovative orchestras by the League of American Orchestras.

Pacific Symphony’s discography comprises 15 recordings, mostly of 20th- and 21st-century music by such American composers as William Bolcom, John Corigliano and Richard Danielpour. In 2012 for Naxos, St.Clair and the orchestra recorded Philip Glass’s The Passion of Ramakrishna, a Pacific Symphony commission that appeared on the Carnegie Hall program. The Symphony has also recorded for Harmonia Mundi, Koch International Classics, Reference Recordings, and Sony Classical, among other labels. The Symphony has been recognized with multiple ASCAP Awards for Adventurous Programming and included among the country’s five most innovative orchestras by the League of American Orchestras. The Symphony’s education and community engagement activities have also been recognized by the League, as well as the National Endowment for the Arts.

About the Great Park of Irvine
The Great Park of Irvine stands as a beacon of community engagement and natural beauty in the heart of Southern California. With a master plan that will ultimately result in a park that spans over 1,300 acres, the park offers a multifaceted experience, seamlessly blending recreational spaces, cultural attractions, and environmental preservation. Visitors are greeted by stretches of meticulously maintained greenery, providing a serene backdrop for outdoor activities ranging from picnics and sports to leisurely strolls. The park's signature features, including the iconic Great Park Balloon and Carousel, offer thrilling aerial views and whimsical rides for all ages. Furthermore, the Great Park serves as a hub for artistic expression, hosting events and exhibitions that celebrate local talent and global culture. With its commitment to sustainability and accessibility, the Great Park of Irvine continues to enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike, embodying the spirit of community and harmony in Orange County.

About City of Hope
City of Hope's mission is to make hope a reality for all touched by cancer and diabetes. Founded in 1913, City of Hope has grown into one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S. and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. City of Hope research has been the basis for numerous breakthrough cancer medicines, as well as human synthetic insulin and monoclonal antibodies. With an independent, National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center at its core, City of Hope brings a uniquely integrated model to patients spanning cancer care, research and development, academics and training, and innovation initiatives. City of Hope’s growing national system includes its new cancer center in Orange County, California, and cancer treatment centers and outpatient facilities in the Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix areas. City of Hope’s affiliated group of organizations includes Translational Genomics Research Institute and AccessHopeTM.

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