• June 18, 2025

Pacific Symphony, Resident Orchestra of the Great Park Live Amphitheater, Kicks off SummerFest Series with July 4 Spectacular

Media Contact
Janelle Kruly 
janellek@reveilleinc.com 
714.858.0945

Presented by City of Hope Orange County with the venue underwritten by the City of Irvine, the celebration brings classics from Jimmy Buffet, the Beach Boys and more

Pacific Symphony rings in the SummerFest season with the ultimate summer party on July 4 – with fireworks! Returning as Great Park Live Ampitheatre’s resident orchestra for the second year in a row, the Symphony celebrates the Fourth of July with legendary American hits from Jimmy Buffet, Bob Marley, Van Morrison, The Beach Boy’s and many more.

Led by Principal Pops Conductor Laureate Richard Kaufman, “July 4 Spectacular” promises an unforgettable evening of fun the whole family can enjoy. With high-energy performances by Pacific Symphony, guitarist and vocalist Travis Birch, pianist John Boswell and acclaimed vocalists Chris Blem and Scott Coulter, the audience is sure to be singing and dancing along to fan favorites like “Margaritavile,” “Come Monday,” “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” to “Brown-Eyed Girl” – and plenty more.

“It was such a pleasure to have the opportunity to celebrate the Fourth of July with our fellow community members last year, and we look forward to bringing another lively celebration for friends and family to enjoy,” said Pacific Symphony President and CEO John Forsyte. “We are grateful for our continued partnership with City of Hope Orange County and the City of Irvine as our collaboration allows us to bring orchestral music to our audience under the summer sky at Great Park Live.”

The summer celebration brings to life patriotic favorites and concludes with an exhilarating fireworks display, immersing the audience in the spirit of the memorable holiday. The star-spangled evening is guaranteed to be a highlight of the summer and a celebration to remember.

Pacific Symphony’s SummerFest is presented by City of Hope Orange County. “July 4 Spectacular” takes place on Friday, July 4 at 8 p.m. and is generously sponsored by Judy Wes and Whitmore. Single tickets range from $44-$160. Subscriptions are still 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 www.PacificSymphony.org


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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