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

Pacific Symphony continues its sensational SummerFest lineup with a concert titled, “Beethoven’s Emperor and Pictures at an Exhibition,” on August 8, at 8 p.m. at the Great Park Live amphitheater. The evening, led by Music Director Carl St.Clair, features beloved masterworks and a striking new piece—offering audiences a night of emotional depth and orchestral soundscapes under the stars. This performance marks the final concert of St.Clair’s distinguished 35-year tenure as music director of Pacific Symphony. It is a historic and celebratory evening for the organization and the community.  

The event also welcomes musical leaders from across the state, as Pacific Symphony serves as host of the 2025 Association of California Symphony Orchestras (ACSO) Conference, held August 7–9 in Costa Mesa and Irvine—making this concert not just a celebration, but a statewide gathering of the orchestral community.

The program opens with “Downey Overture” by Spanish composer Oscar Navarro, a vibrant and rhythmically charged work that the composer describes as: “a Latin-American fusion with which I have wanted to link my birth country, Spain, and California, the land that, as a result of the two years I lived there, has left a permanent imprint on my heart.”

Following Navarro’s colorful overture, pianist Michelle Cann joins the orchestra for Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5, the “Emperor,” one of the most majestic and heroic works in the piano repertoire. After intermission, the evening concludes with Modest Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition” in Maurice Ravel’s dazzling orchestration—a powerful sonic journey through an imaginary art gallery.

“I’ve always loved our summer concerts—they’re a joyful way to share great music with the community in a relaxed setting, under the stars,” said St.Clair. “Both ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’ and Beethoven’s ‘Emperor’ Concerto are excellent entry points for people new to classical music because they are immediately engaging, emotionally vivid and full of memorable musical moments. That’s also what makes them favorites among seasoned classical music lovers.

“I’m especially looking forward to collaborating with our soloist Michelle Cann, as we explore the virtuosic passages that Beethoven wrote in an interplay between piano and orchestra,” he adds.

GRAMMY® Award-winning pianist Cann is one of the most sought-after artists of her generation. With an experience spanning the globe, the “pianist of sterling artistry” (Gramophone) is recognized for her unwavering dedication, musical pedagogy, and commitment to furthering the piano repertoire as a soloist and chamber musician. Specifically, she is known as the leading interpreter of piano music by Florence Price, and also regularly performs dual piano repertoire with her sister, pianist Kimberly Cann, as the Cann Duo.

In joining the festivities under the stars, audience members can expect a night of awe-inspiring talent, stirring emotion, and symphonic splendor—all in one of Orange County’s most scenic outdoor venues.

Pacific Symphony’s SummerFest 2025 is presented by City of Hope Orange County.  “Beethoven’s Emperor & Pictures at an Exhibition” is generously sponsored by Ronna and Bill Shipman. The concert takes place on August 8 at 8 p.m. with tickets ranging from $44 - $160. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (714) 755-5799, or visit www.PacificSymphony.org. 

About Pacific Symphony
Pacific Symphony is the largest orchestra formed in the United States in the past 50 years and is ranked among the top orchestras in the U.S. by the League of American Orchestras. Founded in 1978, the Symphony has been led for 35 years by Music Director Carl St.Clair, one of the longest-serving music directors of a major American orchestra. In 2024, Alexander Shelley was named Artistic and Music Director Designate for the 2025–26 season and will begin his full-time tenure in the 2026–27 season, marking a bold new chapter in the Symphony’s artistic evolution.  
 
With a purpose to lift the human spirit through the power of music, the Symphony is a cornerstone of the cultural landscape of Southern California, enriching lives and bringing communities together through creative and diverse programming. As the resident orchestra of the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, the Symphony 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. 

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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