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Heartwarming performance serves as a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience and unwavering spirit of cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones

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


Pacific Symphony and City of Hope Orange County invite community members to immerse themselves in a night of joyful music and heartfelt inspiration with “Tchaikovsky Spectacular: Concert of Hope,” taking place September 6 at the Great Park Live amphitheater in Irvine. In a touching conclusion to their five-concert SummerFest 2025 series, the Symphony and City of Hope dedicate the evening to the county’s patients, survivors and loved ones who have been affected by and triumphed through the challenges cancer brings.

Illustrious conductor Francesco Lecce-Chong leads the Symphony in some of Tchaikovsky’s most iconic and moving masterpieces. At the center of the program, internationally renowned pianist Natasha Paremski perfoms his Piano Concerto No. 1, a piece brimming with creative passion. The show opens with a beautiful soaring waltz from “Sleeping Beauty” and also features the drama of “Francesca da Rimini,” Tchaikovsky’s vivid tone poem of love and fate. Finally, the evening concludes with the explosive “1812 Overture,” a thrilling celebration punctuated by cannons and a breathtaking fireworks display across the night sky.

“Tchaikovsky Spectacular: Concert of Hope” is more than an orchestral performance, it’s a tribute to the courage and resilience of those experiencing cancer. Drawing on the timelessness of Tchaikovsky’s music, the Symphony invites the community to commemorate a human spirit that is just as enduring.

“Pacific Symphony is proud to partner with City of Hope in honoring the remarkable strength of our community and those affected by cancer,” said John Forsyte, president and CEO of Pacific Symphony. “Through the universal language of music, we aim to honor patients and their loved ones with a beautiful evening of music that uplifts and inspires.”

“We are honored to present another powerful Concert of Hope experience at Great Park Live,” said Annette Walker, president of City of Hope Orange County. “At City of Hope, we are solely focused on preventing, treating and curing cancer. We understand how life changes when you hear those words, ‘You have cancer’ and we want to honor everyone impacted by this disease. We are grateful for the Pacific Symphony as they uplift our souls and inspire our community. This year’s performance is particularly meaningful as we prepare to open Orange County’s only cancer specialty hospital on our academic cancer campus in Irvine.”

Set in the scenic open air venue, the evening promises a night of heartwarming emotion under the stars—a radiant finale to SummerFest 2025.

SummerFest 2025 is presented by City of Hope Orange County. “Tchaikovsky Spectacular: Concert of Hope” takes place on September 6 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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