Janelle Kruly

714.858.0945

janellek@reveilleinc.com

Join Pacific Symphony for a swingin’ Christmas that harkens back to a time when the Rat Pack legends of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. made Christmas music the talk of the town. With a sultry voice described to fall between the “pop sensibility of Michael Bublé and the jazz smarts of Harry Connick Jr.” (Jazz Times), Tony DeSare and a brassy orchestra come together for the Symphony’s annual Pops holiday concert. The musicians are led by sought-after Pops conductor Evan Roider and joined by guitarist David Rourke and bassist Dylan Shamat. Taking place on December 19-20 at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, this stylish and spirited tribute to musical icons blends the elegance and warmth of the holiday season with nostalgic classics reminiscent of a snowy 1960s December.

The show, “A Rat Pack Christmas with Tony DeSare,” features arrangements from DeSare’s 2024 album, “Christmas Home,” mixed in his home studio with a six-member string orchestra, including two new Christmas songs, “Family Christmas Home,” a comfy waltz, and “Christmas for You and Me,” reminiscent of Billy Joel. Plus, a fun-loving “The Jingle Bell Variations,” which mixes musical styles like tango, blues and ragtime alongside impressions of Neil Diamond and Randy Newman. Arrangements that highlight the expressive range of a full orchestra also include beloved holiday standards including “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm.”

“Our annual holiday Pops concert is always a favorite, and this year is not to be missed,” said John Forsyte, President of Pacific Symphony. “With Tony DeSare’s vocal talent, guests will be transported to a mid-century lounge where the horns are smooth and the holiday cheer has style. We look forward to creating a festive music experience that will evoke the glamour, wit and style of the Rat Pack era to the Symphony audience.”

DeSare has brought his fresh take on old school class around the globe from jazz clubs to Carnegie Hall, and with four top ten Billboard jazz albums under his belt. Recognized for his sophisticated vocals and effortless charm, he performs with infectious joy, wry playfulness and robust musicality to the delight of audiences of all ages. Named Rising Star Male Vocalist in Downbeat magazine, DeSare has lived up to this distinction by winning critical and popular acclaim for his concert performances throughout North America and abroad.

The concert’s musical selections highlight the enduring brilliance of mid-century American Jazz and the Great American songbook. DeSare’s artistry reflects both deep respect for the legends of Sinatra, Martin, Davis, Jr. and a personal musical voice that brings renewed vitality to these timeless works.

With the grandeur of a symphonic holiday concert, “A Rat Pack Christmas” offers an elevated seasonal experience designed for music lovers of all generations.

Pacific Symphony performances of “A Rat Pack Christmas with Tony DeSare” take place at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall on December 19-20. Tickets start at $50 and are available at PacificSymphony.org or by calling the box office at (714) 755-5799. These concerts are underwritten by the Sharon J. and Thomas E. Malloy Family. Additional support comes from Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, The Park Club, PBS SoCal and K-EARTH 101.

Evan Roider is a sought-after Pops conductor, celebrated for his versatility and dynamic presence. Equally at home on the symphonic stage and in the orchestra pit, he maintains an active guest conducting schedule, captivating audiences across the country.

The 2025-26 season brings debuts with the National Symphony, Houston Symphony, Oregon Symphony, and Rochester Philharmonic, among others. In recent years, he has appeared with the Detroit Symphony, Utah Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Fort Worth Symphony, Pacific Symphony, Charlotte Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic, Sarasota Orchestra, Tucson Symphony, Toledo Symphony, and the Philly Pops. Driven by a passion for genre-spanning performances, Roider has led concerts featuring film and television music, Broadway favorites, classical masterworks, and iconic hits spanning the decades.

From jazz clubs to Carnegie Hall to Las Vegas and headlining major symphony orchestras, Tony DeSare has brought his fresh take on old school class around the globe. DeSare has four top ten Billboard jazz albums under his belt and has been featured on the CBS Early Show, NPR, A Prairie Home Companion, and the Today Show.

Notwithstanding his critically acclaimed turns as a singer/pianist, DeSare is also an accomplished, award-winning composer. He not only won first place in the USA Songwriting Contest but has also written the theme song for the motion picture, My Date with Drew, several broadcast commercials and has scored five films. His sound is romantic, swinging and sensual, but what sets DeSare apart is his ability to write original material that sounds fresh and contemporary yet pays homage to the Great American Songbook.

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. In 2024, Alexander Shelley was appointed to become Pacific Symphony’s third artistic leader, taking the title of Artistic and Music Director, beginning in the 2026-27 season. He is serving as Artistic and Music Director Designate during the 2025-26 season, which marks Pacific Symphony’s 47th season. Founded in 1978, the Symphony was led for 35 years by Carl St. Clair, who is honored with the title of Music Director Laureate starting in the 2025-26 season.

Pacific Symphony features an expansive range of programming through the Classical Series, the beloved Pops Series led by Principal Pops Conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez, SummerFest at the Great Park Live Amphitheatre in Irvine, and engaging Family Musical Mornings concerts for young children and their families. Signature cultural concerts for Lunar New Year and Nowruz are joyful musical celebrations that promote understanding and appreciation of the arts from around the world—a priority for Pacific Symphony, which is dedicated to the power of music to unite and inspire. The Symphony in the Cities program brings free outdoor concerts and interactive musical activities to cities across Orange County, making live symphonic music accessible to all.

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.

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