Janelle Kruly

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Pacific Symphony invites audiences to experience one of its most exciting and entertaining Pops seasons yet as it unveils the 2026-27 Pops Series, underwritten by the Sharon J. and Thomas E. Malloy Family. Curated by Principal Pops Conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez, the season features Broadway powerhouse Idina Menzel, the return of fan-favorite Cody Fry, internationally acclaimed ensemble Pink Martini and thrilling original productions celebrating James Bond and iconic sci-fi film music, before concluding with a concert presentation of Chicago, the musical. Designed to delight devoted Pops audiences and attract new concertgoers alike, the season combines blockbuster entertainment, beloved music and the full power of Pacific Symphony in live experiences audiences cannot stream, replicate or find anywhere else in Orange County.

“It is my great pleasure to introduce audiences to Pacific Symphony’s new 2026-27 Pops Series as we bring people together to experience the joy and power of live orchestral music,” said Lopez-Yañez. “This season is filled with big names and exciting new shows. From Broadway legends and globally recognized artists to original symphonic experiences created especially for our stage, every concert offers something unique, memorable and exhilarating. I can’t wait to share my fourth season leading this Pops Series with Orange County.”

Season highlights include:

• Idina Menzel (Nov. 6-7, 2026), the Tony Award-winning Broadway star who originated the role of Elphaba in Wicked and was the voice of Elsa in Frozen opens the Pops season with an evening spanning her iconic stage and screen career, showcasing the powerhouse vocals and emotional storytelling that have captivated audiences worldwide. The season launches with one of the most recognizable voices in Broadway and film music today.

• Cody Fry Christmas (Dec. 18-19, 2026) brings the GRAMMY®-nominated singer-songwriter back to Pacific Symphony for a festive holiday celebration featuring lush orchestral arrangements, cinematic soundscapes and beloved seasonal favorites. Following multiple sold-out appearances, Fry returns for what promises to be one of Orange County’s signature holiday events.

• Pink Martini All-Stars (Feb. 19-20, 2027) transforms the concert hall into a globe-spanning celebration of music, featuring Thomas Lauderdale alongside Ari Shapiro, Edna Vazquez and Jimmie Herrod in a dazzling evening of pop, swing and international flair. With its sophisticated style and worldwide fan base, Pink Martini delivers a concert experience unlike any other in the region.

• Clouds in My Coffee: The Music of Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Carly Simon (March 12-13, 2027) celebrates three legendary singer-songwriters whose timeless hits defined a generation, reimagined with full symphony orchestra. Beloved classics and unforgettable melodies make this a nostalgic and emotionally rich evening for audiences of all generations.

• The Music of Bond, James Bond (April 16-17, 2027), taking place in Segerstrom Hall, delivers an evening of intrigue, glamour and cinematic thrills featuring iconic themes from the legendary spy franchise, complete with a pre-concert casino experience. The immersive event combines symphonic spectacle with a glamorous night out inspired by the world’s most famous spy.

• Sci-Fi Showdown: A Galactic Journey (May 7-8, 2027) blasts audiences into the cosmos through unforgettable music from beloved science fiction films and television series, from Star Wars-inspired adventures to futuristic soundscapes. Perfect for film music fans and families alike, this visually and musically thrilling production celebrates some of the most beloved scores ever written.

• Chicago: The Musical – In Concert (June 4-5, 2027) closes the season with a thrilling concert presentation of the Broadway smash hit, bringing its iconic songs and “Razzle Dazzle” energy to life with full orchestra. One of Broadway’s most celebrated musicals comes alive in a bold symphonic presentation that promises to close the season in unforgettable style.

“We’ve created a season designed to surprise and delight audiences at every turn,” added Lopez-Yañez. “Whether you’re discovering these artists for the first time or reconnecting with music you already love, these concerts showcase the incredible versatility and artistry of Pacific Symphony.”

“Pacific Symphony’s 2026-27 Pops Series continues to reflect the energy, creativity and vibrancy of Southern California,” said Pacific Symphony President and CEO John Forsyte. “Under Enrico Lopez-Yañez’s leadership, these concerts bring together world-class artists, innovative programming and the extraordinary musicianship of our orchestra for experiences audiences simply can’t find anywhere else.”

“Our Pops Series has become one of the most exciting ways for audiences to experience Pacific Symphony — whether through Broadway stars, iconic film music, legendary artists or immersive live entertainment experiences,” Forsyte added. “Subscribing offers audiences the best seats, the best value and a full season of unforgettable nights led by one of the most dynamic Pops conductors in America.”

All performances begin at 8 p.m. Concerts take place at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, with The Music of Bond, James Bond taking place in Segerstrom Hall. Pops subscriptions are available now, including seven-concert packages featuring seven shows for the price of six, along with customizable four-concert packages.

Subscribers receive priority seating access and the opportunity to secure seats for what is expected to be one of Pacific Symphony’s most in-demand Pops seasons.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call (714) 755-5799 or visit PacificSymphony.org.

Enrico Lopez-Yañez, conductor

Join powerhouse multi-hyphenate Idina Menzel in a night of hits spanning her Tony Award-winning career. Best known for her iconic performances as the original Elphaba in the smash musical Wicked and Elsa in Disney’s Oscar-winning Frozen, Menzel brings her signature strength and emotional depth to the stage. Widely regarded as one of the greatest performers of her time, she is consistently lauded for her commanding live performances and has played to sold-out audiences around the world. The Denver Post dubbed her “the Streisand of her generation,” while The New York Times praised Menzel as “an entertainer with a phenomenal voice.”

Enrico Lopez-Yañez, conductor

Cozy up and celebrate the season with the music you love—brought to life in a fresh and memorable way. Following his previous sold-out appearances, GRAMMY®-nominated singer-songwriter Cody Fry returns to Pacific Symphony with a holiday program that blends timeless favorites with his signature orchestral style, warmth and wit. With the full power of the orchestra behind him, Fry reimagines beloved songs with lush arrangements, rich harmonies and a sweeping, cinematic sound paired with a natural storytelling presence that makes for a night of joy and festivities.

Enrico Lopez-Yañez, conductor

Pink Martini returns with an all-new show that brings triple the joy, featuring Pink Martini All-Stars. Thomas Lauderdale’s globe-trotting “little orchestra” is joined by three of the band’s favorite singers and longtime collaborators for a dazzling evening of music spanning genres and cultures. Featuring Ari Shapiro, Edna Vazquez and Jimmie Herrod, Pink Martini All-Stars blends catchy pop, big-band swing and Hollywood glamour into a vibrant, world-spanning celebration that feels both familiar and thrillingly new.

Ted Sperling, conductor

These iconic women didn’t just sing songs—they defined an era. Experience the timeless music of Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Carly Simon, and rediscover the music that shaped the sound of the ‘60s and beyond. Lose yourself in the heartfelt lyrics and captivating melodies of beloved classics like “Both Sides Now,” “I Feel the Earth Move” and “You’re So Vain,” reimagined for full symphony orchestra.

Enrico Lopez-Yañez, conductor

Segerstrom Hall

Principal Pops Conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez takes the podium for an evening of intrigue, glamour and some of the most iconic music ever written for the silver screen. Featuring legendary themes from the James Bond films—including the electrifying opening fanfare, the cool sophistication of Casino Royale and the soaring power of Skyfall—this concert delivers high-stakes drama and cinematic style in full symphonic splendor. Guests are invited to dress to impress, enjoy the bar and test their luck at a pre-concert casino experience for an unforgettable night with Pacific Symphony at Segerstrom Hall.

Enrico Lopez-Yañez, conductor

Explore new horizons as Pacific Symphony blasts off for an epic journey through the cosmos of your favorite sci-fi film and television scores. Experience thunderous battle themes, eerie otherworldly wonder, pulse-pounding tension and soaring interstellar adventure as these iconic scores bring distant worlds to life. From the imaginative soundscapes of John Williams to the farthest reaches of the final frontier, this music captures human imagination at its most boundless. Prepare for liftoff!

Rob Fisher, conductor

The story begins with—what else—murder. Or at least the accusation of it. Chicago comes to the concert hall with the music that made it a Broadway legend, now reimagined for full orchestra in a concert presentation of the show’s most essential songs. On-stage singers allow the score itself to tell the story of Chicago with wit, bite and irresistible style. With its bold orchestral setting written by Bill Elliott, Chicago: The Musical – In Concert delivers the signature “Razzle Dazzle” audiences love, heard in a thrilling new way.

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.