Concert Calendar

Epic rock riffs and majestic symphonic strings will come together in perfect harmony as Pacific Symphony pays tribute to one of the greatest bands of all time. Joined by high energy band and vocalists Windborne, the Symphony performs hits such as “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Are the Champions,” “Killer Queen,” “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” “Another One Bites the Dust” and many more! 

Be swept away by the romantic charm of the guitar as Pacific Symphony embarks on a special celebration of this popular instrument. A festival curated by the “master of guitar” Pablo Sáinz-Villegas takes you on a journey to Spain with Joaquín Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez, inspired by the real-life royal Spanish palace.

Guitar virtuoso Pablo Sainz-Villegas presents a one-hour recital of music by Albéniz, Granados, Barrios and Tárrega in the intimate Samueli Theater. Praised as “the soul of the Spanish guitar,” Pablo Sáinz-Villegas has become a worldwide sensation known as this generation’s great guitarist. 

Pacific Symphony Santiago Strings wraps up their 2018-19 season with a program of rousing and engaging pieces, both old and new! From the intense sonorities of Vivaldi’s Double Cello Concerto to the brilliance of Brian Balmages Urban Concerto, this musical adventure is sure to provide new and exciting vistas for all to enjoy!

Admission is free, but tickets are required. Seating is general admission.

One of today’s most sought-after concert organists, Juilliard-trained Hector Olivera is a passionate musician, whose interpretations of both classical and popular music have amazed and delighted audiences around the world. The Times Reporter describes an evening with Hector Olivera as “an event, a happening, a joyful celebration of the sheer power and pressure that a true virtuoso like Olivera can unleash in a concert hall.” Experience the might of this organ master as he performs a wide-ranging program of the most virtuosic repertoire, in addition to his masterful improvisations on popular themes.

Celebrate your inner child with Ravel's masterpiece, the one-act opera  “L'enfant et les sortilèges” (“The Child and the Magic Spells”), in which a young boy encounters magical forces, including dancing chairs, a grumpy grandfather clock, two amorous cats and a singing squirrel. Opening the program is Prokofiev’s symphonic fairy tale, “Peter and the Wolf” featuring unique visual performers, the Magic Circle Mime Company.

Wrapping up their 2018-19 season, Pacific Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble will present a program of depth and excitement, exploring the enduring musical influence of one of western music’s most towering figures and featuring performances by guest conductor Dr. Jamal Duncan and organist Kristen Lawrence.

Admission is free, but tickets are required. Seating is general admission.

Enjoy this unique theatrical program featuring Alan Ridout’s “Ferdinand the Bull,” a musical narration of Munro Leaf’s enchanting picture book and Igor Stravinsky’s “The Soldier’s Tale,” a parable about a soldier who deals with the devil. A lyrical work by Brahms and "A Charm of Lullabies" by Britten complete this delightful program. Enjoy coffee, tea and pastries in the intimate coffee-house atmosphere of the Samueli Theater.

Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra wraps up its 2018-19 season with one of the 20th century’s most revolutionary and influential works, Igor Stravinsky’s epic ballet, "The Rite of Spring." The concert will also feature performances by the first place winners of PSYO’s annual concerto auditions, a thrilling and much anticipated event!

Admission is free, but tickets are required. Seating is general admission.

“Ya got trouble” in River City, when a fast-talking con man has his heart stolen by the town librarian. By turns wicked, funny, warm, romantic and touching, The Music Man is a story to be shared with every generation! In association with Chaplin Entertainment, UIA Presents you with the charm and whimsy of this timeless story, performed live with a one-of-a-kind, nostalgic score of rousing marches, lush ballads and barbershop quartets, including such perennial favorites as “Seventy-Six Trombones,” “Til There Was You,” “Marian the Librarian” and “Goodnight my Someone.” 

Principal Symphony musicians display their artistry in Mozart's charming Sinfonia Concertante for Four Winds. Then, the 40th anniversary season concludes with Mahler's monumental Symphony No. 1.

Pacific Symphony concludes its 40th anniversary season with Mahler's epic Symphony No. 1. Mahler expanded conventional symphonic form in this dramatic work with which the orchestra inaugurated the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in 2006.

“Welcome to the Hotel California…”

Orange County’s favorite 4th-of-July celebration! The highly acclaimed “Hotel California” band headlines our extravaganza with mega-hits like “Hotel California” and “Take It Easy” — plus enjoy patriotic favorites, our traditional salute to the U.S. armed forces and a brilliant fireworks finale!

Mission San Juan Capistrano, in partnership with Pacific Symphony,  is proud to announce an added concert to its 2019 Music Under the Stars line up! For the first time ever, Music Under the Stars will feature Pacific Symphony performing your favorite light classics and beloved Broadway hits with the award-winning soprano, Lisa Vroman, and led by the ever-charming maestro, Albert-George Schram for a unique musical performance at the leading California landmark. 

It's the perfect way to end a lazy summer day. Grab a lawn chair or blanket and join us for FREE music and family fun!

Prelude in the Park, including entertainment and a Musical Playground for Children: 4 p.m.
Concert featuring Pacific Symphony: 7 p.m.
Oso Viejo Community Park on the Village Green, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo

It's the perfect way to end a lazy summer day. Join us for FREE music and family fun!

Family activities and local music acts begin at 5:30 p.m.
Pacific Symphony concert starts at 7 p.m.
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa

It's the perfect way to end a lazy summer day. Grab a lawn chair or blanket and join us for FREE music and family fun!

Family activities and local music acts begin at 5:30 p.m.
Pacific Symphony concert starts at 7 p.m.
Aitken Arts Plaza at Musco Center for the Arts at Chapman University
One University Drive, Orange, CA

It's the perfect way to end a lazy summer day. Grab a lawn chair or blanket and join us for FREE music and family fun!

Family activities and local music acts begin at 5:30 p.m.
Pacific Symphony concert starts at 7 p.m.
Mike Ward Community Park Woodbridge, 20 Lake Road, Irvine

“May the Force be with you…always.”

Travel to a galaxy far far away as Pacific Symphony performs John Williams’ legendary score live while the iconic film is projected on a giant high-definition screen.

© 2019 & TM LUCASFILM LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © DISNEY.

End the summer with a bang!

No SummerFest is complete without Pacific Symphony performing Tchaikovsky’s thrilling 1812 overture, complete with live cannons and brilliant fireworks. Enjoy the best hits from this famous Romantic composer, including his Violin Concerto.

Carl kicks off his 30th with a program of explosive music! First, Beethoven’s dramatic Egmont Overture followed by the precursor to his Ninth Symphony, the “Choral” Fantasy featuring the accomplished Benjamin Pasternack. Then, fly through the flames of fortune with Orff’s breathtaking masterpiece, Carmina Burana.

Carl kicks off his 30th with a program of symphonic and choral fire: Carl Orff’s breathtaking and widely popular masterpiece, Carmina Burana.

Drama unfolds with Tchaikovsky’s deeply passionate Symphony No. 6 and Ravel’s virtuosic gypsy rhapsody, Tzigane, featuring concertmaster Dennis Kim. Earlier in the evening, you’ll embark on an exploration of the brilliant compositions from legendary film composer John Williams, who is responsible for linking Carl to Pacific Symphony.

Immerse yourself in the colorful traditions and festivities of the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Enjoy kid-friendly activities and traditional music, featuring tunes from Disney-Pixar’s Coco.

An opening night celebrating two Broadway legends! “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Evita,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Cats,” “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” “Gypsy” and much more!
 

Journey through the minds of three prolific American composers: George Chadwick, the master from the New England Conservatory; his pupil Florence Price, the first African-American woman recognized as a symphonic composer; and George Gershwin, a composer whose music is synonymous with the sound of America.

More than two centuries after its wildly successful premiere, Beethoven’s Seventh remains a work you simply must experience live. Also featured is another premiere: a tribute to Maestro St.Clair from Academy Award-winning composer, Elliot Goldenthal. And Vadym Kholodenko, winner of the prestigious Van Cliburn competition, joins with an electrifying performance of Prokofiev’s demanding Piano Concerto No. 3.

Visions of sugarplums and beautiful ballerinas will dance in your head after seeing Tchaikovsky’s delightful Christmas ballet, performed in a condensed 45-minute version created just for kids. This annual favorite finishes with a grand finale sing-along and a jolly visit from Santa himself!

A beloved holiday tradition, Handel’s celebrated oratorio — with its blazing trumpets, thundering timpani and spectacular “Hallelujah!” chorus — provides a moment during the busy season to experience reflection, renewal and joy.

Celebrate Christmas with Marie Osmond backed by the spectacular Hollywood sound of Pacific Symphony. Experience her captivating talent with an unforgettable holiday concert featuring festive favorites as well as hit singles such as “Paper Roses, “Meet Me in Montana” and “Read My Lips.”

 

This is Beethoven at his best – lyrical, spirited and epic. Dvořák, while greatly inspired by the great German, expresses his own Bohemian lyricism in his Symphony No. 8, filled with indelible melodies and themes that flow like no other symphony.

Step under the big top at our zany circus, as talented singers take the stage in a rollicking, kid-friendly version of Donizetti’s comic opera “The Elixir of Love.”

A fun and fascinating 45-minute concert designed especially for children 5-11.

Join us for Pacific Symphony’s annual festivities honoring the Lunar New Year! Celebrating the Year of the Rat, this performance is sure to sell out once again as audiences from across our communities come together to feast on a colorful presentation of Eastern and Western music and dance.

Obsession, unrequited love and…opium; when mixed properly, these ingredients leave you with Berlioz’s vivid and dream-like Symphonie Fantastique. Also featured is Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin, a series of portraits dedicated to friends lost in World War I along with his jazzy Piano Concerto in G Major with the spectacular Lefèvre.

Obsession, unrequited love and…opium; when mixed properly, these ingredients leave you with Berlioz’s vivid and dream-like Symphonie Fantastique. Also featured is the spectacular Alain Lefèvre with Ravel’s jazzy Piano Concerto in G Major.

Back by popular demand, trumpeter extraordinaire Chris Botti delivers a brand-new show that’s perfect for your Valentine!  A gifted instrumentalist and a charismatic performer, the former trumpeter for Sting effortlessly crosses the boundaries between pop and classical, jazz and rock.

 

Where piano fans look to Rachmaninoff for keyboard virtuosity, violinists turn to Paganini. An outrageously gifted musician, he was also an accomplished composer writing hundreds of pieces including six violin concertos. Sparks will fly as violinist Augustin Hadelich takes the stage. Following is Rachmaninoff’s expressive and quintessentially Russian Symphony No. 3.

Join Peter and his brave animal friends on an adventure to outsmart the Big Bad Wolf! The Magic Circle Mime Co. and the colorful characters of the orchestra bring this timeless symphonic fairytale to life!

A fun and fascinating 45-minute concert designed especially for children 5-11.

After standing ovations and shouts of “Bravo!” during their visit last season, we’ve invited this popular band to return to Pacific Symphony with their rollicking, around-the-world musical adventure. However, we are contractually prohibited from announcing the engagement until later this summer. Stay tuned for details…

An all-Beethoven weekend – in celebration of the iconic composer’s 250th birthday – featuring all five piano concertos with the lavishly talented Alexander Romanovsky.

An all-Beethoven program – in celebration of the iconic composer’s 250th birthday – featuring his 4th and 5th piano concertos with the lavishly talented Alexander Romanovsky.

Celebrate Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, with Pacific Symphony! A traditional festival that marks the beginning of spring, Nowruz is a time to celebrate the “rebirth of nature” and wash away the past. Join us for a concert that unites cultures through the power of music.

Since their whirlwind debut on “America’s Got Talent,” The Texas Tenors have garnered a long list of accolades, including three Emmy Awards. From classical to country and pop to patriotic, the trio’s set list is as unrestrained and expansive as the Lone Star State.

 

Love, betrayal and jealousy – all trademarks of great tragic opera – Otello embraces these themes to the fullest. Written decades after going into retirement, Verdi’s interpretation of Shakespeare’s tale takes you on a journey through a passionate romance destroyed by one of opera’s most loathsome villains.

“Satisfaction,” “Jumping Jack Flash,” “Paint it, Black” and more! Celebrate over half a century of the Rolling Stones, one of the most legendary rock groups in history.  Billboard magazine ranked them number 4 of the 100 greatest artists of all time.

 

Schumann’s Symphony No. 4 is a work that leads you from gorgeous melodies to unforgettable themes, all without pause. Earlier in the evening, piano phenom Joyce Yang dazzles with Rachmaninoff’s tour-de-force of the keyboard, Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.

Pianist Conrad Tao returns with Mozart’s impassioned Piano Concerto No. 20. Following is Brahms’ Fourth and final symphony. Filled with deep emotion, profound complexity and beautiful melancholy, it finishes with a finale that will leave you speechless. The concert opens with a new work by Frank Ticheli in honor of Carl's 30th anniversary.

Lights, camera, action! Celebrate the treasured film music of John Williams in an exhilarating performance featuring your favorite themes from “Harry Potter,” “Star Wars,” “Jurassic Park,” and more!

A fun and fascinating 45-minute concert designed especially for children 5-11.

Filled with deep emotion, profound complexity and beautiful melancholy, Brahms’ 4th symphony finishes with a finale that will leave you speechless—the perfect ending to Carl’s 30th anniversary season.

An intergalactic musical showdown featuring the acclaimed and unforgettable music of your favorite films. From John Williams’ iconic “Star Wars” main theme and “Imperial March” to music from “The Wrath of Khan” to the newest “Star Trek” films.

A tidal wave of sound, Mahler’s “Symphony of a Thousand” is an immersive work that pushes the sonic boundaries of the orchestra and choir. Written as an expression of confidence in the eternal human spirit, Mahler’s Eighth is an exhilarating experience you cannot miss.