2023-24 Classical & Pops Brochure

2023-24 SEASON

PACIFIC SYMPHONY

Pacific Symphony proudly performs at SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

615 Town Center Drive Costa Mesa, Calif. 92626

23-24 SEASON AT A GLANCE

CLASSICAL SUNDAY MATINEES SPECIALS POPS

SEPTEMBER

A Hero’s Life Opening Night!

OCTOBER

Ein Heldenleben Sibelius’ Violin Concerto

Music of Star Wars

California Dreamin’

New World Symphony

Handel’s Glorious Messiah

Celtic Woman Christmas Tour

Mahler’s

Nowruz:

Bohème Michael Cavanaugh Performs The Music of Elton John

Tchaikovsky’s Sixth Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique

Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto

Ben Rector & Cody Fry

Beethoven & Sibelius

Kern Plays Rach 3

Rach 3

Lunar New Year

Latin Fire with Arturo Sandoval

Ode

to Joy Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

PACIFIC SYMPHONY’S 2023-24 CLASSICAL SEASON

Hal and Jeanette Segerstrom Family Foundation Classical Series

“

Every life has a story. All lives have an arc, and music has that unique and special power to perfectly mold and shape it.

Maestro Carl St.Clair

”

A HERO’S LIFE

SEPTEMBER 21-23

THU-SAT • 8 PM

Carl St.Clair conductor

Eighth Blackbird soloists

Mozart: Symphony No. 32

Viet Cuong: Vital Sines

Strauss: Ein Heldenleben

Opening Night is anchored by Strauss’ monumental tone poem, evoking confidence, unrest, life, love, and serenity. Before that, GRAMMY® Award-winning Eighth Blackbird shares an intricate and eclectic piece featuring elements of classical, jazz, and popular music!

SIBELIUS’ VIOLIN CONCERTO

OCTOBER 19-21

THU-SAT • 8 PM

Lili Boulanger: D’un soir triste

Sibelius: Violin Concerto

Prokofiev: Symphony No. 5

Sibelius himself once said, “When I play the violin, it is as though the insides of the music opened up to me.” So it is no surprise that his only violin concerto is a masterpiece featuring lush melodies and sweeping movements, perfectly blending drama and technical virtuosity.

Christian Kluxen guest conductor Esther Yoo violin

CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’

NOVEMBER 16-18

THU-SAT • 8 PM

Adam Schoenberg: Canto

Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 4

Prokofiev: Bioluminescence Chaconne

Debussy: La Mer

Part of the inaugural California Festival, a treasure trove of music celebrating the Golden State’s legacy of experimentation and free-spirited artistry, this concert features a new composition by Gabriella Smith, whose work is described as “high-voltage and wildly imaginative,” along with other pieces inspired by the diversity and richness of our state.

This concert is part of the California Festival: A Celebration of New Music across the state Nov. 3-19, 2023.

Ludovic Morlot guest conductor

Vadym Kholodenko piano

NEW WORLD SYMPHONY

NOV. 30 - DEC. 2

THU-SAT • 8 PM

Sofia Gubaidulina: Fairytale Poem

Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 2

Dvořák: Symphony No. 9, “From the New World”

Drawing on Native American and African American musical themes and Bohemian folk tunes, Dvorák’s masterpiece weaves a unique musical tapestry that remains one of the most popular works of classical music. Chopin’s romantic Piano Concerto No. 2 features acclaimed French pianist David Fray.

Alexander Shelley guest conductor David Fray piano

TCHAIKOVSKY’S VIOLIN CONCERTO

JANUARY 11-13

THU-SAT • 8 PM

Matthew Halls guest conductor

Paul Huang violin

Sibelius: En Saga

Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto

Vaughan Williams: Symphony No. 6

A masterpiece of emotion and virtuosity, Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto features lyrical melodies, expressive solos, and a brilliant finale! Then, Bartok’s musical tour-de-force, a thrilling blend of innovative orchestration, imaginative textures, and evocative themes.

KERN PLAYS RACH 3

FEBRUARY 1-3

THU-SAT • 8 PM

Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 3

Brahms: Symphony No. 1

Superstar Olga Kern performs the “Mount Everest” of piano concertos— one of the repertoire’s most powerful, most demanding, and most popular works. Then, Brahms’ infinitely rich, astonishingly simple, and exquisitely enchanting First Symphony.

Carl St.Clair conductor

Olga Kern piano

BEETHOVEN & SHOSTAKOVICH

FEBRUARY 22-24

THU-SAT • 8 PM

Andrew Litton guest conductor

Alessio Bax piano

Charles Griffes: The White Peacock

Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 3

Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5

Featuring a dramatic opening movement, a lyrical second movement, and a dance-like final movement, the Piano Concerto No. 3 is considered one of Beethoven’s best. Then, the triumph and tragedy of Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5.

MAHLER’S FIFTH

MARCH 14-16

Ortiz: Kauyumari

Haydn: Cello Concerto in C Major

Mahler: Symphony No. 5

From its powerful opening trumpet solo to its triumphant finale, Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 is huge, sweeping, and emotional— reflecting the composer’s journey from mourning to triumph. Upbeat and joyful, Haydn’s Cello Concerto No. 1 is a cornerstone of the repertoire.

THU-SAT • 8 PM

Carlos Miguel Prieto guest conductor Sterling Elliott cello

LA BOHÈME

APRIL 4, 6, 9

THU-SAT • 8 PM

Carl St.Clair conductor

Omer Ben Seadia stage director

Pacific Chorale Robert Istad, artistic director

Puccini: La Bohème

Semi-staged opera in Italian with English subtitles.

Everything great opera should have: gorgeous music, high emotion, and grand tragedy!

Carefree Bohemians and star-struck lovers— penniless, hungry, and ill—fill the concert hall with their astonishing voices as Puccini’s heart-rending tale unfolds.

TCHAIKOVSKY’S SIXTH

Shiyeon Sung guest conductor

Yeol

APRIL 25-27

THU-SAT • 8 PM

Donghoon Shin: The Hunter’s Funeral

Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 21

Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6, “Pathétique”

One of classical music’s enduring favorites, Tchaikovsky’s “Pathétique” is a musical representation of the composer’s private struggles, including his failing health and his difficult personal life: “Without exaggeration,” he wrote, “I have put my whole soul into this work.”

Eum Son piano

BEETHOVEN & SIBELIUS

MAY 16-18

Elfrida Andrée: Andante quasi recitativo for Strings

Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 4

Sibelius: Symphony No. 2

Absorb the hauntingly beautiful poetic qualities of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4—which Leonard Bernstein called “one of the most sublime moments in the history of music.” Contrast that with Sibelius’ energetic and triumphant symphony—and its memorable brass fanfares.

Tianyi Lu guest conductor

Yulianna Avdeeva piano

BEETHOVEN’S NINTH

Carl St.Clair conductor

Pacific Chorale Robert Istad, artistic director

Lauridsen: Lux aeterna

Beethoven: Symphony No. 9, “Choral”

Beethoven’s crowning achievement—a monumental fusion of soloists, chorus, and music all set to Schiller’s magnificent “Ode to Joy.” When it premiered in 1824, conducted by Beethoven himself, he heard not a note, so profoundly deaf was he by then.

Alexander Shelley

Andrew Litton

Shiyeon Sung

Tianyi Lu

Carlos Miguel Prieto

Matthew Halls

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SEE THE FOLLOWING PAGES FOR ALL AVAILABLE PACKAGES.

CLASSICAL PACKAGES

THE MAESTRO’S SERIES 12 CONCERTS

Your best value! Save the most with all 12 Classical concerts for the price of 7.

ROMANTIC NIGHTS 6 CONCERTS

A Hero’s Life • Sept. 21-23

California Dreamin’ • Nov. 16-18

Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto • Jan. 11-13

Beethoven & Shostakovich • Feb. 22-24

La Bohème • Apr. 4, 6, 9

Beethoven & Sibelius • May 16-18

CLASSICAL ESCAPES 6 CONCERTS

Sibelius’ Violin Concerto • Oct. 19-21

New World Symphony • Nov. 30-Dec. 2

Kern Plays Rach 3 • Feb. 1-3

Mahler’s Fifth • Mar. 14-16

Tchaikovsky’s Sixth • Apr. 25-27

Beethoven’s Ninth • June 6-8

WANT MORE FLEXIBILITY?

YOU CAN CHOOSE YOUR OWN CLASSICAL ADVENTURE!

Choose any four or six Classical concerts to create your own season!

CLASSICAL PRICING

THE MAESTRO’S SERIES 12 CONCERTS

ROMANTIC NIGHTS 6 CONCERTS CLASSICAL ESCAPES 6

CUSTOM PAYMENT PLANS ARE AVAILABLE. Inquire with the Box Office directly at (714) 755-5799.

*By invitation only to Box Circle Club members. Membership additional. Please call (714) 876-2377 for more information.

EIN HELDENLEBEN

SEPTEMBER 24 • 3 PM

Carl St.Clair conductor

STRAUSS: Ein Heldenleben

One of Strauss’ largest and most ambitious compositions, depicting the hero’s journey and his eventual victory.

TCHAIKOVSKY’S “PATHÉTIQUE”

APRIL 28, 2024 • 3 PM

Shiyeon Sung conductor

TCHAIKOVSKY: Symphony No. 6, “Pathétique”

Through some of the most enduring music in the repertoire, experience Tchaikovsky’s passions and struggles.

HANDEL’S GLORIOUS MESSIAH

SUN • DECEMBER 3 • 3 PM

Cosette Justo Valdés conductor

Pacific Chorale— Robert Istad artistic director

Soloists TBD

Handel’s Glorious Messiah is an event of joy, reflection, and renewal. Thrill to blazing trumpets, thundering timpani, and the uplifting “Hallelujah” chorus!

NOWRUZ: IRANIAN NEW YEAR

SAT • MARCH 23, 2024 • 8 PM

Carl St.Clair conductor

A traditional festival that marks the beginning of spring, Nowruz is a time to celebrate the “rebirth of nature” and wash away the past.

RACH 3

FEBRUARY 4, 2024 • 3 PM

Carl St.Clair conductor

Olga Kern piano

RACHMANINOFF: Piano Concerto No. 3

A tour-de-force of the piano, Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto is a work of sheer musical magic, a breathtaking display of virtuosity and emotion.

ODE TO JOY

JUNE 9, 2024 • 3 PM

Carl St.Clair conductor

Pacific Chorale—Robert Istad artistic director

BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 9

Beethoven’s crowning achievement—a monumental fusion of soloists, chorus, and music all set to Schiller’s magnificent “Ode to Joy.”

LUNAR NEW YEAR

SAT • FEBRUARY 10, 2024 • 8 PM

Carl St.Clair conductor

Celebrating the Year of the Dragon, audiences from across our communities come together to feast on a colorful presentation of Eastern and Western music and dance.

2023-24 POPS SEASON

Underwritten by the Sharon & Tom Malloy Family

Enjoy electrifying performances of popular music’s most enduring favorites—backed by the “Hollywood” sound of Pacific Symphony.

ENRICO LOPEZ-YAÑEZ

Pacific Symphony’s

Principal Pops Conductor

Hal and Jeanette Segerstrom Family Foundation

Principal Pops Conductor Chair

MUSIC OF STAR WARS

NOVEMBER 3-4

FRI-SAT • 8 PM

An epic journey to a galaxy far, far away: From John Williams’ and Michael Giacchino’s iconic themes to thrilling battle sequences, this performance brings the music of the Star Wars film saga to life with the force of a full symphony orchestra.

Enrico Lopez-Yañez conductor

DECEMBER 15-16

Be swept away by Celtic Woman’s angelic voices and stunning performances of beloved Christmas classics and traditional Celtic carols. Together, the singers blend their voices with traditional fiddles, pipes, and harp to transcend the spirit of the season!

LATIN FIRE WITH ARTURO SANDOVAL

FEBRUARY 16-17

FRI-SAT • 8 PM

Enrico Lopez-Yañez conductor

Arturo Sandoval trumpet

This scorching performance brings together the GRAMMY® Award-winning jazz trumpeter and composer with the full sonic force of a symphony orchestra—delivering a fiery fusion of jazz and Latin music that’s sure to get you dancing!

LYLE LOVETT

MARCH 8-9

FRI-SAT • 8 PM

Enrico Lopez-Yañez conductor

Lyle Lovett

Be mesmerized by the soulful voice and impeccable guitar skills of Lyle Lovett, as he performs his greatest hits backed by a full symphony orchestra. Bonnie Raitt says that Lovett “writes songs that sound like no one else’s and then he sings them in an even more unique way.”

MICHAEL CAVANAUGH PERFORMS THE MUSIC OF ELTON JOHN

APRIL 19-20

Kaufman conductor

Michael Cavanaugh vocalist and piano

Get ready to rock out with Michael Cavanaugh (back by popular demand!) as he performs the timeless hits of Elton John! This electrifying show features Cavanaugh’s powerhouse vocals and incredible piano skills, accompanied by a full orchestra.

Richard

BEN RECTOR & CODY FRY

MAY 10-11

FRI-SAT • 8 PM

Enrico Lopez-Yañez conductor

Ben Rector

Cody Fry

Two of the most talented and innovative singer-songwriters of our time will take you on a journey through their eclectic blend of pop, rock, and soulful ballads—all showcasing their impressive musicianship and heartfelt lyrics.

JUNE 14-15

FRI-SAT • 8 PM

Stephen Sondheim’s thrilling musical tale of the infamous barber seeking revenge comes to life! Featuring a full symphony orchestra, a talented cast of actors, and unique costumes and props, this exciting performance will transport you to the dark and mysterious streets of Victorian London.

THE POPS SERIES 7 CONCERTS

WANT MORE FLEXIBILITY?

YOU CAN CHOOSE YOUR OWN POPS EXPERIENCE! Choose any four Pops concerts to create your own season!

Your best value! Save the most with all 7 Pops concerts. *By

At Pacific Symphony,

we partner with our diverse communities to create programs and opportunities that promote well-being, inspire learning and expression, and strengthen our communities. We strive to make a difference by unlocking the transformative power of music to make life better in Orange County through music connection, working with students, adults, and families.

arts-X-press Class Act Heartstrings

A transformational experience... Imagine a place where budding young artists and creative thinkers in grades six, seven, and eight come together to explore the arts, nourish their sense of self, and make lasting friendships.

The Frieda Belinfante Class Act Program connects Pacific Symphony to a select number of elementary schools each year. Class Act strives to enhance existing school music programs by providing additional musical experience through the Symphony.

Heartstrings is a major community-wide program providing free instrumental instruction, access to concerts, hands-on enrichment activities, and transportation for a range of underserved local residents in partnership with Orange County agencies and educational institutions.

Music

brings people together, transcending culture, space, and time. It removes barriers, connecting community members through a common language.

Pacific Symphony ensures that music is accessible to every person in Orange County regardless of age, gender, race, color, religion, abilities, or financial situation.

Your gift enables us to connect, inspire, educate, and celebrate music in all of its forms today and in the future.

DOUBLE YOUR GIFT NOW!

An anonymous donor has generously agreed to match every gift.

Lantern Festival Youth Ensembles

Family Musical Mornings

Lantern Festival is a daylong public community arts festival celebrating the culmination of the Lunar New Year, attracting over 4,000 audience members and held in the concert hall, lobby, and plaza.

Pacific Symphony Youth Ensembles (PSYE)

is one of the largest pre-professional musical training programs in the nation, nurturing and inspiring young musicians in grades 6 through 12.

This series of four Saturday morning programs (eight total performances) introduces young audiences ages 5-11 and their families to the Symphony. These interactive concerts are designed to be both educational and entertaining.

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Full calendar of events, details about guest artists and programming, information on education and community engagement programs, and so much more!

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CHOOSE THE RIGHT PACKAGE FOR YOU!

FIXED CLASSICAL PACKAGES

MAESTRO’S SERIES

All 12 Classical concerts

ROMANTIC NIGHTS

6 Classical concerts

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CHOOSE YOUR OWN 6 6 Classical concerts of your choice

FIXED POPS PACKAGE

POPS SERIES All 7 Pops concerts

SUNDAY MATINEES PACKAGE

SUNDAY MATINEES SERIES

4 Matinee concerts

CLASSICAL ESCAPES

6 Classical concerts

CHOOSE YOUR OWN 4 4 Classical concerts of your choice

FLEXIBLE POPS PACKAGE

CHOOSE YOUR OWN 4 4 Pops concerts of your choice