THANK YOU FOR JOINING US FOR SUMMERFEST 2023!

On behalf of Carl St.Clair, the musicians, staff, and Board of Directors, welcome to the opening concert of Pacific Symphony’s Summerfest 2023 presented by City of Hope Orange County. Pacific Symphony is proud to be in partnership with the City of Hope Orange County, which has established itself as a wonderful service provider for the vibrant Orange County community.

Pacific Symphony continues its long-standing tradition of great summer concerts, music education, community engagement, and family programming because of the wonderful support and sponsorships of such generous donors, who make it possible, like City of Hope Orange County, who are also the Corporate Sponsor for Symphony in the Cities 2023 (three free concerts in Mission Viejo, Irvine, and Orange.)

The first half of tonight’s concert celebrates Independence Day with a wide variety of musical Americana. Principal Pops Conductor Laureate Richard Kaufman leads the orchestra in lively marches, popular traditional pieces, John Williams’ new work Of Grit and Glory written for ESPN’s College Football Playoff National Championship earlier this year, and movie music, including the iconic “Born to Be Wild” from the cult classic film Easy Rider

After intermission, we welcome Classical Mystery Tour performing a symphonic tribute to The Beatles. We’ll also enjoy a special “Salute to the Armed Forces” with an opportunity for the audience to sing-along on “America the Beautiful.” Of course, no Fourth of July would be complete without fireworks, and for tonight’s grand finale there will be a spectacular display to light up the sky while the orchestra plays rousing Sousa marches.

We would also like to thank Judy and Wes Whitmore for sponsoring tonight’s concert. Pacific Symphony is truly grateful for their long-time support, and we deeply appreciate their extraordinary generosity. Judy is a proud member of the Symphony’s Board of Directors.

If you don’t already have season tickets, we hope you will consider being part of the Symphony’s family of subscribers. We hope you come back to enjoy remaining SummerFest concerts: Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark™ Live in Concert (Aug. 13) and our traditional Tchaikovsky Spectacular (Sept. 9) with Music Director Carl St.Clair, cannons and fireworks!

Thank you for joining us and supporting the orchestra.

John Forsyte President & CEO Pacific Symphony