PACIFIC SYMPHONY ROCKS THE END OF THE 2011-12 SEASON
WHEN POP MUSIC SENSATION PETER CETERA JOINS THE ORCHESTRA FOR AN EVENING OF HIT BALLADS AND SUMMER SOUNDS
Orange County, Calif.—May 25, 2012—It’s a flashback of the best kind, when Pacific Symphony concludes its 2012-13 season with one of pop music’s heavy hitters: Grammy Award-winning vocalist songwriter Peter Cetera, singing hits from his solo career and as lead vocalist of the band Chicago. With his instantly recognizable vocals and classic love songs, Cetera has been a pop icon since his early days with the legendary rock band Chicago, where he served as singer, songwriter and bass player from 1968-1986. During his time with the band, Chicago recorded 18 of the most memorable albums of a generation, including the hits “25 or 6 to 4,” “You’re the Inspiration,” “If you Leave me Now,” “No Explanation,” and “Baby, What a Big Surprise.” The concert takes place Thursday through Saturday, June 7-9, at 8 p.m., in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Tickets are $25-160; for more information or to purchase tickets call (714) 755-5799 or visit www.PacificSymphony.org.
As a solo artist, Cetera has recorded 10 time-honored CDs including his No. 1 hits: the Academy Award-nominated song “The Glory of Love” from the hit movie “The Karate Kid II,” “The Next Time I Fall” with Amy Grant, “No Explanation” from the mega hit film, “Pretty Woman” and the unforgettable “Restless Heart.” For his concerts with the Symphony, Cetera brings with him a five-piece band featuring Boh Cooper on piano, Bruce Gaitsch on guitar, Gene Miller on guitar and vocals, Kim Keyes on percussion and vocals, Dan Needham on percussion, plus sound engineer Keith Thompson—all backed by the lush sounds of the orchestra.
Led by Principal Pops Conductor Richard Kaufman, the Symphony not only sends the season out on a worthy note, but sets the mood for a sizzling summer by opening the program with a medley of Beach Boys surf songs and other hot sounds including Elmer Bernstein’s Suite from “Animal House,” John Williams “Olympic Fanfare,” Fisher’s “Chicago (That Toddlin’ Town),” Fratena’s “Central Park Rag” and Sousa’s patriotic “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”
“On the second half we have one of rock’s legends, and on the first half, we feature music that celebrates summer, created by some of the greatest composers of all time—from John Williams to The Beach Boys,” says Principal Pops Conductor Kaufman. “It’s the perfect way to conclude what has been a season of wonderful music and performers—and look ahead to summer!”
The Thursday, June 7, concert is sponsored by Teresa and Robert Nichols, and the Saturday, June 9, concert is sponsored by Orva and David Schramm. The Symphony’s Pops series receives additional support from American Airlines, The Westin South Coast Plaza, K-Earth 101 and PBS SoCal.
Jayce Keane
Director of Public Relations
