Box Office: (714) 755-5799
www.Pacific Symphony.org
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
600 Town Center Dr.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Classical Series
2013-14 Opening Night
CONRAD TAO PLAYS RACH 3
Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 26-28, 8 p.m.
Carl St.Clair, conductor
Conrad Tao, piano
Hailed as an “exciting prodigy” and “breathtaking,” 19-year-old Conrad Tao returns by popular demand to perform one of the repertoire’s most powerful, most demanding and most popular works — Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3, featured in the 1996 hit movie “Shine.” Also, Brahms’ monumental final symphony.
Boyer: Festivities
Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 3
Brahms: Symphony No. 4
RODRIGO’S CONCIERTO
Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 24-26, 8 p.m.
Carl St.Clair, conductor
Xuefei Yang, guitar René Barbera, tenor
Joseph Horowitz, artistic adviser
An evening of Spanish-influenced rhythms, highlighted by Rodrigo’s well-known guitar concerto and Bolcom’s musical reaction to poems by Lorca, a piece premiered at the opening of the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall and described by Variety as a “fascinating, free-spirited song cycle.”
de Falla: El Amor Brujo
Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez
Bolcom: Canciones de Lorca
Music Unwound: Five seasons ago, the Symphony introduced unique formatting, multi-media and other enhancements to allow deeper insight, better understanding and a richer enjoyment of the concerts.
Enhancements thanks to a generous grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
BEETHOVEN’S TRIPLE CONCERTO
Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 14-16, 8 p.m.
Jean-Marie Zeitouni, conductor
Eroica Trio
Demanding utmost virtuosity, as well as intimate teamwork among the soloists, Beethoven’s rarely heard Triple Concerto is a delight in the hands of the Eroica Trio. The Los Angeles Times says “These people have it all: technique, temperament, interpretive savvy, good looks and a winning stage presence.”
Beethoven: Overture to “Prometheus”
Beethoven: Triple Concerto
Debussy: Nocturnes
Britten: Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra
TCHAIKOVSKY’S PIANO CONCERTO NO. 1
Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 12-14, 8 p.m.
Carl St.Clair, conductor
Joyce Yang, piano
Shostakovich: Excerpts from Symphony Described as “the most gifted young pianist of her generation” with a “million-volt stage presence,” Korean pianist Joyce Yang dazzles from the instantly recognizable introduction of Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1. Also, Bartok’s expressive “Concerto for Orchestra” — perhaps his best-known piece.
Glink: Overture to “Russlan and Ludmilla”
Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1
Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra
NADJA PLAYS MENDELSSOHN
Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 9-11, 2014, 8 p.m.
Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, conductor and violin
Described as an artist who “will make you hang breathlessly on every note,” Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg stands out for her passionate and powerful sound, her risk-taking musical persona and her energetic presence. She’s electrifying!
Zwilich: Prologue and Variations
Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto
Bizet/Shchedrin: Carmen Suite
TORADZE PLAYS SHOSTAKOVICH
Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2014, 8 p.m.
Carl St.Clair, conductor
Alexander Toradze, piano
Solomon Volkov, musicologist
Joseph Horowitz, artistic adviser
Recognized as a masterful virtuoso with deep lyricism and intense emotion, Russian pianist Alexander Toradze joins Pacific Symphony to introduce a journey into the music of Shostakovich and cultural policy under Stalin. Music Director Carl St.Clair dives into Symphony No. 10, perhaps the composer’s best work, at once melancholy and intense.
Shostakovich: Excerpts from “Lady No. 5
Shostakovich: Piano Concerto No. 2
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 10
Music Unwound: Five seasons ago, the Symphony introduced unique formatting, multi-media and other enhancements to allow deeper insight, better understanding and a richer enjoyment of the concerts.
Enhancements thanks to a generous grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
LA TRAVIATA
Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014, 8 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014, 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014, 8 p.m.
Carl St.Clair, conductor
A. Scott Parry, stage director
Pacific Chorale — John Alexander, artistic director
Vocalists to be announced
Verdi’s passionate story of a doomed love affair highlights season three of our “Symphonic Voices” initiative. Once again, opera returns to Orange County as Music Director Carl St.Clair puts Verdi’s glorious music on the stage and in the spotlight!
RAVEL’S PIANO CONCERTO
Thursday through Saturday, March 6-8, 2014, 8 p.m.
Thierry Fischer, conductor
Alexandre Tharaud, piano
Brilliant, clear and light — with influences ranging from Mozart to jazz — Ravel’s Piano Concerto is performed by Alexandre Tharaud, who possesses “fingertips with the force of nature,” according to The New York Times. Plus, Berlioz’s Suite from “Romeo and Juliet.”
Debussy: Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun
Ravel: Piano Concerto
Berlioz: Suite from “Romeo and Juliet”
CHOPIN’S PIANO CONCERTO NO. 1
Thursday through Saturday, March 27-29, 2014, 8 p.m.
Carl St.Clair, conductor
Yulianna Avdeeva, piano
Dominated by a brilliant piano part that the composer wrote to showcase his extraordinary virtuosity, Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1 is a perfect vehicle for the remarkable Yulianna Avdeeva. Then, “Ein Heldenleben (A Hero’s Life)” Strauss’ monumental tone poem depicting confidence, unrest, the battle of life, love and serenity.
Enhancements thanks to a generous grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
LA TRAVIATA
Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014, 8 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014, 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014, 8 p.m.
Carl St.Clair, conductor
A. Scott Parry, stage director
Pacific Chorale — John Alexander, artistic director
Vocalists to be announced
Verdi’s passionate story of a doomed love affair highlights season three of our “Symphonic Voices” initiative. Once again, opera returns to Orange County as Music Director Carl St.Clair puts Verdi’s glorious music on the stage and in the spotlight!
RAVEL’S PIANO CONCERTO
Thursday through Saturday, March 6-8, 2014, 8 p.m.
Thierry Fischer, conductor
Alexandre Tharaud, piano
Brilliant, clear and light — with influences ranging from Mozart to jazz — Ravel’s Piano Concerto is performed by Alexandre Tharaud, who possesses “fingertips with the force of nature,” according to The New York Times. Plus, Berlioz’s Suite from “Romeo and Juliet.”
Debussy: Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun
Ravel: Piano Concerto
Berlioz: Suite from “Romeo and Juliet”
CHOPIN’S PIANO CONCERTO NO. 1
Thursday through Saturday, March 27-29, 2014, 8 p.m.
Carl St.Clair, conductor
Yulianna Avdeeva, piano
Dominated by a brilliant piano part that the composer wrote to showcase his extraordinary virtuosity, Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1 is a perfect vehicle for the remarkable Yulianna Avdeeva. Then, “Ein Heldenleben (A Hero’s Life)” Strauss’ monumental tone poem depicting confidence, unrest, the battle of life, love and serenity.
Williams: Exsultate Justi
Foss: Elegy for Anne Frank
Ives: The Unanswered Question
Bowen: I Believe in God
Orff: Carmina Burana
Music Unwound: Five seasons ago, the Symphony introduced unique formatting, multi-media and other enhancements to allow deeper insight, better understanding and a richer enjoyment of the concerts.
Enhancements thanks to a generous grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
Special Events
HANDEL’S JUDAS MACCABAEUS: THE HANUKKAH STORY
Sunday, Dec. 1, 3 p.m.
John Alexander, conductor
Pacific Chorale, John Alexander, artistic director
Full of historic symbolism and soaring arias, this rarely performed oratorio is a rich journey from hopelessness to triumph
Handel: Judas Maccabaeus
HANDEL’S GLORIOUS MESSIAH
Sunday, Dec. 15, 3 p.m.
Christopher Seaman, conductor
Pacific Chorale, John Alexander, artistic director
An event of joy, reflection and renewal: Thrill to blazing trumpets, thundering timpani and the electrifying, uplifting “Hallelujah!” chorus.
Handel: Messiah
MAESTRO OF THE MOVIES
Thursday, Feb. 6, 8 p.m.
John Williams, conductor
As the man responsible for the most recognizable film music in history, John Williams is a Hollywood legend. His scores — including “Star Wars,” “Jaws,” “Superman,” “Indiana Jones,” “Harry Potter,” “E.T., the Extra Terrestrial” and more — have provided iconic soundtracks for multiple generations. He conducts Pacific Symphony for the first time in a decade during this special one-night-only benefit concert!
Sunday Connections
RACH 3 REVEALED
Sunday, September 29, 3 p.m.
Carl St.Clair, conductor
Conrad Tao, piano
One of the most difficult — and most beautiful — concertos in the repertoire is explored by Music Director Carl St.Clair and 18-year-old piano sensation Conrad Tao. Find out why it’s now one of the most popular!
Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 3
SHOSTAKOVICH’S SYMPHONY NO. 10
Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014, 3 p.m.
Carl St.Clair, conductor
Full of tragedy, terror and — ultimately — triumph, Shostakovich’s electrifying Symphony No. 10 is also full of memorable musical ideas. Music Director Carl St.Clair and the orchestra showcase the composer’s greatest work.
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 10
A HERO’S LIFE
Sunday, March 30, 2014, 3 p.m.
Carl St.Clair, conductor
Music Director Carl St.Clair and Pacific Symphony dissect the six sections of Strauss’ monumental tone poem, “Ein heldenleben (A Hero’s Life)” exploring how the work was both a nod to the past and a herald of the future.
Strauss: Ein Heldenleben (A Hero’s Life”)
CARMINA BURANA DISCOVERED
Sunday, June 8, 2014, 3 p.m.
Carl St.Clair, conductor
Pacific Chorale — John Alexander, artistic director
You’ve heard it in the concert hall and on the big screen, but did you know that Orff’s Carmina Burana examines love and sex, gambling and drinking, fate and fortune? Investigate this masterpiece with Music Director Carl St.Clair, Pacific Symphony and the angelic voices of Pacific Chorale.
Music Unwound: Five seasons ago, the Symphony introduced unique formatting, multi-media and other enhancements to allow deeper insight, better understanding and a richer enjoyment of the concerts.
Enhancements thanks to a generous grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
Pops Series
2013-14 Pops Opening Night
MICHAEL CAVANAUGH: SONGS OF ELTON JOHN & MORE
Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 7-9, 8 p.m.
Pacific Symphony
Richard Kaufman, conductor
Michael Cavanaugh
Broadway sensation Michael Cavanaugh returns to Pacific Symphony with a high-energy show highlighting the music of Sir Elton John. Billboard Magazine calls Cavanaugh “the new voice of the American rock-and-roll songbook,” an accolade earned when he dazzles with
favorites including “Piano Man,” “Benny and the Jets,” “Rocket Man” and “Candle in the Wind.”CHRISTMAS WITH LEANN RIMES
Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 19-21, 8 p.m.
Pacific Symphony
Richard Kaufman, conductor
Leann Rimes
It’s a heartwarming holiday celebration when two-time Grammy Award winner LeAnn Rimes shares her authentic charm and her sensational singing with Pacific Symphony audiences. The vocal superstar shares music from her holiday album, “What a Wonderful World,” along with some of her best-known hits like “Blue,” “How Do I Live” and “Can’t Fight the Moonlight.”
PINK MARTINI
Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 23-25, 2014, 8 p.m.
Pacific Symphony
Richard Kaufman, conductor
Pink Martini
As the Washington Post puts it: “Pour in a variety of genres, shake well, serve. Crowd loves it.” Pink Martini is part big band, part classical ensemble, part salsa troupe and all fun! The 12-member group may deliver magical ballads, syncopated tangos, spitfire ditties or dreamy love songs—all enhanced with the lush backing of Pacific Symphony.
VALENTINE’S DAY WITH BURT BACHARACH
Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 13-15, 2014, 8 p.m.
Pacific Symphony
Richard Kaufman, conductor
Burt Bacharach
With more than 70 Top 40 songs to his credit, Burt Bacharach has penned hits for Dionne Warwick, Johnny Mathis, Andy Williams, Dusty Springfield, Bobbie Gentry, Neil Diamond, Jackie DeShannon and many others. He joins Pacific Symphony to share his favorites including “What the World Needs now is Love,” “This Guy’s In Love With You,” “Promises, Promises” and “Alfie.”
MICHAEL McDONALD
Thursday through Saturday, March 13-15, 2014, 8 p.m.
Pacific Symphony
Albert-George Schram, conductor
Michael McDonald
With his husky, soulful baritone, five-time Grammy winner Michael McDonald is one of the most popular vocalists to emerge from the 1970s rock scene. From his days with Steely Dan to superstardom as a member of the Doobie Brothers to a successful solo career, McDonald has won legions of fans with hits like “What a Fool Believes,” “I Keep Forgettin’,” “On My Own” and “Sweet Freedom.”
CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIE
Thursday through Saturday, May 1-3, 2014, 8 p.m.
Pacific Symphony
Richard Kaufman, conductor
A jaw-dropping fusion of two art forms: You’ll be delighted as aerial fliers, acrobats, contortionists, dancers, jugglers and strongmen perform their cirque acts to classical masterpieces and memorable contemporary music — all performed live! This amazing troupe will leave you in awe as they share beauty, thrills and majesty!
AMERICA
Thursday through Saturday, June 12-14, 2014, 8 p.m.
Pacific Symphony
Richard Kaufman, conductor
America
One of the greatest folk rock and roll bands of all time sings some of the most beautifully crafted songs of their era: “A Horse With No Name,” “You Can Do Magic,” “Ventura Highway,” “Sister Golden Hair” and more. America had three platinum and three gold albums, along with eight Top 40 hits in the early 1970s.
Café Ludwig Chamber Series
MOZART, SCHUBERT & MORE
Sunday, Nov. 24, 3 p.m.
Orli Shaham, piano
Jessica Pearlman, oboe
Benjamin Lulich, clarinet
Rose Corrigan, bassoon
Keith Popejoy, horn
Raymond Kobler, violin
Timothy Landauer, cello
A delightful Mozart sonata and a late Schubert piano trio frame Avner Dorman’s compelling “Jerusalem Mix,” a melting pot of ideas, each preserving unique musical characteristics that contribute to the whole. It uses a diverse ensemble to mirror the diversity of its namesake city.
Mozart: Sonata for Violin and Piano in G major
Dorman: Jerusalem Mix
Schubert: Piano Trio No. 2 in E-flat Major
THE BRILLIANCE OF BACH
Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014, 3 p.m.
Orli Shaham, piano and harpsichord
Benjamin Smolen, flute
Raymond Kobler, violin
Paul Manaster, violin
Robert Becker, viola
Timothy Landauer, cello
Steven Edelman, bass
Considered to be the greatest composer in western history, Bach created some of the most profound works of the chamber repertoire. Celebrate his achievements with an enjoyable matinee that includes one of his popular Brandenburg Concertos.
Bach: Solo Flute Partita
Bach: Duos for Violin and Cello
Bach: Partita No. 1 for Solo Piano in B-flat Major
Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D Major
EUROPEAN RHYTHMS
Sunday, May 11, 2014, 3 p.m.
Orli Shaham, piano
Benjamin Smolen, flute
Jessica Pearlman, oboe
Benjamin Lulich, clarinet
Rose Corrigan, bassoon
Keith Popejoy, horn
Raymond Kobler, violin
Robert Becker, viola
Timothy Landauer, cello
Eastern European folk music serves as the inspiration for works by Bartok and Ligeti – each one showcasing the dynamic rhythms of the composer’s homeland. Then, one of Brahms’ finest chamber works, Piano Quartet No. 1.
Ligeti: Six Bagatelles for Woodwind Quintet
Bartok: Three Folksongs from Csik
Bartok: Three Rondos for Piano Solo
Bartok: Romanian Folk Dances
Brahms: Piano Quartet No. 1 in G Minor
Family Musical Mornings
HALLOWEEN MASQUERADE
Saturday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Alejandro Gutiérrez, conductor
Pacific Symphony spooky favorites like “Harry Potter” and “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” are paired with Latin American symphonic hits for a cross-cultural celebration! Enjoy music and traditions from “Dia de los Muertos” alongside Halloween tunes and spine-chilling fun. Don’t forget to wear your costume and mask! Pacific Symphony’s Family Musical Mornings are fun
and fascinating 45-minute concerts designed especially for children 5-11. Enjoy family fun time together while enhancing your child’s (or grandchild’s) love of music.
During the Musical Carnival, enjoy free hands-on activities for children, who can meet Symphony musicians, sing, dance, play, color, try musical instruments and enjoy themselves in thematic activities related to the concert. 9 a.m. for 10 a.m. concertgoers; 12:15 p.m. for 11:30 a.m. concertgoers.
NUTCRACKER FOR KIDS
Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Alejandro Gutiérrez, conductor
Festival Ballet Theatre
Visions of sugarplums will dance in your head after seeing Tchaikovsky’s delightful Christmas ballet — performed in a condensed 45-minute version created just for kids. This seasonal favorite finishes with a grand finale holiday sing-along and is sure to sell out! Pacific Symphony’s Family Musical Mornings are fun and fascinating 45-minute concerts designed especially for children 5-11. Enjoy family fun time together while enhancing your child’s (or grandchild’s) love of music.
During the Musical Carnival, enjoy free hands-on activities for children, who can meet Symphony musicians, sing, dance, play, color, try musical instruments and enjoy themselves in thematic activities related to the concert. 9 a.m. for 10 a.m. concertgoers; 12:15 p.m. for 11:30 a.m. concertgoers.
THE MAGIC POTION
Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Alejandro Gutiérrez, conductor
Talented singers join Pacific Symphony to bring to life a special 45-minute opera for kids, inspired by Donizetti’s comic gem “Elixir of Love.” Dr. Dulcamara’s potent potion has the power to enchant. Or does it? Find out during this rollicking adventure filled with sparkling music and zany characters! Pacific Symphony’s Family Musical Mornings are fun and fascinating 45-minute concerts designed especially for children 5-11. Enjoy family fun time together while enhancing your child’s (or grandchild’s) love of music.
During the Musical Carnival, enjoy free hands-on activities for children, who can meet Symphony musicians, sing, dance, play, color, try musical instruments and enjoy themselves in thematic activities related to the concert. 9 a.m. for 10 a.m. concertgoers; 12:15 p.m. for 11:30 a.m. concertgoers.
DINOSAURS!
Saturday, March 8, 2014, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Alejandro Gutiérrez, conductor
Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra
A dino-mite concert featuring the gargantuan sound of the William J. Gillespie Concert Organ and selections from Saint-Saens’ “Organ” Symphony and music from John Williams’ “Jurassic Park” score. Featuring the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra performing side by side with Pacific Symphony. DesigPacific Symphony’s Family Musical Mornings are fun and fascinating 45-minute concerts designed especially for children 5-11. Enjoy family fun time together while enhancing your child’s (or grandchild’s) love of music.
During the Musical Carnival, enjoy free hands-on activities for children, who can meet Symphony musicians, sing, dance, play, color, try musical instruments and enjoy themselves in thematic activities related to the concert. 9 a.m. for 10 a.m. concertgoers; 12:15 p.m. for 11:30 a.m. concertgoers.
PETER AND THE WOLF
Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Alejandro Gutiérrez, conductor
Magic Circle Mime Co.
Without upsetting the maestro, three musicians and a conductor’s assistant must outwit a fearsome wolf that threatens orchestra and audience alike. The concert hall becomes the dramatic setting and musicians are the characters of the story as Prokofiev’s exhilarating musical tale springs to life. Pacific Symphony’s Family Musical Mornings are fun and fascinating 45-minute concerts designed especially for children 5-11. Enjoy family fun time together while enhancing your child’s (or grandchild’s) love of music.
During the Musical Carnival, enjoy free hands-on activities for children, who can meet Symphony musicians, sing, dance, play, color, try musical instruments and enjoy themselves in thematic activities related to the concert. 9 a.m. for 10 a.m. concertgoers; 12:15 p.m. for 11:30 a.m. concertgoers.
Pedals and Pipes Organ Series
HOLIDAY ORGAN SPECTACULAR
Tuesday, Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m.
Todd Wilson, organ
Lisa Vroman, vocalist
Ben Smolen, flute
Barry Perkins, trumpet
Mindy Ball, harp
Tim Landauer, cello
Celebrate the season with the king of instruments! Enjoy a magnitude of musical splendors with a world-class organist and a delightful mix of sacred and holiday music. Favorite Christmas carols share the bill with traditional organ works that highlight the $3.1-million organ.
THE THREE MUSKETEERS
Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014, 7:30 p.m.
Dennis James, organ
Organist Dennis James provides the soundtrack to the classics 1921 silent film starring Douglas Fairbanks. Enjoy swashbuckling swordplay from the mustachioed master matinee maven while experiencing the overwhelming sounds from the 4,322-pipe organ!
CAMERON CARPENTER
Friday, April 4, 2014, 8 p.m.
Cameron Carpenter, organ
One of the rare musicians who changes the game of his instrument, Cameron Carpenter is a rock star of the pipe organ! “He is a smasher of cultural and classical music taboos,” says Mark Swed of the Los Angeles Times. “He is technically the most accomplished organist I have ever witnessed… And, most important of all, the most musical.”
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