Pacific Symphony announces the orchestra’s return to the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall stage after an absence of nearly one year, due to the uncertainty caused by coronavirus. After an in-depth collaboration with UCI’s Department of Public Health to develop Covid protocols in order to ensure the health and safety of the musicians, the Symphony has been given permission from the OC Health Officer to begin recording new content.
Symphony President and CEO John Forsyte commented, “Recent metrics from the Orange County Health Authority and the California Department of Public Health, combined with increasing vaccination numbers, suggest an end to the pandemic may be in sight. And we want to be prepared to resume our place as Orange County’s musical ambassador, as a vibrant and engaging cultural partner that inspires, engages and serves our community. With that in mind, we are launching PacificSymphony+, a new way to experience your Symphony online and on demand so you can enjoy the magic of music whenever and wherever you can.
“Starting Feb. 25 at 7 p.m.,” Forsyte continued, “newly recorded footage from the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall will be premiered every Thurs. beginning with classical events and eventually including pops, family and chamber programming. Many of the programs will be free of charge. The classical offerings are made possible by the Hal and Jeanette Segerstrom Family Foundation. We thank them for their generous and ongoing support.”
Music Director Carl St.Clair said, “The musicians and I are gratified to be creating and making music again after such a long period of being unable to play together. I planned the repertoire for these online concerts in such a way that each piece can be performed by a smaller ensemble rather than the full orchestra. This allows us to be properly socially distanced on stage and assures that everyone is safe. Last weekend, for example, we recorded Richard Strauss’ Serenade for 13 Winds and the finale of Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings.
“This recording will be released through our new online service, Pacific Symphony Plus+ on Thur., Feb. 25 at 7 p.m.,” St.Clair added. “The following week’s concert on March 4 will feature our brilliant brass section in two works: Lauridsen’s ‘O Magnum Mysterium’ and Daugherty’s ‘Asclepius.'”
Other highlights of the upcoming Hal and Jeanette Segerstrom Foundation Virtual Classical Series on subsequent Thursdays at 7 p.m. will include: Stravinsky’s “Pulcinella” Suite and Suite from “The Firebird;” Mozart’s “Serenata Notturna;” Gounod’s “Petite Symphonie for Winds” (finale only); selections from Ravel’s “Mother Goose;” Satie’s “Gymnopédie No. 3;” and a number of Bach concertos. Symphony Thursdays at 7 will be streamed on Pacific Symphony’s YouTube channel, Facebook page and on the Symphony’s website, PacificSymphony.org. Individual events will remain available for online viewing for 30 days.
Additional programming will be announced as it becomes available. Artists and programs subject to change.
About Carl St.Clair
The 2020-21 season marks Music Director Carl St.Clair’s 31st year leading Pacific Symphony. He is one of the longest-tenured conductors of the major American orchestras. St.Clair’s lengthy history solidifies the strong relationship he has forged with the musicians and the community. His continuing role also lends stability to the organization and continuity to his vision for the Symphony’s future. Few orchestras can claim such rapid artistic development as Pacific Symphony—the largest-budgeted orchestra formed in the United States in the last 50 years, which was recently elevated to the status of a Tier 1 orchestra by the League of American Orchestras—due in large part to St.Clair’s leadership.
During his tenure, St.Clair has become widely recognized for his musically distinguished performances, his commitment to building outstanding educational programs and his innovative approaches to programming. In April 2018, St.Clair led Pacific Symphony in its sold-out Carnegie Hall debut, as the finale to the Carnegie’s yearlong celebration of pre-eminent composer Philip Glass’ 80th birthday, ending in a standing ovation, with The New York Times calling the Symphony “a major ensemble!” He led Pacific Symphony on its first tour to China in May 2018, the orchestra’s first international tour since touring Europe in 2006. The orchestra made its national PBS debut in June 2018 on Great Performances with Peter Boyer’s “Ellis Island: The Dream of America,” conducted by St.Clair. Among St.Clair’s many creative endeavors are the highly acclaimed American Composers Festival, which began in 2000; and the opera initiative, “Symphonic Voices,” which has included concert-opera productions of Madame Butterfly, The Magic Flute, Aida, Turandot, Carmen, La Traviata, Tosca and La Bohème in previous seasons.
Pacific Symphony, led by Music Director Carl St.Clair since 1990, has been the resident orchestra of Orange County’s Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall since 2006. Currently in its 42nd season, the Symphony is the largest orchestra formed in the U.S. in the last 50 years and is recognized as an outstanding ensemble making strides on both the national and international scenes, as well as in its own community of Orange County. In April 2018, Pacific Symphony made its debut at Carnegie Hall as one of two orchestras invited to perform during a yearlong celebration of composer Philip Glass’ 80th birthday, and the following month the orchestra toured China. The orchestra made its national PBS debut in June 2018 on Great Performances with Peter Boyer’s “Ellis Island: The Dream of America,” conducted by St.Clair. Pacific Symphony presents more than 100 concerts and events each year and a rich array of education and community engagement programs, reaching more than 300,000 residents of all ages.
Pacific Symphony has been recognized with multiple ASCAP Awards for Adventurous Programming and included among the country’s five most innovative orchestras by the League of American Orchestras. The Symphony’s education and community engagement activities have also been recognized by the League, as well as the National Endowment for the Arts. These initiatives include community and youth concerts and ensembles, interactive events, masterclasses with guest artists, and classroom and summer programs for children.
