Pacific Symphony Announces 'OC Can You Play With Us?'

"Yes, we can!" That has been the emphatic response from the Orange County community for the last seven years, when asked by Pacific Symphony: "OC Can You Play With Us?" What began as a one-time endeavor in 2011 to expose the avocational musicians to professional music education and performance has continued to grow in size and spirit with each passing year. More than 230 people have participated in the side-by-side program since its beginning. The simple invitation to play onstage alongside the Symphony's orchestra members was met with such enthusiasm over the years that, in 2014, a chamber music edition was added. Like its predecessor, the chamber edition was an instant success, and now both programs have become highly anticipated annual events. With about 100 participants in total this year, "OC Can You Play With Us?" continues to encourage, inspire and make dreams come true!

What makes "OC Can You Play With Us" particularly special is that Music Director Carl St.Clair is behind the baton. Avocational musicians not only have the chance to interact and learn from the accomplished maestro but also from the Symphony's professional musicians. Chosen on a first-come, first-served basis with no audition required, this year's participants will be playing a selection from Richard Strauss' "Der Rosenkavlier," packed with colorful operatic orchestration and sophistication. Filling the stage to capacity alongside their orchestra counterparts, the participants begin their experience with some valuable rehearsal time led byAssistant Conductor Roger Kalia and Pacific Symphony musicians, fine-tuning their individual parts and hearing how they play together with the orchestra.

The final program will be performed on Monday, May 8, at 7 p.m., onstage at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Friends, fans and interested observers are invited to attend this workshop-style event. Free and open to the public, seating is general admission but tickets are required and can be reserved through the box office at (714) 755-5799 or obtained at the door. For more information, visit www.PacificSymphony.org.