Pacific Symphony's 'Festa di Firenze' Opening Night Set for 9/20

Pacific Symphony's "Festa di Firenze," is described as "a lavish Opening Night celebration of Italian delights and dazzling piano virtuosity" as the orchestra launches the 2012-13 Hal and Jeannette Segerstrom Family Foundation Classical series with "André Watts Plays Brahms." Hosted by the Symphony's board of directors and co-chaired by Ruth Ann and John Evans (the same couple who made last year's Opening Night such a success), the black-tie affair takes place Thursday, Sept. 20, with proceeds benefiting the Symphony's artistic and education programs.

The festivities begin at 5 p.m. at The Westin South Coast Plaza, where guests enjoy cocktails and appetizers, followed by a savory Italian dinner and performances highlighting music of the upcoming season, including an opera selection from Puccini's "Tosca." The soiree continues through the concert to an exclusive intermission reception in the Box Circle lobby and after at a party featuring a decadent gelato bar, champagne and dancing.

It's a night of endless enjoyment and at the center is one of classical music's most revered pianists, André Watts, playing Brahms' Romantic and intimately moving Piano Concerto No. 2, led by Music Director Carl St.Clair in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, starting at 8 p.m.

The presenting sponsor for Opening Night is South Coast Plaza and Tourbillon is the retail partner. Single tickets for the event are $500, with tables available from $7,500 to $25,000.

Concert tickets are sold separately ($25-$110). For more information, please contact the special

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