Pasadena Symphony to Conclude Singpoli Classics Series with Gershwin's AN AMERICAN IN PARIS

The Pasadena Symphony closes out its Singpoli Classics Series with Gershwin's An American in Paris on April 30 with both matinee and evening performances at Ambassador Auditorium. This French-themed season finale pays homage to Gershwin's iconic Jazz Age composition and features the youngest-ever Van Cliburn silver medalist, Joyce Yang as soloist on Ravel's Piano Concerto in G Minor. Don't miss the Pasadena Symphony's salute to the City of Lights in this must-see final concert of this blockbuster season.

This lively season finale is truly a Francophile's delight. The program opens with Offenbach's Orpheus in the Underworld and its booming can-can salute, followed by Erik Satie's densely atmospheric Gymnopédie No. 2. Van Cliburn silver medalist and Avery Fisher Award recipient Joyce Yang takes to the piano to close out the first half of the program with Ravel's Piano Concerto in G Major. Blessed with "poetic and sensitive pianism" (Washington Post) and a "wondrous sense of color" (San Francisco Classical Voice), Yang will captivate audiences with her lyricism and interpretive sensitivity. The dazzling finale of Ravel's Concerto will showcase Yang's virtuosity and colorful musical personality, with its jazz riffs acting as the perfect prelude to Gershwin's masterpiece.

The second half of the program opens with Fauré's ephemeral Pelléas et Mélisande and finishes strong with Gershwin's An American in Paris as the orchestra's final piece of the season. Made famous on screen by Gene Kelly and recently venerated on Broadway with four Tony Awards, this colloquial favorite will come to life under the baton of Music Director David Lockington, who has raised the bar this season with three consecutive sold-out concerts.

"The orchestra obviously loves playing for [Lockington] and that translates fully into what the audience hears each concert." (Los Angeles News Group).

Come early for Insights, a pre-concert dialogue with David Lockington, where he will give a behind the scenes glimpse of the musicians and the music being performed. Insights begins one hour prior to curtain.

The Pasadena Symphony provides a socially vibrant experience specially designed for the music lover, the social butterfly or a date night out, and the inner epicurean in us all. Enjoy a drink or a bite in the luxurious Sierra Auto Symphony Lounge, yet another addition to the delightful and elegant concert experience the Pasadena Symphony offers. A posh setting at Ambassador Auditorium's beautiful outdoor plaza, the lounge offers specialized menus by Claud & Co for both lunch and dinner, a full bar and fine wines by Michero Family Wines, plus music before each concert and during intermission.

Performances on April 30, 2016 take place at both 2:00pm and 8:00pm. Ambassador Auditorium is located at 131 South St. John Avenue, Pasadena, CA. Ticket prices start at $35 and may be purchased online at www.pasadenasymphony-pops.org or by calling (626) 793-7172.

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