SYMPHONY IN THE CITIES An Orange County Summertime Tradition Continues This Summer

Each summer, the Symphony, led by Music Director Carl St.Clair, takes the opportunity to express its gratitude to all of its neighbors by travelling throughout Orange County to deliver a little fun and inspirational music to friends old and new on its "Symphony in the Cities" series. This summer, the orchestra makes appearances in the cities of Mission Viejo and Irvine, where the Symphony, along with talented guest vocalists, Chelsea Chaves and Nick Preston, deliver an evening chock full of light classical, pops and patriotic music for an eclectic, energy-infused evening of everyone's favorite tunes!

From masterpieces by Mozart, Puccini and Verdi and lively music by Leonard Bernstein and George Gershwin to rousing tunes by John Phillip Sousa, plus activities for children and families - it's a perfect way to end a summer day in the great outdoors. Families are encouraged to bring picnics, blankets and chairs and arrive early for the Symphony's Musical Playground and city festivities, prior to settling back for a little music under the magnificent OC sky. These concerts are free, no ticket required!

This summer's "Symphony in the Cities" concerts begin at 7 p.m., and take place on Saturday, July 28, in Mission Viejo at the Norman P. Murrary Community and Senior Center (24932 Veterans Way); and on Sunday, July 29, in Irvine at Mike Ward Community Park Woodbridge (20 Lake Road).

In addition to hearing the orchestra play, come early to enjoy pre-concert entertainment by Triada and attend the Symphony's Musical Playground featuring hands-on activities for kids, including instrument-making, a drum circle, an instrument petting zoo and a chance to meet musicians-beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Irvine. In Mission Viejo, the fun begins at 4 p.m., when the city hosts "Prelude in the Park," featuring an "80s" theme and a selection of tasty treats and beverages. Plus, in each of the cities, children and their parents won't want to miss the always popular conducting clinic led by the maestro himself. All children who participate in the clinic are then invited during the concert to join St.Clair in front of the stage and help him conduct Sousa's "Hands Across the Sea!"

"I always look forward to the children who help me conduct during the concert-and so does everyone in the audience!" says St.Clair. "This concert experience is ideal for children, families and for anyone who just wants a casual concert experience."

The concert's upbeat program opens with everyone's feel-proud musical moment as the orchestra plays "The Star-Spangled Banner." The orchestra then turns up the tempo for Sousa's joyous "Hands Across the Sea," and Gershwin's jazz-influenced hits "Strike up the Band" and "Embraceable You" from "Girl Crazy," featuring our guest vocalists. The evening continues with Lerner and Loewe's "On the Street Where You Live" and "I Could Have Danced All Night" from "My Fair Lady." Bernstein's "West Side Story Suite," including the thrilling "Mambo" movement, provides an energetic interlude before one of Mozart's most timeless and famous pieces is heard: the Overture to "The Marriage of Figaro."

Prepare to be wowed as our talented soprano soloist rejoins the stage to perform "O mio babbino caro" from "Gianni Schicchi," followed by our tenor singing "Nessun dorma" from "Turandot" (both by Puccini), before joining forces as a duet to perform Verdi's "Brindisi" from "La Traviata."

And no SITC evening is complete without a moving salute to the United States Armed Forces! Then, to send everyone out on a heartfelt note, the Symphony ends with three patriotic gems: "America the Beautiful," Irving Berlin's "God Bless America" and Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever!" - drawing a close to this enchanting night of music.

For more information, call (714) 755-5799 or visit www.PacificSymphony.org/SITC.]