Van Cliburn International Competition Gold Medalist Vadym Kholodenko Performs Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1

Pacific Symphony ends every summer season with a spectacular bang, a burst of colorful fireworks and grand music! After a season of major accomplishments, "Tchaikovsky Spectacular" ends SummerFest on a triumphant note, ushering in the spirit of our 40th Season. Music Director Carl St.Clair leads this annual hit parade of Romantic masterworks, which also includes favorites by such mighty Russian masters as Shostakovich and Rimsky-Korsakov. The concert features the brilliant virtuosity of the Van Cliburn gold medal winner, Vadym Kholodenko, who performs Tchaikovsky's soaring Piano Concerto No. 1. Capping off this memorable evening is the electrifying "1812 Overture," featuring the Huntington Beach Concert Band-complete with cannons and brilliant fireworks-sending hearts racing and spirits soaring!

"Our summer will close with the ringing of bells, the sound of canon fire and, of course, fireworks and Tchaikovsky's ever-beloved '1812 Overture'-it's always a memorable time!" says Maestro St.Clair. "Each year's 'Tchaikovsky Spectacular' features an all-new program, and this summer the audience will be treated to a powerful performance of Tchaikovsky's powerful 'First Piano Concerto,' as well as great music by other top Russian composers. It is sure to bring our second summer at the Pacific Amphitheatre to a wonderful and fitting close!"

A grand spectacle from beginning to end, "Tchaikovsky Spectacular" takes place Saturday, Sept. 8, at 8 p.m., in the Pacific Amphitheatre at the OC Fair & Event Center. Tickets are $25-$99, starting at $12.50 for children under 14. Pre-concert entertainment by the Huntington Beach Concert Band takes place from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Plaza Pacifica entrance. All are welcome to bring their own food, wine and non-alcoholic beverages onto the premises, but glass containers and glassware are not permitted inside the amphitheater. Beer, along with additional food and beverages may be purchased at the concession stands inside the amphitheater. The gates open at 6 p.m. for picnicking. Picnic tables are available at the Plaza Pacifica entrance or patrons may picnic at their seats. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (714) 755-5799 or visit www.PacificSymphony.org.

Tchaikovsky's exhilarating music, with its distinct brilliant sound and victorious climax, becomes the quintessential conclusion for an evening of fireworks and orchestral music under the stars. As the Symphony welcomes the Huntington Beach Concert Band onstage and St.Clair signals for 16 cannon shots to be fired, fireworks light up the sky and the summer season comes to an unforgettable close.

"Wherever Pacific Symphony performs, we dedicate ourselves to ensuring that our Symphony family has an exciting and rewarding experience," says St.Clair. "This summer has been special, as we continued our new life in the Pacific Amphitheatre at the OC Fair, and we're grateful to our loyal patrons who made the move with us. And, of course, we also look forward to welcoming everyone back to the concert hall in September!"

Summer Festival 2018 is made possible by supporting sponsors The Orange County Register, Westin South Coast Plaza and media sponsors PBS SoCal, K-Earth 101, KPCC and KUSC.

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