Henry Segerstrom News

The Board of Directors of Pacific Chorale, the resident choir of Segerstrom Center for the Arts, has announced its 2016-2017 season, the final season for its long-serving Artistic Director, John Alexander. The season will mark the organization's 49th season and will be John Alexander's 45th conducting the internationally acclaimed 140-member choir.

It's an opportunity not even all professional musicians encounter -- a chance to take their music on the road (or in this case-in the air for 13+ hours), but that's exactly the reward waiting for Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra at the end of their 2015-16 season!

Music Director Alan Gilbert will lead the New York Philharmonic on the CALIFORNIA 2016 tour, this week, May 3-7, 2016. The tour will feature four orchestral concerts with appearances in Costa Mesa, San Diego, and San Francisco.

Orange County, Calif.—April 25, 2016—In its triumphant season finale, Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra (PSYO) gears up to embark on an international tour of China in June by performing a program that ranges from 19th-century masterpieces to a brand new work by one of today's leading composers. Energized from a season of artistic achievement, the orchestra opens the concert with “Lighter Than Air,” a newly commissioned work by the Symphony's composer-in-residence, Narong Prangcharoen, and ends with Tchaikovsky's dramatic Symphony No. 4. In-between, the program spotlights the winner of this season's concerto competition, Erica Huang, who performs Dvorák's moving Cello Concerto. Comprised of Southern California's most talented young symphonic musicians, grades 9-12, PSYO is led by the Symphony's Assistant Conductor Roger Kalia, who says: “You will not see many high school youth orchestras perform works of this caliber at such a high level.”

Orange County, Calif.—April 27, 2016—The young and talented musicians of Pacific Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble (PSYWE), grades 8-12, conclude their season with a heavenly array of moving and arresting music. The program, “Heaven and Earth,” features works that are both naturally and divinely inspired—from the “lightning in a bottle” of John Mackey's 2015 “Lightning Field,” to the natural sounds of rain in Whitacre's “Cloudburst,” to Grainger's impressions of a typical day in Australia in “Colonial Song,” and the spiritual underpinnings of Maslanka's “Give Us This Day.” Also, for the first time in PSYWE history, the ensemble performs a new composition by one of its own members, trumpeter Kai Quizon, who wrote “Impulse” over his summer break after working with Symphony composer-in-residence Narong Prangcharoen. These talented brass, woodwind and percussion musicians come together to perform this moving selection of music on Sunday, May 22, at 1 p.m., in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.

Mesmerizing virtuoso, former child prodigy and so famous she goes by one name—Midori—joins Pacific Symphony to perform Erich Korngold's achingly beautiful Violin Concerto, which the composer reimagined from four of his acclaimed film scores. The exquisite program is led by Grammy and Juno award-winning music director of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Bramwell Tovey, of whom Musical America has called: “One of the most versatile and charismatic musicians in the world.” Tovey also leads the orchestra in grand and thrilling music inspired by the galaxy—Gustav Holst's dramatic interpretation of the cosmos, “The Planets,” enhanced by the voices of the women of Pacific Chorale (John Alexander, artistic director); plus, Debussy's luminous piano piece, “Clair de Lune,” orchestrated by the legendary Leopold Stokowski. 

Orange County, Calif.—April 21, 2016—Two all-time favorite pieces of music provide a feast for the ears, while stimulating imaginations with their vivid, arresting beauty, when Pacific Symphony performs one of the most beloved works of the Baroque repertoire and then takes a stunning excursion through the Alps. First, Vivaldi's lyrical masterpiece “The Four Seasons,” which paints tantalizing pictures of the changing seasons, is performed and led by award-winning Russian-American violinist Philippe Quint. Revel in the celebration of the autumn harvest, the warmth of the winter fire and the languor of the summer sun as Vivaldi's Venetian tour de force unleashes all of the drama and splendor of the Baroque period and the lyrical beauty of the strings. Then, led by Music Director Carl St.Clair, the Symphony retraces the majestic, musical depiction of a dawn-to-dusk hike up and down the Bavarian Alps, as brought to life by Richard Strauss' lush, splendid musical descriptions in his “An Alpine Symphony.” 

Orange County, Calif.—April 19, 2016—The world's most popular trumpeter— Chris Botti—returns to Pacific Symphony for a concert overflowing with his astute mastery, as he effortlessly crosses the boundaries of jazz, classical, rock and pop. With polished charm and mesmerizing trumpeting skills, the talented musician/composer takes well-known pop ballads and transforms them into a soulful mix of grace, warmth and beautiful tones. Returning by popular demand for an all-new show, Botti makes his fourth Pacific Symphony appearance for a night of heart-melting, expressive music, backed by the lush sounds of the orchestra. Officially the best-selling instrumental artist in America, Botti performs worldwide, has received multiple Gold, Platinum and Grammy Awards and sold more than four million copies of his albums, including his latest Grammy-winning “Impressions.”

WHO: Pacific Symphony Santiago Strings, now in its 25th season! Made up of instrumentalists in grades 6-9 and led by Music Director Irene Kroesen under the artistic advisement of Music Director Carl St.Clair.  WHAT: Newly returned from a tour to Florida and energized by a season of artistic achievement, Santiago Strings delivers an electrifying musical culmination of its silver jubilee! From Copland's toe-tapping “Hoe-Down” to the jazzy rhythms of “Cook it Hot or Get Out of the Kitchen,” there's something for everyone to dance to in this brilliant display of young talent and robust dance styles. This concert reflects on Santiago Strings' 25 years of musical excellence and celebrates the future with a world premiere commission by Pacific Symphony Composer-in- Residence Narong Prangcharoen. Also, Dvo?ák's “Slavonic Dance” in E Minor, Bartok's “Dances of Transylvania” and more!

Orange County, Calif.—April 11, 2016—The stars come out for seven sensational concerts showcasing major names, top talent and a plethora of indelible music for Pacific Symphony's 2016-17 Pops season! Led for the 26th year by acclaimed Principal Pops Conductor Richard Kaufman, the lighter side of the Symphony opens with the return of multiple Grammy Award-winner Amy Grant. Then, sit back and enjoy some good-natured hilarity when the hit movie “Home Alone” returns to the screen with the Symphony performing the score live! For the holidays, share the spirit of the season with The Ten Tenors, and spend Valentine's Day weekend with Michael Bolton. Get an early jump on summer with The Beach Boys, before being treated to the unique humor and talent of Jason Alexander, best known for his role in “Seinfeld.” Finally, a tribute to the legend responsible for so many unforgettable movie tunes—John Williams—finishes out this incredible season.

Orange County, Calif.—April 7, 2016—Swashbuckling musical adventures and exciting swordfights explode on screen when acclaimed organist Dennis James returns to Pacific Symphony to recreate the soundtrack to the 1920 silent-film masterpiece, “The Mark of Zorro.” Starring the legendary Douglas Fairbanks in the double role of Don Diego Vega/Señor Zorro, the Symphony's organ concert sets imaginations ablaze and sensations reverberating when the mighty “King of Instruments” thunders forth for this special movie matinee. In the skilled hands of James, indescribable sounds emanate from the 4,322 pipes of the commanding William J. Gillespie Concert Organ to provide the film's original score, as the classic movie plays overhead. Fairbanks biographer Jeffrey Vance writes, “The Mark of Zorro is a landmark, not only in the career of Douglas Fairbanks, but also in the development of the action adventure film.”

Lea Salonga, revered as the 'Voice of the Philippines,' returns to Segerstrom Center for the Arts for a special one-night-only concert in the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall tonight, April 2 at 8 p.m.

Orange County, Calif.—Feb. 25, 2016—Pacific Symphony, led by Principal Pops Conductor Richard Kaufman, brings one of the most legendary silent films ever made—the 1925 larger-than-life “Ben-Hur”—to full breath-taking splendor in the concert hall, when the orchestra performs the score live as the movie is shown on the giant screen. The score—newly composed for the classic Hollywood hit—was written by Stewart Copeland, former drummer for “The Police,” who performs on drums and a myriad of percussion instruments (including trash cans to create the sounds of the Roman troops), alongside the orchestra for this movie extravaganza. With its enormous cast and crew and a visual scope that is awe-inspiring to this day, “Ben-Hur” tells the tale of a Jewish prince who is betrayed and sent into slavery by a Roman friend, but lives to regain his freedom and return for revenge. Buckle your seat belt for a wild chariot race, bloody battle scenes at sea and music that enhances every minute of it—all the ingredients for a very special event.

Mesmerizing virtuoso, former child prodigy and so famous she goes by one name—Midori—joins Pacific Symphony to perform Erich Korngold's achingly beautiful Violin Concerto, which the composer reimagined from four of his acclaimed film scores. The exquisite program is led by Grammy and Juno award-winning music director of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Bramwell Tovey, of whom Musical America has called: “One of the most versatile and charismatic musicians in the world.” Tovey also leads the orchestra in grand and thrilling music inspired by the galaxy—Gustav Holst's dramatic interpretation of the cosmos, “The Planets,” enhanced by the voices of the women of Pacific Chorale (John Alexander, artistic director); plus, Debussy's luminous piano piece, “Clair de Lune,” orchestrated by the legendary Leopold Stokowski. 

Orange County, Calif.-Feb. 17, 2016-Jumpin' Jupiter! Fasten your seatbelts for blast-off as Pacific Symphony, navigated by Assistant Conductor Roger Kalia, takes the audience on a musical journey through the solar system for Family Musical Mornings, "Symphony in Space," sponsored by Farmers & Merchants Bank. An astonishing experience for ears and eyes, this concert invites the audience to revel in thrilling selections from "Star Wars," Gustav Holst's epic "The Planets" and more, while watching actual footage from NASA projected onto the giant screen and enjoying a story about a boy who manages to get lost in space. Joining the orchestra are the gifted young musicians of Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra (PSYO) in a side-by-side performance for this awesome galactic experience. This event is sure to inspire awe in both the magnificence of the universe and the wonder of music.

Orange County, Calif.—Feb. 29, 2016—An outstanding performance by Southern California's most talented young symphonic musicians, grades 9-12, is on tap when Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra (PSYO) rules the stage for a diverse and entertaining spring concert led by Assistant Conductor Roger Kalia. Full of energy and passion, the evening includes an impressive and exciting range of repertoire, all of which began as opera music—from Saint-Saëns' thrilling “Bacchanale” from the opera, “Samson and Delilah,” to Bernstein's “Symphonic Dances” from “West Side Story” and Strauss' luscious Suite from “Der Rosenkavalier.” The concert takes place Sunday, March 20, at 7 p.m., in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Thanks to generous sponsors, PSYO concerts are free to attend this season (but tickets are required). To reserve a general admission seat, call the Symphony's box office at (714) 755-5799 or visit www.PacificSymphony.org.

Orange County, Calif.—Feb. 25, 2016—Pacific Symphony, led by Principal Pops Conductor Richard Kaufman, brings one of the most legendary silent films ever made—the 1925 larger-than-life “Ben-Hur”—to full breath-taking splendor in the concert hall, when the orchestra performs the score live as the movie is shown on the giant screen. The score—newly composed for the classic Hollywood hit—was written by Stewart Copeland, former drummer for “The Police,” who performs on drums and a myriad of percussion instruments (including trash cans to create the sounds of the Roman troops), alongside the orchestra for this movie extravaganza. With its enormous cast and crew and a visual scope that is awe-inspiring to this day, “Ben-Hur” tells the tale of a Jewish prince who is betrayed and sent into slavery by a Roman friend, but lives to regain his freedom and return for revenge. Buckle your seat belt for a wild chariot race, bloody battle scenes at sea and music that enhances every minute of it—all the ingredients for a very special event.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts is preparing for its annual Six Days of Broadway summer musical theater camp for middle and senior high school students. Students participating in these week-long intensives are introduced to musical theater technique and repertoire taught by some of the industry's leading professional artists and instructors.

Orange County, Calif.-Feb. 3, 2016-Pacific Symphony partners with South Coast Chinese Cultural Center/Irvine Chinese School to present the "2016 Lantern Festival" commemorating the end of the Lunar New Year celebration. This free, family-friendly Lantern Festival-featuring the traditional dragon dance, riddles and lantern making usually associated with the end of the Lunar New Year-takes place tonight, Feb. 20, from 3-6 p.m., in the lobby of the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, prior to the Symphony's opera production of Puccini's "Turandot." Musical highlights include string quartet performances by Pacific Symphony and Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra, as well as Chinese folk dance and customary Chinese songs sung by the Irvine Chinese Chorus. Lanterns on display are curated by artist and curator Trinh Mai and include lanterns created by Irvine Chinese School students, as well as seniors from Nguoi Viet who are part of the Bowers Museum Treasures program. 

Orange County, Calif.—Feb. 17, 2016—Jumpin' Jupiter! Fasten your seatbelts for blast-off as Pacific Symphony, navigated by Assistant Conductor Roger Kalia, takes the audience on a musical journey through the solar system for Family Musical Mornings, “Symphony in Space,” sponsored by Farmers & Merchants Bank. An astonishing experience for ears and eyes, this concert invites the audience to revel in thrilling selections from “Star Wars,” Gustav Holst's epic “The Planets” and more, while watching actual footage from NASA projected onto the giant screen and enjoying a story about a boy who manages to get lost in space. Joining the orchestra are the gifted young musicians of Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra (PSYO) in a side-by-side performance for this awesome galactic experience. This event is sure to inspire awe in both the magnificence of the universe and the wonder of music.