Pacific Symphony Announces 2024-25 Classical Programming: A Monumental Milestone Season!

Attention classical music lovers and symphony enthusiasts! Get ready to be swept off your feet because Pacific Symphony’s 2024-25 Hal and Jeanette Segerstrom Family Foundation Classical Series is shaping up to be nothing short of spectacular, and it’s all to celebrate a monumental milestone. This season isn’t just any season; it’s a grand toast to the 35th anniversary of Carl St.Clair’s visionary leadership as Music Director.

That’s right, St.Clair is hitting a record-breaking streak, becoming the longest-tenured American-born conductor of a major American orchestra.

So, what’s on the menu for this landmark celebration? Imagine a buffet of auditory delights where every dish is more tantalizing than the last. From world premieres of commissions by major American composers like Adolphus Hailstork and Viet Cuong to an epic opera in concert featuring Wagner’s Das Rheingold, the season is brimming with firsts and fan favorites.

But wait, there’s more! Themed evenings that’ll have you dancing with skeletons in your closet during a Halloween-inspired concert, contemplating nature’s beauty, or getting lost in spiritually-infused cathedrals of sound. And let’s not forget the choral masterworks with Pacific Chorale, featuring the pulsating rhythms of Carmina Burana and the soul-stirring Verdi Requiem.

The season is also a who’s who of the classical music world, with guest appearances that read like a red-carpet roll call. Think Joshua Bell’s violin serenading alongside soprano Larisa Martínez, and a parade of guest conductors and soloists making their Pacific Symphony debut.

Now, let me paint you a picture of opening night: a kaleidoscope of sound starting with Frank Ticheli’s musical fireworks Shooting Stars, followed by Ravel’s Alborada del gracioso, and capped off with Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony. A night where Claire Huangci’s fingers dance across the keys in Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.  

Throughout the season, St.Clair’s programming genius shines through in a series of concerts that are not just heard but felt. Each performance is a journey through emotions, landscapes, and stories, all woven together by the maestro’s baton.

But this season is more than just a series of concerts; it’s a heartfelt homage to the enduring relationship between St.Clair and Pacific Symphony. It’s a celebration of growth, excellence, and a shared journey that has touched the hearts of audiences and musicians alike.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into this musical odyssey with Pacific Symphony. Whether you’re a seasoned concertgoer or looking to dip your toes into the world of classical music, this season promises unforgettable nights where you don’t just listen to music—you live it. Let’s celebrate, explore, and be part of the story that will unfold with every note played. Here’s to a season of extraordinary music, groundbreaking achievements, and the magic that happens when community and orchestra come together.

Ready to join the celebration? This season is not just a milestone; it’s a movement. And trust me, you’ll want to be in the audience when the magic happens. Check out the season and subscribe today at PacificSymphony.org. See you at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa!

2024-25 Classical Season sponsors include the Park Club California, PBS SoCal, and Classical California KUSC.