We presented our first and second performances of Verdi’s Rigoletto, and reactions from the audience are flying in! Here’s what they’re saying: “Voices, music, and acting all 10 out of 10!” “The principals were outstanding, the staging was very creative, the
MEET RIGOLETTO
Baritone Stephen Powell will sing the role of Rigoletto for Pacific Symphony’s upcoming production of Verdi’s famous opera (April 20, 22, and 25). Read about his operatic career. Two-time GRAMMY nominee Stephen Powell enters his fourth decade as a leading
Tao Plays Mozart
PROGRAM NOTES FOR TAO PLAYS MOZART (March 16-18, 2023) Wojciech Kilar: Orawa Orchestras and concertgoers in California share a special affinity for composers who bridge the classical and movie worlds. But Wojciech Kilar, though he won high honors in both
10 Reasons Why Classical Music is a Must-Have in Your Life
Classical music has been a staple of human culture for centuries, and for good reason. From its ability to evoke emotions to its power to stimulate the brain, there are countless benefits to incorporating classical music into your life. Whether
About Prokofiev’s Romeo & Juliet
What more could you want from the season of love than a musical story filled with whirlwind pining and passion. Pacific Symphony presents selections from Sergei Prokoviev’s Romeo and Juliet February 5, 2023 at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Musical
About Schumann’s Concerto A Minor
Robert and Clara Schumann are a well-known power couple in classical music history. Starting off as close friends drawn to music, they both encouraged and inspired each other in their art. Once wed, the two made a perfect team with
Mahler’s Critics, Then and Now
Critics of the past are easy targets for today’s music fans—perhaps too easy when they pan the music that we have come to love. But in the case of Gustav Mahler, reading contemporary assessments of his compositions is fascinating. In
A Message From Our Music Director: Thoughts On Mahler
My deep love, respect, and connection with Gustav Mahler, the man, his spirit, and his music come via two of my most important mentors: Walter Ducloux and Leonard Bernstein. Bernstein’s resurrection of Mahler’s music in the 20th century, both in Vienna
Is There a “Curse of the Ninth?”
When Carl St.Clair conducts Mahler’s Ninth Symphony next month (Jan. 12, 13, and 14), you might want to reflect on how the composer had to wrestle with the “curse of the Ninth” in order to complete this great work. The
Humans of Pacific Symphony: Meet Bassist Doug Basye
“I feel like music has always told me stories from a very early age, even before I started playing. Class Act is a chance to have stories come alive. This is probably the most special thing that Pacific Symphony has