COSTA MESA, Calif. (November 9, 2026) — Pacific Chorale, Orange County's GRAMMY® Award-winning chorus and resident choir of Segerstrom Center for the Arts, today announced City of Hope Orange County as the new Presenting Sponsor of Tis the Season!, its signature holiday concert at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. The partnership supports the December 2026 performances, allowing Pacific Chorale to bring the holiday celebration to audiences throughout Southern California on PBS SoCal and to patients, families, and healthcare professionals across City of Hope's hospital network in December 2027.

The announcement marks a significant expansion of Pacific Chorale's relationship with City of Hope Orange County; last year, Pacific Chorale performed nine times at City of Hope Orange County events. Building on their shared commitment to the uplifting and healing power of music, the organizations are creating new opportunities to bring exceptional choral artistry to people beyond the concert hall, particularly those receiving or providing care during the holidays.

"For 40 years, Tis the Season! has filled Orange County with exceptional music and holiday joy. As we celebrate this milestone, we're thrilled to join City of Hope Orange County and PBS SoCal in bringing this tradition to more people than ever before," said Rhett M. Del Campo, President & CEO of Pacific Chorale. “We're grateful to City of Hope Orange County for championing this vision and making it possible."

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026, Tis the Season! has become one of Orange County's most anticipated holiday traditions, selling out performances for three consecutive years at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. In response to growing demand, Pacific Chorale has added a third performance for the first time this December. Conducted by Pacific Chorale Artistic Director Robert Istad, the festive variety concert brings together more than 160 musicians, including Pacific Chorale, members of Pacific Symphony, and the Southern California Children's Chorus, for a spectacular celebration of seasonal favorites, timeless carols, and holiday surprises.

As Presenting Sponsor, City of Hope Orange County will support the 2026 concerts and recording and broadcast initiative. The sponsorship will help make possible a professionally produced recording of the holiday program, preserving the artistry and excitement of the live performance for audiences well beyond the concert hall.

In December 2027, Pacific Chorale plans to present the recorded concert in partnership with PBS SoCal, bringing the holiday celebration to television audiences throughout the region. The specially produced version will also be made available for private screenings within the City of Hope Orange County network, offering patients, families, caregivers, and staff an opportunity to experience the warmth, beauty, and joy of the holidays through music.

“At City of Hope Orange County, we believe exceptional care means caring for the whole person, and that includes creating moments of joy, comfort and connection,” said Annette M. Walker, President, City of Hope Orange County. “We have already seen the meaningful impact music can have on our community through our relationship with Pacific Chorale, and we are delighted to build on that partnership. Together, we have an opportunity to bring the beauty and joy of Tis the Season! to our patients, their loved ones and the dedicated healthcare professionals who care for them. During the holiday season, these moments of connection and celebration can be especially meaningful.”

The collaboration reflects City of Hope Orange County's commitment to compassionate, whole-person care and Pacific Chorale's belief in music's ability to inspire, comfort, and connect people. By bringing the performance into healthcare settings, the partnership recognizes the importance of emotional well-being and human connection alongside physical care, especially during a season when patients and their loved ones may be far from home.

"Public media plays a vital role in making exceptional arts and cultural experiences accessible to everyone," said Andrew Russell, President & CEO of PBS SoCal. "Pacific Chorale's Tis the Season! captures the exuberant holiday joy that makes live performance so special. We're excited to support Pacific Chorale in bringing one of Orange County's great musical holiday traditions into homes across Southern California, connecting more people to the arts and to one another."

Tis the Season! Returns December 20, 21 & 23, 2026

Pacific Chorale's 2026 Tis the Season!, presented by City of Hope Orange County, returns to the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall for three performances:

• Sunday, December 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
• Monday, December 21, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, December 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

Tickets and additional information are available at pacificchorale.org.

The recorded program is planned for broadcast on PBS SoCal in December 2027, with broadcast details and availability to be announced at a later date.

About Pacific Chorale

Pacific Chorale is a GRAMMY® Award-winning professional chorus and resident company of Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, California. Under the artistic leadership of Robert Istad, Pacific Chorale is recognized for its exceptional artistry, innovative programming, and collaborations with leading orchestras and artists. Through performances, education programs, and community partnerships, Pacific Chorale uplifts the human spirit through exceptional choral artistry, fosters unity across Southern California, and cultivates learning through artistic expression at every stage of life. Learn more at pacificchorale.org.

About City of Hope Orange County

City of Hope Orange County is part of one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States. City of Hope Orange County’s advanced, integrated cancer care network includes a 72-acre academic research campus in Irvine - home to City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center and Orange County’s only cancer specialty hospital - as well as five clinical locations. Patients benefit from the expertise of world-renowned physicians who solely focus on preventing, treating and curing cancer, breakthrough acute and outpatient care, access to more than 700 clinical trials a year and groundbreaking technology. City of Hope research has been the basis for numerous breakthrough cancer medicines, as well as human synthetic insulin and monoclonal antibodies. City of Hope’s uniquely integrated model spans cancer care, research and development, academics and training, and a broad philanthropy program that powers its work. 

About PBS SoCal

PBS SoCal enriches Southern California by connecting communities to the wider world through public media. With support from local donors, our nonprofit offers diverse programming on streaming platforms like the free PBS App and PBS KIDS App, as well as over-the-air on seven channels, including PBS SoCal and PBS SoCal Plus. We are available to over 22M viewers in the region, providing free access to educational, news, environmental, and cultural content that mirrors our community. Through cultural events and hands-on learning experiences, we foster dialogue and prepare children for success, making a meaningful impact on our community.

Media Contact

Natalie Hunter, Director of Marketing, Pacific Chorale
natalie@pacificchorale.org | (714) 662-2345

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