Get ready for magical moments starting with South Coast Plaza's spectacular tree-lighting ceremony on November 19. Featured performances by: Pacific Symphony, Pacific Chorale, South Coast Repertory, American Ballet Theatre Gillespie School, Orange County School of the Arts and Arts & Learning Conservatory. Special guests, including Santa Claus, will join the celebration, leading up to the lighting of the spectacular Christmas tree. The event is open to the public, free admission.
It’s an annual holiday tradition—Handel’s iconic masterwork, Messiah. This timeless work’s popularity hasn’t waned in hundreds of years, so join Pacific Symphony and Pacific Chorale for this glorious event celebrating joy, reflection, and renewal, featuring the famous “Hallelujah” chorus
BEETHOVEN REVOLUTION FESTIVAL
Alexander Shelley, conductor
Pacific Chorale–Robert Istad, artistic director
JAKE RUNESTAD: A Silence Haunts Me
BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 9, "Choral"
A powerful journey from reflection to triumph, pairing Runestad’s evocative A Silence Haunts Me with Beethoven’s transcendent Symphony No. 9.
Enjoy the music alongside insightful commentary by the conductor. The concerts is 90 minutes long and is performed without intermission.
BEETHOVEN REVOLUTION FESTIVAL
Alexander Shelley, conductor
Pacific Chorale — Robert Istad, artistic director
RUNESTAD: A Silence Haunts Me
BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 9, "Choral"
Alexander Shelley, conductor
Pacific Chorale — Robert Istad, artistic director
Program and artists for be announced
In this unforgettable Orchestra Residency finale, the world-famous Vienna Philharmonic performs one of the most moving pieces ever written—Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony.
Alexander Shelley, conductor
Elkhanah Pulitzer, stage director
Pacific Chorale — Robert Istad, artistic director
JOHN ADAMS: Nixon in China
Semi- staged opera in English
Cast to be announced
When President Nixon landed in Beijing in 1972, it was the diplomatic gamble of the century. Pulitzer Prize–winning composer, John Adams’ thrilling opera Nixon in China comes vividly to life in a theatrically staged production created for the concert hall. With its richly layered score, soaring vocal writing, and intimate human drama, this masterpiece unfolds with gripping dramatic power under Alexander Shelley.
Preview Talk at 7 p.m. with Classical California midday host Alan Chapman.
TOP: First Lady Pat Nixon and President Richard Nixon during during Nixon’s historic visit to China.
BELOW: President Richard Nixon toasts Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai at a banquet in Shanghai on February 27, 1972.
Photo Credits: Courtesy of The Richard Nixon Foundation
