As the final melodies of the season fade, we’re gratefully reflecting on a year filled with powerful music, creative growth, and heartfelt connection. From holiday traditions and world premieres to community partnerships and youth education, our 2024–25 season brought the spirit of choral music to audiences throughout Orange County and beyond.

We extend deepest thanks to Phillip N. and Mary A. Lyons, our Platinum Season Sponsors, and to our generous annual supporters for their exceptional commitment to Pacific Chorale. Their support helped make this season’s artistic and educational achievements possible.

Performances

This season, Pacific Chorale's singers held 104 rehearsals for 26 performances!

To the Hands – Concert, Community, and Collaboration

September 14 & 15, 2024 – Samueli Theater

To the Hands was a deeply personal project for Pacific Chorale, exploring topics of homelessness, displacement, and collective responsibility. Featuring a compelling blend of Latin plainchant, folk hymns, and modern choral textures, the program invited audiences to reflect on the human stories behind housing insecurity.

In alignment with the concert’s themes, we partnered with OC Food Bank, Friendship Shelter, and Tiyya Foundation—three local nonprofits making a lasting impact in our community. Representatives from each organization were present at the performances, and a food drive leading up to the event provided much-needed resources for local families.

To the Hands would not have been possible without the support of the National Endowment for the Arts, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Pacific Chorale’s Board-designated Artistic Innovation Fund, and the Ron Rudderow Legacy Fund.

Together, this collaboration of artists, advocates, and audiences turned a groundbreaking performance into a platform for awareness and action.

Songs of the Soul (Canceled)

Originally scheduled for October 26, 2024 – Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

Though the concert was ultimately canceled, Songs of the Soul was a thoughtfully curated program of modern choral works that asked big questions and offered healing through beauty. It remains a meaningful part of our artistic journey this season, with Sarah Quartel’s Density of Light making its return as part of our season finale.

Carols by Candlelight – Sold out!

December 7 & 11, 2024 – Our Lady Queen of Angels, Newport Beach

Our most intimate holiday tradition returned with timeless carols in the quiet beauty of candlelight and sanctuary. A heartfelt thank-you to the audiences who made these evenings truly magical, and to Concert Sponsor Trish O’Donnell, who passed away this May and whose presence will be missed.

Tis the Season! – Sold out!

December 22 & 23, 2024 – Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

This joyous holiday extravaganza spectacularly brought together families, festive favorites, and fun surprises—including Santa and the debut of Rob’s sequin suit! It is one of Orange County’s most beloved Christmas concerts of the year.

Handel’s Israel in Egypt

March 29, 2025 – Our Lady Queen of Angels, Newport Beach

A thrilling night of Baroque brilliance, featuring our chamber choir and Bach Collegium San Diego. From plagues to triumph, the drama and majesty of Handel’s storytelling rang out in double-chorus glory. We are grateful to Dennis and Marcia O’Hern and the Colburn Foundation for generously sponsoring this performance and supporting our commitment to exceptional choral experiences to Southern California audiences.

Mozart’s Requiem – Sold out!

May 24, 2025 – Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

Our highest-attended concert ever (outside the holiday programs), this unforgettable evening featured Brahms, Runestad, and Quartel, paired with Mozart’s immortal Requiem, performed with Pacific Symphony.

Education Programs

Pacific Chorale Academy

All season long, our award-winning after-school program brought the joy of choral music to students in under-resourced schools across Orange County—fostering confidence, creativity, and a sense of belonging through the power of song.

Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, Pacific Chorale provided over 3,100 hours of music education this school year—nurturing young voices and inspiring the next generation of musicians.

High School Choral Camp

Each spring, Pacific Chorale’s High School Choral Camp, in collaboration with CSU Fullerton, welcomes students for a one-week workshop and mentorship experience. Scheduled for June 23-27, follow us on social media for updates later this month!

Choral Festival

August 2024 – Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

Over 170 singers signed up to sing with Pacific Chorale in our 16th annual Choral Festival, presented in association with Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Under the direction of Robert Istad, they spent 3 days rehearsing Haydn’s Mass in Time of War for the free community concert Sunday. In partnership with the OC Food Bank, we also collected over 700 pounds of food for those in need. This project is proudly funded in part by the City of Costa Mesa’s Arts Grant program.

Guest Appearances

Pacific Chorale was honored to share the stage with Pacific Symphony for Carl St.Clair’s final season as Music Director in:

• Verdi’s Requiem
• Carmina Burana & Bach
• Lunar New Year
• Joss Stone Christmas
• Handel’s Glorious Messiah

And around the community:

• Laguna Beach Music Festival with Caroline Shaw, presented by Philharmonic Society of Orange County
• Segerstrom Center 50th Candlelight Dinner featuring Sir Elton John
• Pacific Symphony Gala Dinner

Community Partnerships and Advocacy

This season also saw incredible collaborations and outreach efforts, including:

• VetTix, offering complimentary tickets to veterans and military families
• OC Food Bank, collecting and assembling thousands of meals for local families
• Support for the Arts, rallying support to protect NEA funding
• Returned participation in the 2024 Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza
• Pacific Chorale provided $1,000 in emergency relief to our LA neighbors during the devastating fires via California Fire Foundation and the Center for Cultural Innovation.

Together, we proved that music nourishes both the soul and the community.

Special Events

Legacy Society Recognition Dinner

In March, we gathered for a meaningful and heartfelt evening to honor the individuals who have included Pacific Chorale in their estate plans.

This event was hosted by Artistic Director Emeritus John Alexander, whose presence served as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of legacy support. The evening also welcomed several new members into our Legacy Society—visionary supporters helping to ensure the future of choral music in our community.

Through shared stories and conversation, we celebrated the visionary leadership and generosity that continue to shape Pacific Chorale’s path forward.

Season Announcement Party at Lido Theater

Set against the backdrop of Newport Beach’s beautiful harbor, our Season Announcement Party at the Lido Theater was a joyful way to welcome in a new year of music. Artistic Director Robert Istad offered an inspiring preview of the season ahead, spotlighting major works while mingling with longtime patrons, singers, and new friends.

With delicious bites, the beautiful California weather, and the buzz of musical excitement in the air, the afternoon captured everything we love at Pacific Chorale: artistry, connection, and celebration.

Final Note

From the first downbeat to the last standing ovation, thank you for making the 2024–25 season one we’ll always remember. Your presence—whether in the audience, on stage, or behind the scenes—makes everything we do possible.

We’ve already announced our 2025–26 season, and we can’t wait to share it with you. From thrilling premieres to cherished holiday traditions and the return of Artistic Director Emeritus John Alexander, it’s a season filled with beauty, meaning, and unforgettable music.

Explore what’s ahead and subscribe today to be part of another extraordinary year.