Pasadena Symphony & Pops

Vivaldi Four Seasons
2020-01-25 | Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S St. John Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91105, United States
Ambassador Auditorium

January 25, 2020
2:00pm & 8:00pm Bach The Goldberg Variations for strings
Reena Esmail Teen Murti
Albinoni Oboe Concerto transcribed for trumpet
Vivaldi The Four Seasons
Piazzolla “Primavera Porteña” (Spring) from The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires
Buy Tickets Vivaldi’s Four Season heralds the return of local violinist Simone Porter whose career is now in full international stride with a command of technical chops, elegant vibrato and the expressive panache to bring Vivaldi’s most cherished concertos to life. Celebrate your Principal Trumpet Marissa Benedict as she takes center stage, while Esmail’s Teen Murti draws inspiration from Hindi traditional raag melodies combined with Western techniques – the result is a sonorously magical experience. Listen Program Notes ArtistsSimone PorterViolin Reena EsmailComposer Video What you can expect from this year’s Baroque-themed concert. David Lockington discusses Composers Showcase artist Reena Esmail’s Teen Murti. Simone Porter performs Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 61, II. Larghetto with the Northwest Sinfonietta conducted by David Lockington. Sponsors

Gershwin/Debussy
2020-02-15 | Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S St. John Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91105, United States
Ambassador Auditorium

February 15, 2020
2:00pm & 8:00pm Copland Fanfare for the Common Man
Michael Giacchino Voyage
Gershwin Porgy and Bess: Fantasy for Violin
Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending
Debussy La Mer Buy Tickets

Spoil your Valentine with the perfect gift of a romantic program of emotional imagery and climaxing waves of sound that will run through you and excite the senses. Nick Kendall of the wildly popular trio Time for Three brings a fanciful violin concerto based on Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, while Debussy’s La Mer paints a majestic picture of the sea with a mosaic of orchestral colors. Also on the program, Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino honors NASA with his interstellar Voyage.

Program Notes Listen ArtistsNick KendallViolin Michael GiacchinoComposer Video David Lockington highlights what to expect from this exciting program featuring Nick Kendall playing Gershwin, film music by Michael Giacchino and more. Sponsors

Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3
2021-01-09 | Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S St. John Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91105, United States
Ambassador Auditorium

January 9, 2021
2:00pm & 8:00pm
Alexander L. Miller Fireworks
Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3
Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition
Buy Tickets JTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwd2lkdGglM0QlMjIzMTYlMjIlMjBoZWlnaHQlM0QlMjI1NDAlMjIlMjBzcmMlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbSUyRmVtYmVkJTJGNDF6U3B2VGlXREUlMjIlMjBmcmFtZWJvcmRlciUzRCUyMjAlMjIlMjBhbGxvdyUzRCUyMmFjY2VsZXJvbWV0ZXIlM0IlMjBhdXRvcGxheSUzQiUyMGVuY3J5cHRlZC1tZWRpYSUzQiUyMGd5cm9zY29wZSUzQiUyMHBpY3R1cmUtaW4tcGljdHVyZSUyMiUyMGFsbG93ZnVsbHNjcmVlbiUzRSUzQyUyRmlmcmFtZSUzRQ== POSTPONEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT:
The community’s health and well-being is top of mind as we navigate through these uncertain times. We have rescheduled the final two concerts of the symphony season so that we can best serve the community and our patrons. Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3, previously scheduled for April 18, 2020 will take place on January 9, 2021.
All current tickets will be honored for the rescheduled date.
Your Music Director David Lockington, along with our committed musicians, staff and board of directors can’t wait to welcome you back and join you in music when we can safely proceed with our concert schedule. In the meantime, follow us on Facebook for updates and subscribe to our Youtube channel for our Symphony Podcast with Music Director David Lockington. To receive updates by email, sign up here. BBC Music has described Inon Barnatan’s artistry as displaying “great musical insight, marvelous variety of tone and irresistibly mercurial lightness of touch.” Rachmaninoff’s powerhouse Piano Concerto No. 3 delivers keyboard pyrotechnics, romance and visceral nostalgia, while Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition will transport you to an exotic art show depicted through musical illustrations; the melodies of which have become beloved standards in Classical music. Program Notes ArtistsInon BarnatanPiano Alexander L. Millercomposer David Lockington discusses this concert’s Russian-themed program. Sponsors

Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto
2021-02-27 | CA, United States
February 27, 2021 Mendelssohn Octet for Strings
Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto Concert premieres at 4:00pm and is available to stream on its broadcast date free to the general public for 48 hours. For unlimited on-demand access and other perks, become a season member: BECOME A MEMBER The genius of a 16-year-old Mendelssohn is on colorful display with inspiring melodies from eight virtuosic musicians delivering a powerhouse performance in full symphonic orchestral style. Hailed by the New York Times as “a talented instrumentalist, with the kind of high-gloss tone that pulls sensuously at the listener’s ear,” violinist Chee-Yun brings the romance with Tchaikovsky’s intensely passionate Violin Concerto. ArtistsChee-YunViolin Hsin-I HuangPiano Sara ParkinsViolin Irina VoloshinaViolin Aroussiak BaltaianViolin Elizabeth HedmanViolin Trina Carey HodgsonCello Dane LittleCello Aaron OltmanViola Carrie Holzman-LittleViola Video Chee-Yun plays at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts Sponsors

Grieg Piano Concerto
2021-03-27 | CA, United States
March 27, 2021 Finzi Eclogue
Elgar Serenade for Strings
Grieg Piano Concerto

Concert premieres at 4:00pm and is available to stream on its broadcast date free to the general public for 48 hours.

REGISTER FOR FREE

For unlimited on-demand access to all five spring concerts and other perks, become a member:

BECOME A MEMBER View Program Book Artists Gabriela MartinezPiano Hsin-I HuangPiano Sponsors

Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 3
2021-05-01 | CA, United States
May 1, 2021 Debussy Danses sacrée et profane
Wagner Prelude to Tristan & Isolde
Ravel Introduction & Allegro
Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 3 Concert premieres here at 4:00pm and is available to stream free to the general public for 48 hours. For unlimited on-demand access to all five spring concerts and other perks, become a member: BECOME A MEMBER DONATE ArtistsHsin-I HuangPiano Sponsors

Beethoven Triple
2021-05-22 | CA, United States
May 22, 2021 Poulenc Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano
Mark Saltzman Meditation
Lockington Offering
Beethoven Triple Concerto View Program Book

Concert premieres at 4:00pm and will be available to stream free to the general public for 48 hours. For unlimited on-demand access and other perks, become a season member: BECOME A MEMBER DONATE ArtistsRay UshikuboViolin James BaikCello HyeJin KimPiano Sponsors

Beethoven Symphony No. 7
2021-10-16 | Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S St. John Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91105, United States
Ambassador Auditorium

October 16, 2021
2:00pm & 8:00pm Jessie Montgomery Banner
Brahms Violin Concerto
Beethoven Symphony No. 7 BUY TICKETS
“Classical music’s new breakout star…Goosby plays like an angel with nothing to prove. A cool, calm collected angel.” – Los Angeles Times
Widely recognized as one of the most gifted conductors of his generation, conductor Joseph Young kicks off the 21/22 season with breakout star Randall Goosby on Brahms Violin Concerto, plus Jessie Montgomery’s festive Banner, written to mark the 200th anniversary of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
ArtistsJoseph YoungConductor Randall GoosbyViolin Jessie MontgomeryComposer Sponsors

Rhapsody in Blue
2021-11-13 | Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S St. John Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91105, United States
Ambassador Auditorium

November 13, 2021
2:00pm & 8:00pm

Nkeiru Okoye
Voices Shouting Out

Gershwin
Rhapsody in Blue

Dvořák
Symphony No. 9 “New World”

BUY TICKETS Experience the music that defined the American sound. Delight in the effervescence of Sanchez-Werner for Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in Blue and get lost in one of the most popular symphonies of all time – a tribute to the American spirit. ArtistsLlewellyn Sanchez-WernerSoloist Anna RakitinaConductor Nkeiru OkoyeComposer Video Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner plays Barber Sonata in E-Flat Major, Fuga: Allegro con spirito for President Obama’s Inauguration Concert Sponsors

Baroque: Brandenburg 5
2022-01-22 | Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S St. John Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91105, United States
Ambassador Auditorium

January 22, 2022
2:00pm & 8:00pm Gabriella Smith Brandenburg Interstices
Bach Violin Concerto No. 2
Vivaldi Flute Concerto No. 3, “The Goldfinch”
Boccherini Musica notturna delle strade di Madrid
Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 5
BUY TICKETS January’s Baroque concert heralds the return of 18th Century performance expert Nicholas McGegan, hailed as “the sunniest conductor in classical music” by The Los Angeles Times.
Gabriella Smith’s Brandenburg Interstices, a contemporary companion piece to Bach’s Brandenburg, honors the Baroque style while interweaving modern minimalism, Blues and American folk music. Smith has been called “the coolest, most exciting, most inventive new voice I’ve heard in ages” by Musical America, writing “high-voltage and wildly imaginative” music (Philadelphia Inquirer).
Entry to all performances requires Covid-19 vaccination and booster if eligible. Click here for the most up to date safety protocols.

ArtistsNicholas McGeganConductor Aubree OliversonViolin Martha ChanFlute Bogang HwangHarpsichord Video Aubree Oliverson plays Dvorak Violin Concerto in A minor Sponsors

Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto
2022-02-12 | Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S St. John Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91105, United States
Ambassador Auditorium

February 12, 2022 Gabriela Frank Elegia Andina
Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto
Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture
Rimsky-Korsakov Capriccio espagnol BUY TICKETS Enjoy one of the most-loved violin concertos of all time in this passionate program with the exotic rhythms of Rimsky-Korsakov and Gabriela Frank for the Pasadena Symphony’s ode to romance. Russian-American conductor and Music Director of Chicago Opera Theatre, Lidiya Yankovskaya conducts with Korean virtuoso Chee-Yun dazzling on Tchaikovsky’s masterful concerto.
The Washington Post listed Gabriela Frank as one of the 35 most significant women composers in history. With a multicultural background of Peruvian, Chinese, Lithuanian and Jewish descent, exotic Peruvian rhythms flourish with passion in her “Elegía Andina,” which explores what it means to be of several ethnic persuasions and of several minds.
Entry to all performances requires Covid-19 vaccination and booster if eligible. Click here for the most up to date safety protocols. ArtistsLidiya YankovskayaConductor Gabriela Lena FrankComposer Chee-YunViolin Video Chee-Yun plays Astor Piazzolla’s “Invierno Porteño (Winter)” from Cuatro Estaciones Porteñas (Four Seasons of Buenos Aires), arranged by Leonid Desyatnikov. Sponsors
Entry to all performances requires Covid-19 vaccination and booster if eligible. Click here for the most up to date safety protocols.

Mozart Symphony No. 40
2022-03-19 | Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S St. John Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91105, United States
Ambassador Auditorium

March 19, 2022
2:00pm & 8:00pm Adam Schoenberg Finding Rothko
Grieg Piano Concerto
Mozart Symphony No. 40
Buy Tickets Mozart’s stormy Symphony No. 40 headlines this colorful program with Grieg’s Piano Concerto performed by Cuban pianist Aldo López-Gavilán, hailed as “a genius” by the Seattle Times for his “dazzling technique and rhythmic fire.”
Plus, the orchestra performs Composers Showcase artist Adam-Schoenberg’s “Finding Rothko,” described by the Aspen Times as a “colorful orchestration, rich in textures and a sense of power similar to the painter’s work.” The Emmy Award-winning and Grammy-nominated composer is among the top 10 most performed living composers in the US.
Entry to all performances requires Covid-19 vaccination and booster if eligible. Click here for the most up to date safety protocols.

ArtistsAldo López-GavilánPiano Adam SchoenbergComposer Video Aldo López-Gavilán performs “Epilogo” featuring Josh Bell at Lincoln Center. ”Emporium” by Aldo López-Gavilán, conductor Scott Speck and the West Michigan Symphony. Sponsors

Beethoven Symphony No. 5
2022-04-30 | Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S St. John Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91105, United States
Ambassador Auditorium

April 30, 2022
2:00pm & 8:00pm Brett Banducci In Nomine (world premiere)
Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 3
Beethoven Symphony No. 5 Buy Tickets
We close the season with the four most infamous notes in classical music – Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5. Plus, our Composers Showcase presents a world premiere by Brett Banducci, performed by the Pasadena Symphony’s Principal Horn Jim Thatcher, and acclaimed pianist Ran Dank delivers passion and pyrotechnics for Prokofiev No. 3.
Entry to all performances requires Covid-19 vaccination and booster if eligible. Click here for the most up to date safety protocols.

ArtistsRan DankPiano Keitaro HaradaConductor Brett BanducciComposer James ThatcherHorn Video Sponsors

Mozart & Saint-Saëns
2022-10-22 | Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S St. John Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91105, United States
Ambassador Auditorium

October 22, 2022
2:00pm & 8:00pm Nokuthula Ngwenyama Primal Message
Saint-Saëns Piano Concerto No. 2
Rossini Overture to La Scala di Seta
Mozart Symphony No. 39 BUY TICKETS Terrence is “one of the biggest pianistic talents to have emerged in this country in the last 25 years.” – Baltimore Sun
What should we put in humanity’s first message in a bottle sent 25,000 light years away? Violist-composer Nokuthula Ngwenyama’s Primal Message creates a fantasia on our collective evolution through a drive to express, tying us in concert with universal celebration.
We are pleased to present Nokuthula Ngwenyama as part of the Pasadena Symphony’s annual Composers Showcase, featuring works by both emerging and established contemporary composers at each concert.
ArtistsVinay ParameswaranConductor Nokuthula NgwenyamaComposer Terrence WilsonPiano Video Terrence Wilson performing Prélude from Bach’s English Suite No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 807 2 and Liszt’s Sonata in B Minor for Salon de Virtuosi Alumni Spotlight 2020 Series. Sponsors

Tchaikovsky & Sibelius
2022-11-12 | Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S St. John Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91105, United States
Ambassador Auditorium

November 12, 2022
2:00pm & 8:00pm Valerie Coleman Seven O’Clock Shout
Sibelius Violin Concerto
Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5 BUY TICKETS Explore a Romantic world of destiny, fate and shocking climaxes with Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony lead by Music Director of the Monterey Symphony in Carmel-by-the-Sea Jayce Ogren. Plus, International Tchaikovsky Competition winner Alexandra Conunova heightens the drama with Sibelius’ Violin Concerto.
We are pleased to present Valerie Coleman as part of our annual Composers Showcase, featuring works by both emerging and established contemporary composers at each concert. Coleman’s Seven O’Clock Shout is an anthem inspired by the tireless frontline workers during the Covid-19 pandemic, and the heartwarming ritual of evening serenades that brings people together amidst isolation to celebrate life and the sacrifices of heroes. ArtistsJayce OgrenConductor Kristi Brown-Montesano, PhDInsights Host Valerie ColemanComposer Alexandra ConunovaViolin Video Alexandra Conunova performing Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” at the Orchestre International de Genève. Sponsors

Mendelssohn & Mozart
2023-01-21 | Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S St. John Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91105, United States
Ambassador Auditorium

January 21, 2023
2:00pm & 8:00pm Anna Clyne Sound and Fury
Mozart Piano Concerto No. 20
Mendelssohn Symphony No. 4, “Italian” BUY TICKETS
Conductor Joseph Young returns to take you on an aural journey through the countryside of Italy with Mendelssohn’s 4th Symphony, and pianist Vijay Venkatesh explores the melodic perfection of Mozart’s Piano Concert No. 20 with his “transcendent technique, unbridled passion, and irresistible charisma.” (Washington Post).
Plus Composers Showcase artist Anna Clyne’s Sound and Fury draws inspiration from Shakespeare’s famous soliloquy for Macbeth as well as Haydn’s 60th Symphony, taking the listener on a journey that is both invigorating with ferocious string gestures and reflective with haunting melodies.
ArtistsVijay VenkateshPiano Anna ClyneComposer Joseph YoungConductor Video Vijay Venkatesh performing Saint-Saëns’ Concerto No.2 in G Minor Op.22 with the Sarasota Orchestra. Sponsors

Scheherazade
2023-02-11 | Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S St. John Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91105, United States
Ambassador Auditorium

February 11, 2023
2:00pm & 8:00pm Unsuk Chin subito con forza
Elgar Cello Concerto
Rimsky-Korsakov Scheherazade BUY TICKETS A Grammy Award winner, Zuill’s celebrated artistry, technical wizardry and engaging personality has secured his place as “easily one of the finest cellists alive today.” – Classical Net
Written for Beethoven’s 250th anniversary, Subito con forza weaves gestures from the composer’s Coriolan Overture. “Effective and eerie, with plenty happening in five teeming minutes. Chin’s ear for color is her greatest weapon.” —The Times
We are pleased to present Unsuk Chin as part of the Pasadena Symphony’s annual Composers Showcase, featuring works by both emerging and established contemporary composers at each concert.
ArtistsZuill BaileyCello Unsuk ChinComposer François López-FerrerConductor Video Zuill Bailey performing Bach’s Cello Suite No. 6 in D Major, BWV 1012: I. Prélude at the historic Plaza Hotel. Sponsors

Beethoven & Rachmaninoff
2023-03-18 | Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S St. John Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91105, United States
Ambassador Auditorium

March 18, 2023
2:00pm & 8:00pm Huang Ruo Folk Songs for Orchestra: Flower Drum Song Feng Yang, Love Songs from Kang Ding
Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2
Beethoven Symphony No. 3 BUY TICKETS
A young prodigious genius, Alexander Malofeev has quickly established himself as one of the most prominent pianists of his generation, taking the orchestral world by storm with his recent debut at the Musikverein, which Der Standard called:

“astonishing” and “overwhelming… a world piano revolution… There are evenings when the clocks are reset. What was before is history. From now on: everything new.”
Our Composers Showcase presents the work of Huang Ruo, whose Folk Songs reflect the life, culture and soul of a civilization. His work preserves and renews the most well-known songs from China, transforming them into new pieces of art with organic originality. ArtistsHuang RuoComposer Rebecca TongConductor Alexander MalofeevPiano Video Alexander Malofeev performing Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Pagnini Op. 43, conducted by Myung-Whun Chung. Sponsors

An American In Paris
2023-04-29 | Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S St. John Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91105, United States
Ambassador Auditorium

April 29, 2023
2:00pm & 8:00pm Gershwin An American in Paris
Barber Violin Concerto
Carlos Simon The Block
Rachmaninoff Symphonic Dances BUY TICKETS Take a stroll through Gershwin’s Paris, and experience the modern rhythms of Rachmaninoff’s thrilling final work and Barber’s exquisite Violin Concerto performed by the “technically flawless, vivacious and scintillating” Tai Murray (Muso Magazine), in this exhilarating season finale.
Plus, Grammy-nominated Carlos Simon’s The Block, inspired by Romare Bearden’s paintings portraying the rich energy and joyous sceneries that Harlem expressed as the hotbed for African American culture, rounds out the third annual Composer’s Showcase. ArtistsTai MurrayViolin Kensho WatanabeConductor Carlos SimonComposer Video Tai Murray performing Nathan Milstein’s “Paganiniana” at Fundación Juan March in Madrid. Sponsors

Tchaikovsky 4
2023-10-21 | Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S St. John Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91105, United States
Ambassador Auditorium

October 21, 2023
2:00pm & 8:00pm Mason Bates Garages of the Valley
Mendelssohn Violin Concerto
Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4 BUY TICKETS
The Pasadena Symphony opens the Classical Music season with Brett Mitchell leading the orchestra for Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4 and Armenian violinist Diana Adamyan performing Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto. A Menuhin Competition winner,The Violin Channel has called Adamyan “one of the new generation’s most promising and gifted young concert soloists.”
The 4th annual Composer’s Showcase kicks off with Grammy-nominated DJ and composer Mason Bates’ Garages of the Valley, inspired by the great inventors of our time, who dreamed up the digital age in the most low-tech of spaces.
ArtistsBrett MitchellMusic Director Diana AdamyanViolin Mason BatesComposer Video Diana Adamyan performs Edvard Grieg’s Violin Sonato No. 2 in G Major, Op. 13, I. Lento doloroso at VP Bank Classic Festivals in 2019. Sponsors

Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
2023-11-18 | Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S St. John Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91105, United States
Ambassador Auditorium

November 18, 2023
2:00pm & 8:00pm Patrick Harlin Earthrise
Rachmaninoff Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
Elgar Enigma Variations BUY TICKETS

Multiple award-winning pianist Natasha Paremski performs this diabolically difficult rhapsody with a “flair for the way Rachmaninoff must be played” (Chicago Tribune).
As part of our Composer’s Showcase, Patrick Harlin wrote Earthrise after he was denied a seat on Elon Musk’s Space X flight. The piece is inspired by the iconic photo taken on the first-ever trip around the moon and is part of the California Festival: A Celebration of New Music, conceived by the LA Phil, San Diego and San Francisco Symphonies.

ArtistsWard StareConductor Natasha ParemskiPiano Patrick HarlinComposer Video

Natasha Paremski plays Prokofiev: Sonata No. 7 in B-flat Major, Op. 83, 3. Precipitato at the Tippet Rise Art Center
Sponsors

Beethoven Emperor
2024-01-27 | Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S St. John Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91105, United States
Ambassador Auditorium

January 27, 2024
2:00pm & 8:00pm Jessica Hunt Climb
Kodály Dances of Galánta
Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5 “Emperor” BUY TICKETS Praised by the Washington Post for combining “staggering technical prowess, a sense of command and depth of expression,” George Li has rapidly established a major international reputation since winning the International Tchaikovsky Competition Silver Medal.
Jessica Hunt’s Climb is inspired by her shared struggle with Beethoven in overcoming physical adversities. ArtistsGeorge LiPiano Jessica HuntComposer Kensho WatanabeConductor Video
George Li plays Saint-Saëns Piano Concerto No. 2 at the Verbier Festival.
Sponsors

Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1
2024-02-17 | Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S St. John Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91105, United States
Ambassador Auditorium

February 17, 2024
2:00pm & 8:00pm Jessie Montgomery Strum
Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1
Sibelius Symphony No. 2 BUY TICKETS
Spoil your Valentine with a luxurious night out for Tchaikovsky’s 1st Piano Concerto performed by award-winning pianist Wynona Wang, who continues to dazzle on the international stage after winning First Prize at the Concert Artists Guild International Competition.
Plus, indulge in the romance of Sibelius’ 2nd Symphony and revel in celebration to Jessie Montgomery’s Strum. It’s a Valentine treat you won’t want to pass up! ArtistsWynona WangPiano Kyle DicksonConductor Jessie MontgomeryComposer Video
Wynona Wang performs Rachmaninoff Etude in D minor at the Kravis Center.
Sponsors

Beethoven Violin Concerto
2024-03-23 | Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S St. John Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91105, United States
Ambassador Auditorium

March 23, 2024
2:00pm & 8:00pm Shawn Okpebholo Kutimbua Kivumbi (Stomp the Dust!)
Stravinsky The Firebird Suite
Beethoven Violin Concerto
BUY TICKETS
Experience Beethoven’s only violin concerto performed by the “frighteningly awesome” Avery Fisher-winning violinist Francisco Fullana. Plus, the magic and romance of Stravinsky’s soaring Firebird rounds out this colorful and majestic program.
ArtistsFrançois López-FerrerConductor Francisco FullanaViolin Shawn OkpebholoComposer Video Francisco Fullana plays J.S. Bach D minor Partita for Solo Violin. Sponsors

Vivaldi Four Seasons
2024-04-20 | Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S St. John Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91105, United States
Ambassador Auditorium

April 20, 2024
2:00pm & 8:00pm Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 3
Si-ang Chen Symphony No. 1 “Expedition”, 2nd mvt
Puccini Crisantemi
Vivaldi Four Seasons BUY TICKETS In our long tradition of featuring the stars of tomorrow here today, multiple prize-winning violinist Charlotte Marckx brings Vivaldi’s most cherished concertos to life with her technical chops and expressive panache.
Dudamel Conducting Fellow Linhan Cui leads the orchestra for this season finale of Baroque masterworks and Award-winning Chinese Composer Si-ang Chen’s beautifully sonorous Adagio. ArtistsLinhan CuiConductor Charlotte MarckxViolin Si-ang ChenComposer Video Charlotte Marckx performs Johann Sebastian Bach Sonata for solo violin in A minor, BWV 1003 and Eugène Ysaÿe Sonata for solo violin, op. 27 No. 3 at 11th Joseph Joachim International Violin Competition. Sponsors

Mahler Symphony No. 1
2024-10-26 | Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S St. John Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91105, United States
Ambassador Auditorium

October 26, 2024
2:00pm & 8:00pm Brett Mitchell, conductor
Akiko Suwanai, violin
Peter Boyer New Beginnings
Korngold Violin Concerto
Mahler Symphony No. 1, “Titan”
Buy Tickets Mitchell launches his tenure with the massive orchestral force of Mahler’s monumental “Titan” Symphony, topping off a grandiose performance with International Tchaikovsky Competition winner Akiko Suwanai on Korngold’s “Hollywood” Violin Concerto. ArtistsAkiko SuwanaiViolin Brett MitchellMusic Director Peter BoyerComposer Video Sponsors

Rhapsody in Blue
2024-11-16 | Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S St. John Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91105, United States
Ambassador Auditorium

November 16, 2024
2:00pm & 8:00pm Brett Mitchell, conductor
Stewart Goodyear, piano
Mason Bates Sea-Blue Circuitry
Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue
Ravel Une barque sur l’océan
Debussy La Mer Buy Tickets This water-themed program introduces Mason Bates’ motherboard-inspired Sea-Blue Circuitry and commemorates the 100th birthday of Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in Blue. Float away as Debussy’s La Mer paints a majestic picture of the sea with a mosaic of orchestral colors, climaxing waves of sound and emotional imagery that will run through you. ArtistsBrett MitchellMusic Director Mason BatesComposer Stewart GoodyearPiano Video Sponsors

Mozart “Jupiter” Symphony
2025-01-25 | Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S St. John Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91105, United States
Ambassador Auditorium

January 25, 2025
2:00pm & 8:00pm Brett Mitchell, conductor
Inon Barnatan, piano
Jessie Montgomery Starburst
Florence Price Concerto for Piano in One Movement
Mozart Symphony No. 41, “Jupiter” Buy Tickets A vibrant work by 2024 GRAMMY-winner Jessie Montgomery opens the program with acclaimed pianist Inon Barnatan performing trailblazing composer Florence Price’s Piano Concerto. Plus Mozart’s jubilant final symphony – pure exhilaration!

The Pasadena Symphony believes in the healing power of music. We are offering free tickets to all first responders and anyone who has been displaced, evacuated or experienced loss during the wildfires. Click here to sign up.
*Tickets available while quantities last. ArtistsBrett MitchellMusic Director Inon BarnatanPiano Jessie MontgomeryComposer Video Sponsors
Insights Sponsor:

Wildfire Recovery Effort
2025-02-05 - 2025-05-31 | CA
We’d like to thank everyone for the outpouring of support for our instrument drive, which is helping to replenish instruments lost in the Eaton Fires. Many of our Youth Orchestra students lost their instruments in the fire and our partner school, Elliots Arts Magnet, which maintained a large instrument library for PUSD, has also been severely damaged.
Your donations have already helped a lot of our students get back to playing music. Thank you – your support is truly inspiring!
We are still accepting some gently used orchestra instruments, depending on need, at our office. Please do not bring instruments in need of major repair. For questions and more details, please email Kristine Llanderal.
We’re also in the need for music supplies to help students impacted by the fires, including music stands, strings, reeds, rosin and shoulder rests.
If you or anyone you know has lost a musical instrument in the fires, please email Alex Chu. We’d love to help! Ways to Support Please click here to donate instruments or music supplies. If you would prefer to provide monetary support for our fire recovery effort, click here: Donate Now

Help our community reconnect and rebuild through music!

Follow this page for updates. Last Updated: April 2, 2025

Dvořák Cello Concerto
2025-02-15 | Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S St. John Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91105, United States
Ambassador Auditorium

February 15, 2025
2:00pm & 8:00pm Brett Mitchell, conductor
Mark Kosower, cello
Wagner “Wotan’s Farewell” from Die Walküre
Dvořák Cello Concerto
Bartók Concerto for Orchestra Buy Tickets
Indulge in the romance of Wagner’s thrilling “Wotan’s Farewell” and Dvořák’s rapturous Cello Concerto, written in tribute to a long-lost love.
ArtistsBrett MitchellMusic Director Mark KosowerCello Video Sponsors
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