Pasadena Symphony & Pops

Divas Through the Decades
2023-06-24 | LA County Arboretum, 301 N. Baldwin Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 91007, United States
LA County Arboretum

June 24, 2023
Gates open at 5:30pm for picnicking
Concert begins at 7:30pm Buy Tickets
Hear us Roar! From Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Nina Simone to Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Tina Turner and beyond – the POPS celebrates powerful black women who shaped the American Songbook with timeless hits Natural Woman, This Will Be, I Put a Spell on You, Proud Mary, I’m Every Woman and many more.

Artists Michael FeinsteinConductor Catherine RussellGuest Artist Nicole HenryGuest Artist Freda PayneGuest Artist Video Nicole Henry, Freda Payne & Catherine Russell join as soloists for Divas Through the Decades. Nicole Henry performs “Big Spender” at the Pasadena POPS – American Icons, August 13th, 2022 Sponsors

Kings of Soul
2023-07-15 | LA County Arboretum, 301 N. Baldwin Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 91007, United States
LA County Arboretum

July 15, 2023
Gates open at 5:30pm for picnicking
Concert begins at 7:30pm Buy Tickets Hear the hit songs of Marvin Gaye, Jackie Wilson, James Brown, Otis Redding, The Temptations, Al Green, Barry White and Smokey Robinson with Soul Man, Shop Around, Get Ready, Try a Little Tenderness, Stand By Me, Move On Up, Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher and more to get you dancin’ in the aisles!

Artists Larry BlankConductor Kings of SoulSpecial Guests Video Sponsors

Michael Feinstein Sings Broadway
2023-07-29 | LA County Arboretum, 301 N. Baldwin Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 91007, United States
LA County Arboretum

July 29, 2023
Gates open at 5:30pm for picnicking
Concert begins at 7:30pm Buy Tickets
Feinstein puts down the baton and picks up the mic for one night only to salute the giants of Broadway from Gershwin to Sondheim. Hear your favorite showtunes from Hello, Dolly!, Into the Woods, Les Misérables and more.

Artists Larry BlankConductor Michael FeinsteinSoloist Video Sponsors

Viva Las Vegas!
2023-08-12 | LA County Arboretum, 301 N. Baldwin Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 91007, United States
LA County Arboretum

August 12, 2023
Gates open at 5:30pm for picnicking
Concert begins at 7:30pm Buy Tickets Hear the stories behind the singers who made Las Vegas the entertainment capital of the world with songs from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peggy Lee, Elvis and so much more.

Artists Michael FeinsteinConductor Matthew JohnsonGuest Artist Clint HolmesGuest Artist Storm LargeSoloist Video Sponsors

Music of Queen
2023-08-26 | LA County Arboretum, 301 N. Baldwin Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 91007, United States
LA County Arboretum

August 26, 2023
Gates open at 5:30pm for picnicking
Concert begins at 7:30pm Buy Tickets A spectacular tribute to Queen’s greatest hits – this concert Will Rock You! Hear I Want It All, Another One Bites the Dust, Under Pressure, Killer Queen, Fat Bottomed Girls, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Somebody to Love, Bohemian Rhapsody, and We Are the Champions.

Artists Larry BlankConductor The Music of QueenSpecial Guests Video Sponsors

Hollywood Blockbusters
2023-09-09 | LA County Arboretum, 301 N. Baldwin Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 91007, United States
LA County Arboretum

September 9, 2023
Gates open at 5:30pm for picnicking
Concert begins at 7:30pm Buy Tickets Celebrate the songs that made Hollywood a hit parade by beloved film composers from Henry Mancini to John Williams, with music from Pink Panther, E.T., Superman, Raiders of the Lost Ark and more.

Artists Michael FeinsteinConductor Christine EbersoleGuest Artist Cheyenne JacksonSoloist Video 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

Holiday Look In Home Tour
2023-12-02 - 2023-12-03 | CA, United States
An Enchanted In-Person Home Tour 2023

December 2 & 3
The 56th Annual Holiday Look In Home Tour will be showcasing beautiful gardens and the magnificent architecture of four elegant homes embellished by the talent of the finest floral designers.
Enjoy a feast for the eyes and ears as you leisurely stroll through the homes and gardens while docents point out interesting features and musicians provide holiday music in the background.
Visit our popular FREE Holiday Look In Boutique where you can mingle with friends and shop to your heart’s content on December 2 and 3 from 9:30am – 5:00pm.
For more information, click here. BUY TICKETS

The Boutique Returns December 2-3!

The Scottish Rite

150 N. Madison Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101

view on map

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

Music Under the Stars
2024-06-01
Pasadena City Hall

June 1, 2024

6:00pm: Gates open for food trucks and Kids Korner
7:00pm-7:30pm: Bob Baker Marionette Theater pre-show performance
8:00pm: Concert begins
Larry Blank, conductor
David Burnham, Jason Graae, Valerie Perri, & Lisa Vroman, soloists
Donald Brinegar Singers & JPL Chorus RSVP Join the Pasadena POPS for a free concert under the stars! Sing and dance to the best of Broadway and the Great American Songbook for one night only on the steps of Pasadena City Hall.
This year’s concert will once again bring the Best of Broadway with popular favorites from West Side Story, The Music Man, Cats, Phantom of the Opera and more legendary musicals. Hear “Mambo,” “Trouble,” “Memory,” “Music of the Night,” “Seasons of Love” and all of your favorite show tunes under the stars on the steps of City Hall. It’s a Broadway celebration that you and your family won’t want to miss.

Arrive early for food trucks and family fun at the Kids Korner with face painting, balloon animals, a musical instrument petting zoo and performance by Bob Baker Marionette Theater!
Concert Info This concert is free to the public, no tickets or reservations are required. The concert will last about 75 minutes. Please dress comfortably and bring a jacket or sweater for the evening as the weather cools. The concert is performed on the plaza in front of city hall, so please bring a lawn chair and/or blanket. Folding chairs may be rented for a small fee. Seating is open, non-reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking Several parking options are located within direct walking access to Centennial Square, including Plaza Las Fuentes structure (enter on Union and Los Robles Ave), Parking Structure at 330 E. Union (between Euclid and Garfield), Paseo Colorado subterranean garage (entrances on Colorado and Green St.). Metered street parking is also available on Euclid and nearby streets. Food Trucks Dina’s Dumplings Kona Ice Oaxaca on Wheels Pie ‘N Burger The Tropic Truck ArtistsLarry BlankConductor Donald Brinegar SingersDavid BurnhamSoloist Jason GraaeSoloist Valerie PerriSoloist Lisa VromanSoloist Bob Baker Marionette TheaterEntertainment Sponsors This concert is presented by:

Harlem Nights
2024-06-29 | LA County Arboretum, 301 N. Baldwin Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 91007, United States
LA County Arboretum

June 29, 2024
Gates open at 5:30pm for picnicking
Concert begins at 7:30pm Buy Tickets
In honor of Duke Ellington’s 125th birthday, the POPS celebrates the explosion of music in 1920s New York that gave birth to the Jazz Age, Swing Era and beyond. Hear favorites from Gershwin and Ellington to Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald and more.

Artists Michael FeinsteinConductor Catherine RussellGuest Artist Byron StriplingGuest Artist Video Sponsors

Waterloo: A Tribute to ABBA
2024-07-13 | LA County Arboretum, 301 N. Baldwin Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 91007, United States
LA County Arboretum

July 13, 2024
Gates open at 5:30pm for picnicking
Concert begins at 7:30pm Buy Tickets
Named “the best ABBA since ABBA” by ABBA’s official international fan club, audiences will be dancing in the aisles to ABBA’s most iconic hits. Hear “Mamma Mia,” “S.O.S,” “Money, Money, Money,” “Waterloo,” “Dancing Queen” and more.

Artists Larry BlankConductor Waterloo: A Tribute to ABBASpecial guests Video Sponsors

Michael Feinstein's Tribute to Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra
2024-07-27 | LA County Arboretum, 301 N. Baldwin Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 91007, United States
LA County Arboretum

July 27, 2024
Gates open at 5:30pm for picnicking
Concert begins at 7:30pm Buy Tickets
“The Best is Yet to Come” as Michael Feinstein remembers the larger than life personas of Tony Bennett and Ol’ Blue Eyes. From “New York, New York” to “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” hear the stories behind these legends as only the Ambassador of the Great American Songbook can deliver.

Artists Larry BlankConductor Michael FeinsteinSoloist Video Sponsors

Michael Cavanaugh Sings Paul Simon & More
2024-08-10 | LA County Arboretum, 301 N. Baldwin Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 91007, United States
LA County Arboretum

August 10, 2024
Gates open at 5:30pm for picnicking
Concert begins at 7:30pm Buy Tickets “The New Voice of the American Rock ’n Roll Songbook,” (Billboard) returns with the music of Paul Simon, James Taylor, Billy Joel and more. You’re guaranteed to know and love every song with “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover,” “You Can Call me Al,” “How Sweet It Is,” “Whenever I See Your Smiling Face,” “Piano Man,” “Sweet Caroline” and more for a night of sing-a-long favorites! Artists Michael CavanaughGuest Artist Larry BlankConductor Video Sponsors

California Dreamin'
2024-08-24 | LA County Arboretum, 301 N. Baldwin Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 91007, United States
LA County Arboretum

August 24, 2024
Gates open at 5:30pm for picnicking
Concert begins at 7:30pm Buy Tickets Music that shaped a state of mind from the Gold Rush through the rise of Hollywood studio music with hits from The Beach Boys, The Mamas and the Papas, the Eagles and more. Hear everything from “California Dreamin’” and “Good Vibrations” to “Do You Know the Way to San Jose,” “Desperado” and even John Williams!

Artists Michael FeinsteinConductor Betsy WolfeSoloist Hugh PanaroSoloist Video Sponsors

Oscar Meets Tony
2024-09-07 | LA County Arboretum, 301 N. Baldwin Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 91007, United States
LA County Arboretum

September 7, 2024
Gates open at 5:30pm for picnicking
Concert begins at 7:30pm Buy Tickets Award-winning music from stage and screen with songs from Hello Dolly, Gigi, Wicked and Chicago with composers Henry Mancini, Alan Menken and more.

Artists Michael FeinsteinConductor Norm LewisSoloist Morgan JamesSoloist Video Sponsors

Moonlight Sonata
2024-09-28
Pasadena City Hall

Thank you for your interest in the Moonlight Sonata Gala. The event for 2024 has concluded.
If you joined us for this enchanting evening under the star at Pasadena’s City Hall, we say thank you for your support in music!

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

Holiday Look In Home Tour
2024-12-07 - 2024-12-08
An Enchanted In-Person Home Tour 2023

The 57th Annual Holiday Look In Home Tour will showcase the magnificent architecture and beautiful gardens of four elegant homes embellished by the talent of Pasadena’s finest floral designers.
Enjoy a feast for the eyes and ears as you leisurely stroll through the homes and gardens while docents point out interesting features accompanied by holiday music.
Visit our popular FREE Holiday Look In Boutique where you can mingle with friends and shop to your heart’s content at our new location at the recently remodeled Pasadena Elks Lodge from 9:30am – 5:00pm.

To view homes and for more information, click here.

BUY TICKETS

The Boutique Returns December 7-8!

Pasadena Elks Lodge

400 W Colorado Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91105

view on map

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
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
Insights Sponsor:

Mozart Violin Concerto No. 5 "Turkish"
2025-03-22 | Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S St. John Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91105, United States
Ambassador Auditorium

March 22, 2025
2:00pm & 8:00pm Brett Mitchell, conductor
Stefan Jackiw, violin
Adolphus Hailstork Baroque Suite
Mozart Violin Concerto No. 5 “Turkish”
Prokofiev Classical Symphony
Stravinsky Suite from Pulcinella Buy Tickets Jackiw will transport you to the exotic with Mozart’s “Turkish” Violin Concerto, while Adolphus Hailstork’s contemporary Baroque-infused Suite bridges the way to Prokofiev’s impeccably crafted Classical Symphony. ArtistsAdolphus HailstorkComposer Brett MitchellMusic Director Stefan JackiwViolin Video Sponsors
Insights Sponsor:

Beethoven “Pastoral” Symphony
2025-05-03 | Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S St. John Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91105, United States
Ambassador Auditorium

May 3, 2025
2:00pm & 8:00pm Brett Mitchell, conductor
William Hagen, violin
Chadwick A Pastoral Prelude for Orchestra
Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1
Beethoven Symphony No. 6 “Pastoral” Buy Tickets
Mitchell wraps his inaugural season in a cloak of exquisite musical beauty, concluding with a sense of optimism and joy for Beethoven’s expansive “Pastoral” Symphony.

ArtistsBrett MitchellMusic Director William HagenViolin Video Sponsors
Insights Sponsor:

Broadway Legends from Gershwin to Sondheim
2025-06-21 | LA County Arboretum, 301 N. Baldwin Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 91007, United States
LA County Arboretum

June 21, 2025
Gates open at 5:30pm for picnicking
Concert begins at 7:30pm Buy Tickets Broadway royalty Liz Callaway (Merrily We Roll Along, Cats) and Joshua Henry (Hamilton) bringing you Broadway Legends from Gershwin to Sondheim. Hear music from your favorite Broadway shows over the last century with everything from “I Got Rhythm” and “Send in the Clowns” to hits from Wicked, Hamilton and more! Artists Liz CallawaySoloist Joshua HenrySoloist Michael FeinsteinConductor Video Sponsors
