5 Best Upcoming Shows From The Pacific Symphony

The Pacific Symphony is celebrating its 10-year residency at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, a venue known for its beautifully balanced acoustics and exceptional architecture. A signature performance hall in Orange County, the Segerstrom Concert Hall provides the perfect setting for a great night of music. The 2016-2017 season begins in September, making now the time to consider the wide variety of musical programs - from piano concertos to rich symphonies - before they sell out. Here are five highlights from the upcoming season.

A Special Evening with Renee Fleming
Date: September 13, 2016 at 8pm

With Carl St.Clair conducting, one of the great operatic sopranos and reigning opera diva Renee Fleming makes a rare Orange County appearance. Fleming will be performing Richard Strauss' evocative "Four Last Songs" on a program that also offers popular favorites from opera to the Broadway stage. This pre-opening night event is a don't-miss evening.

2016-17 Opening Night
Kern Plays Rachmanioff
Dates: September 22 - 24, 2016 at 8pm

Carl St.Clair conducts the symphony for an exciting evening that includes Dvorák's festive "Carnival Overture," as well as a stunning world premiere by pianist and composer Conrad Tao and Respighi's "Pines of Rome." Rachmaninoff's "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini" will be performed by the dazzling Olga Kern.

Hal and Jeanette Segerstrom Family Foundation Classical Series
"Tchaikovsky's Fourth"
October 20 - 22, 2016 at 8pm

Arnaud Sussmann's exquisite violin will create the perfect version of Mozart's "Violin Concerto No.3," known as the composer's most beloved. On the same program is the world premiere of the "Concerto for Four Principal Winds," created by the Pacific Symphony's composer in residence, Narong Prangcharoen. And of course, the evening soars with Tchaikovsky's "Fourth Symphony," a surging powerhouse that reflects Beethoven's Fifth.

Hal and Jeanette Segerstrom Family Foundation Classical Series
Strauss' Vienna
Dates: December 1, 2, 3, & 8, 2016 at 8pm

Jeremy Denk elevates Brahms' "Piano Concerto No. 1" with his award winning performance. The 2014 Musical America's Instrumentalist of the Year shares the program with a tribute to the Vienese waltz, including Richard Strauss' Suite from Der Rosenkavalier.

Holiday Special
Handel's Glorious Messiah
Date: December 4, 2016 at 3pm

Conducted by George Hanson and performed by the Pacific Chorale under the guidance of artistic director John Alexander, Handel's Glorious Messiah makes any holiday season complete. Come celebrate the season with Handel's magnificent oratorio, a vibrant musical work replete with trumpets, timpani, and the joyous Hallelujah chorus.