Free Outdoor Concert Series in Irvine, Lake Forest and Mission Viejo

It's Pomp and Pizazz at Pacific Symphony's 2009 "Target Symphony in the Cities" Free Outdoor Concert Series in Irvine, Lake Forest and Mission Viejo

Evening features selections from “Camelot” and “The King and I,” popular patriotic tunes, and Musical Playground for kids

It’s music fit for kings and queens, when Pacific Symphony’s 2009 Target Symphony in the Cities concert series, featuring “Pomp and Pizazz,” heads to several Orange County communities this summer for an evening of free outdoor music and entertainment. For the fifth year in a row, Target returns as the title sponsor for this popular event, which attracts thousands of people each year. This year’s concerts—led by Music Director Carl St.Clair—take place in Mission Viejo’s Oso Viejo Park (Aug. 1), Irvine’s Heritage Park (Aug. 2) and Lake Forest’s Pittsford Park (Aug. 16), beginning at 7 p.m., and evoke all the “pomp and pizzazz” of a royal occasion with music from “Camelot” and “The King and I,” lively classical ceremonial music—and a few favorite patriotic songs included for good measure! For more information about these free community concerts, call (714) 755-5788 or visit www.PacificSymphony.org.

“With this summer’s concerts I wanted to combine pomp with pizazz,” says Maestro St.Clair. “I liked the juxtaposition of regal music with spice and spirit. Naturally, we are always thinking about honoring our dear country with a traditional patriotic sing-a-long. And, who doesn’t have fun watching the children conduct a march with the Pacific Symphony? The smiles and expressions on their faces are priceless!”

In addition to beloved favorites from Lerner and Lowe’s “Camelot” and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The King and I,” this year’s program also features “The Procession of the Nobles” by Rimsky-Korsakov; “Music for the Royal Fireworks” by Handel; the “Knightsbridge March” by Coates; and the “Triumphal March” from Verdi’s “Aida,” bringing the stately mood of a royal coronation to Orange County, and all the “pomp” that entails.

The concert then strikes up the band for some patriotic fare—and the opportunity for children to serve as guest conductors during John Philip Sousa’s “Hands Across the Sea.” The program also includes a traditional patriotic sing-a-long, in an arrangement especially composed and compiled for last year’s free Symphony in the Cities concerts. As always, a “Musical Playground,” with many interactive and hands-on activities for children, takes place at 5:30 p.m., and includes making an instrument, playing a drum, meeting a musician, plus, a conducting clinic with Maestro St.Clair. “At Target, our local grants are making a difference in the communities we serve,” says Laysha Ward, president of community relations for Target. “We’re proud to partner with the Pacific Symphony as part of our ongoing commitment to give back to the communities where our guests and team members live and work.”

“We are especially grateful during a year like this—with so many people facing economic hardships—that Target continues to support our efforts to bring music to our communities,” says the Symphony President John Forsyte. “It is because of Target that we are able to continue to provide uplifting, high-quality performances outdoors during the summer and ensure that everyone—including those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to hear these very talented musicians—is able to enjoy this great experience. We are also very thankful to all of the host cities who work so hard to make these events a truly enjoyable time for all.”