Pacific Symphony Celebrates Year of the Horse at Lunar New Year Concert February 21

Celebrate Lunar New Year 2025 with Pacific Symphony: A Cultural Extravaganza

The Lunar New Year is a time of celebration, reflection, and cultural appreciation, and in 2025, the Pacific Symphony invites you to commemorate the Year of the Snake with a spectacular concert. Taking place on February 1 at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, California, this event promises to be a vibrant evening filled with enchanting music, dance, and community spirit. Under the baton of renowned conductor Carl St. Clair, this concert aims to captivate audiences with a blend of Eastern and Western traditions, marking a significant moment for both local and broader communities.

A Cultural Tradition Reimagined

For over two decades, Pacific Symphony’s Lunar New Year celebration has become a beloved tradition that highlights the richness of pan-Asian musical heritage. Music Director Laureate Carl St. Clair emphasizes the importance of honoring cultural diversity through music and dance. He notes that each annual celebration is a unique opportunity to showcase remarkable artists and foster a sense of community. This cultural event brings together over 200 performers from Orange County and beyond, uniting various talents and traditions that celebrate the essence of Lunar New Year.

An Evening of Exceptional Performances

The program for the Lunar New Year concert encompasses a wide array of musical pieces that span continents and centuries. From Huanzhi Li’s Spring Festival Overture to the classical works of Debussy, Tchaikovsky, and Orff, attendees can expect a rich auditory experience. Highlighted during the performance will be pianist Xiangdong Kong, who will play Tchaikovsky’s iconic Piano Concerto No. 1, showcasing the extraordinary talent of featured soloists, including jinghu player Shunxiang Zhang and Pacific Symphony Concertmaster Dennis Kim on violin.

Dance: A Central Element

Dance will take center stage throughout the evening, significantly enriching the concert’s dynamic atmosphere. Acclaimed groups like the Yaya Dance Academy, under the guidance of Yaya Zhang, and the T.O.P. Awards Dancers will deliver captivating performances that underscore traditional Chinese dance forms. Additionally, the concert will spotlight young musicians and vocalists, providing a platform for emerging talent from the Orange County Music and Dance Violin Studio, led by Wendy Castille, along with the American Feel Young Chorus, directed by Sam Wei-Chi Sun.

A Collaborative Celebration

The Pacific Chorale will also make its presence felt, lending its rich harmony and vocal prowess to the evening’s highlights. Led by Artistic Director Robert Istad, the Chorale will perform several major works, concluding with the uplifting rendition of “America the Beautiful.” The collaboration between the Pacific Symphony and local performers exemplifies the spirit of community and cultural pride, creating a memorable experience for all who attend. This year’s event also celebrates the vision and dedication of long-time supporter Charlie Zhang, whose commitment to cultural initiatives helps bring this vibrant celebration to life.

Ticket Information and Conclusion

The Pacific Symphony’s Lunar New Year celebration is generously supported by presenting sponsors, Hoag and the Hoag Hospital Foundation, along with concert sponsors Charlie and Ling Zhang. Tickets for this stunning concert can be purchased online at pacificsymphony.org/lunar-new-year or by calling (714) 755-5799. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience a captivating evening that celebrates cultural diversity, music, and the joy of the Lunar New Year. Join us on February 1, 2025, at the Segerstrom Concert Hall, and become a part of this enriching community tradition.