Pacific Symphony Opens New Season with a Spectacular Evening

On September 18, 2023, Pacific Symphony celebrated the commencement of its 47th season with an enchanting Opening Night Concert and Celebration. The event was a grand affair, drawing music enthusiasts, patrons, and luminaries together for an unforgettable evening that featured orchestral masterpieces by Rachmaninoff and Sibelius. Helmed by the Symphony’s Board of Directors and co-chaired by Judy Posnikoff and MC Sungaila, the event set a festive tone that resonated throughout the beautifully decorated Samueli Theatre.

The evening commenced with a stunning display of jewel-toned florals, golden accents, and elegant amethyst drapery, creating an atmosphere of sophistication and festivity. Over 225 guests gathered not only to enjoy an exquisite dinner but also to experience a captivating orchestral program—the first concert of the 2025-2026 Hal and Jeanette Segerstrom Family Foundation Classical Series. This celebration did more than just mark an engagement with music; it raised an impressive $300,000 to support the Symphony’s various programs, thereby embracing the spirit of community and artistic expressions.

Event co-chair Judy Posnikoff eloquently articulated the significance of the evening, stating, "Tonight, we celebrate more than just the opening of a new season—we celebrate the next movement in the Symphony’s extraordinary journey." As the night unfolded, various speakers, including Board Chair Arthur Ong and French conductor Ludovic Morlot, shared insights about the Symphony’s strategic collaborations. Morlot highlighted the performance of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 featuring pianist Alessio Bax and Sibelius’ Symphony No. 1, a piece that Pacific Symphony premiered for the first time that night.

Moreover, Pacific Symphony President and CEO John Forsyte took the opportunity to honor Daniele Struppa, the outgoing president of Chapman University, with a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing the vital partnership between the university and the Symphony. Such tributes not only underscore the importance of collaboration in the arts but also reflect the commitment of the Pacific Symphony to foster community relationships.

Guests were treated to a culinary delight, which featured a menu curated to complement the evening’s festivities. The meal included wines from Desforges Vineyards, highlighted by an artfully presented salad of heirloom tomatoes, burrata, and pink lady apples, followed by a pan-seared local sea bass. To enhance the dining experience, Pacific Symphony violinist Madalyn Parnas-Möller and pianist David Kaplan performed a delicate duet of Mozart’s Violin and Piano Sonata in B-flat Major, K. 454, enriching the ambiance of the evening.

Reflecting on the event, co-chair Sungaila shared her sentiment about the magical moments of the night, saying, “The incredible Sibelius performance and our private dinner concert were both unforgettable.” She emphasized the importance of community partnerships in enabling Pacific Symphony to thrive, spotlighting how events like Opening Night bring people together to celebrate the arts in Orange County.

To conclude the evening, guests reveled in the lively performance of the Joey Sellers Trio, which ushered them into a delightful night filled with fine wine and decadent desserts amidst the soft glow of candlelight in the Samueli Theatre. This celebration captured the essence of the occasion—an artistic renewal and excitement for the bright new season ahead.

As the largest orchestra established in the U.S. over the past 50 years, Pacific Symphony stands proud among the elite orchestras nationwide, as recognized by the League of American Orchestras. With the recent appointment of Alexander Shelley as Artistic and Music Director Designate for the 2025-2026 season, the Symphony prepares to embark on an exhilarating new chapter while honoring its rich legacy. Founded in 1978 and led for 35 years by Carl St. Clair, Pacific Symphony continues to enrich the cultural landscape of Orange County through captivating performances and community engagement. For more information, visit www.PacificSymphony.org.

As the Symphony embarks on another promising season, it invites audiences to engage with its dynamic programs and unparalleled performances, serving as a testament to the enduring power of music to unify and inspire. Whether you’re a seasoned patron or a newcomer to the orchestral world, the Pacific Symphony experience promises an exciting journey that celebrates the transformative power of the arts in our community.