PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY - APRIL SEASON FINALE AND GALA MAY 1

 

Lydia E. Ringwald is the Laguna Journal's  Cultural Arts Columnist as well as a Southern California based artist and photo-journalist.

Orange County’s Philharmonic Society salutes the 2008-09 Season with an exciting April performance and grand finale Gala party on May 1.

A matinee performance of Bach’s St. John Passion with Pacific Chorale and the Baroque era orchestration by Musica Angelica is scheduled on Saturday April 11 at 1pm at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.

On Friday, April 17, music aficionados may enjoy a discussion with renowned classical music critic Alex Ross about his book ‘The Rest is Noise,’ with Tim Mangan, music critic at the Orange County Register. Event takes place at the Orange County Museum of Art at 7 pm.

Neil Berg’s musical review of Broadway’s most celebrated shows, “100 Years of Broadway’ ignites the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall stage on Tuesday, April 21 at 8 pm. Selections from All that Jazz, Chicago, 1975:This is the Moment, Jersey Boys, Grease, Phantom of the Opera are performed by a cast of Broadway stars including Rob Evan, Steve Blanchard, Rita Harvey, Carter Calvert and Danny Zolli along with Neil Berg directing his all –star New York band.

In the final show of the 2008-09 Orange County Philharmonic season, American classical pianist Richard Goode performs Beethoven and chamber music on Wednesday, April 29 at 8 pm at the Irvine Barclay Theatre.

Featured at this year’s Gala Finale ‘ Puttin’ on the Ritz’ at the Island Hotel, is world-renowned singer, performer and songwriter Rufus Wainwright. Lauded by the New York Times for his ‘genuine originality,’ and anointed by to Elton John as ‘the greatest songwriter on the planet,’ Rufus Wainwright has released 6 albums and two DVD’s to date, as well as performing on numerous soundtracks with musical artists the magnitude of Elton John David Byrne and Keane.

The $1000 a plate, black tie event promises to be an enchanted evening with celebrity chef cuisine, live and silent auctions of dazzling jewels, luxury resorts and designer couture.

Sponsorship tables of $10,000 and $50,000 are also available. Please contact Jennifer Teshima at (949) 553-2422  ex. 232.

The 2009-2010 Season opens in October with a scintillating performance schedule. Plan ahead and calendar in the many musical events offered by Orange County’s Philharmonic Society.