Halls Alive With Sounds of Music

From the great wave of opera, symphonies, recitals and dance programs this season, picking even a few must-sees is hard. Here’s one pass at the list . . .

Starting with opera:

* Verdi adored Shakespeare, but he composed only three operas based on Shakespearean texts. The earliest was “Macbeth,” which Opera Pacific stages Jan. 16-21 at the Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa. Paul Fink and Gordon Hawkins alternate in the title role. Audrey Stottler and Cynthia Lawrence alternate as Lady Macbeth. Company artistic director John DeMain will conduct.

For those who can’t wait that long, Orange County’s only opera troupe will also offer a sample program of opera excerpts Saturday at Irvine Bowl in Laguna Beach with a cast that includes five soloists. DeMain will conduct.

* Two other opera dates to watch: Strauss’ “Der Rosenkavalier” from April 3-8 at the center and the West Coast premiere of Mark Adamo’s “Little Women” from May 12-20 at the Irvine Barclay Theatre.

Switching to symphonies:

* Philip Glass’ Choral Symphony No. 5 (Requiem, Bardo and Nirmanakay) seeks to trace a spiritual history of the cosmos, from chaos to hoped-for future enlightenment. The work gets its West Coast premiere Oct. 13 at the center when Carl St.Clair will conduct the Pacific Symphony, Pacific Chorale and multiple soloists. The concert opens the second annual Eclectic Orange Festival sponsored by the Philharmonic Society, which helped commission the work.

* As part of its season, Pacific Symphony will host a wide-ranging Aaron Copland Centenary Festival in November. Most details are pending, but one program is set: St.Clair will conduct “Fanfare for the Common Man,” “A Lincoln Portrait” and other Copland works, Nov. 15 and 16 at the center.

* For Baroque music, turn to two programs: the Academy of Ancient Music and conductor-violinist Andrew Manze with music by Bach, Handel and other composers, Nov. 19 at the center (which sponsors the concert). Second is a Vivaldi opera selections program with famed mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli and the 15-member period-instrument ensemble, Il Giardino Armonico, Feb. 26 at the center. The concert is sponsored by the Philharmonic Society.

* Another important choral event: Bobby McFerrin will conduct the Pacific Chorale in Brahms, Schubert and his music May 19 at the center.

As for recitals:

* Pianist Evgeny Kissin will play works by Beethoven, Schumann and Brahms on Sept. 28 at the center. His recital is sponsored by the Philharmonic Society.

* Rising star tenor Ian Bostridge will make his Southern California recital debut with a program of Schubert and Wolf on Oct. 26 in Founders Hall at the center. The Philharmonic Society is the sponsor.

* Andras Schiff will play Bach’s “Goldberg Variations” on Nov. 13 in Founders Hall at the center. The Philharmonic Society is the sponsor.

* Mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves will sing her first Orange County recital Jan. 26 at the center, which is sponsoring the event.

* The dance world gets broader and broader: Martial arts emerged for self-protection, but practitioners in the East quickly realized the first opponent that needed to be subdued was the ego of the warrior. The Shaolin order of Buddhist monks from China will demonstrate their mastery Oct. 14 at the center. This is their first international tour. The program is sponsored by the Philharmonic Society.

* Elizabeth Streb’s “Action Heroes” pays homage to various stunt artists. The new work gets its West Coast premiere Oct. 20-22 at the Irvine Barclay Theatre, which is sponsoring the event.

* The renegade, innovative Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg will dance Eifman’s “A Russian Hamlet: The Son of Catherine the Great” from March 16-18 at the center, which sponsors the engagement. The work draws on music by Beethoven and Mahler.

Information:

Irvine Barclay Theatre: (949) 854-4646

Opera Pacific: (800) 346-7372

Orange County Performing Arts Center: (714) 556-2787

Pacific Chorale: (714) 662-2345

Pacific Symphony: (714) 755-5799

Philharmonic Society of Orange County: (949) 553-2422

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

ALISO VIEJO SYMPHONY

13642 Winthrope St., Santa Ana

(714) 731-8079

https://www.alisoviejosymphony.org

Aliso Viejo Symphony is a 70-member resident orchestra, providing concerts for more than 15 communities. The symphony, which is entering its fifth season, performs a variety of orchestral literature from symphonic masterworks to Broadway and pops. The symphony’s mission is to provide south Orange County with an accessible, professional and affordable musical experience.

Season Information

A Night at the Opera--Nov. 3

Coast Hills Church in Aliso Viejo

Guest vocalists Eileen O’Hern, Kristin Rothfuss, Alvin Brightbill and John Huntington

Young Stars of the Future--Feb. 9

Lake Hills Church in Laguna Hills

Catrin Finch, harp, and the second-annual Young Artists Competition Award Winners

The Best of Broadway--March 30

Coast Hills Church in Aliso Viejo

Latin American Favorites--May 18

Coast Hills Church in Aliso Viejo

Music of Latin composers, featuring Rodrigo’s Guitar Concerto

THE ALL-AMERICAN BOYS CHORUS

Little Theatre

88 Fair Drive

Costa Mesa

(714) 708-1670

https://www.AllAmericanBoysChorus.org

The chorus is a performing and training group. The chorus gives tuition-free instruction providing boys ages 8 to 15 with the motivation and opportunity to develop and exercise leadership qualities in a choral music setting.

Upcoming Performances

Nov. 27

South Coast Town Center Tree Lighting in Costa Mesa

Dec. 23

Family Yuletide Dinner and Concert

Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach

Dec. 24

Christmas Eve Candlelight Dinner and Concert

Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Dana Point

Jan. 31

Robert B. Moore Theatre, Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa

Feb. 20-25

Guest appearance in Opera Pacific’s production of “Carmen” at the Orange County Performing Arts Center

ANAHEIM BALLET

280 E. Lincoln Ave.

Anaheim

714 490-6150

https://www.anaheimballet.org

A presence in the arts community for more than 10 years, Anaheim Ballet performs regularly throughout Orange County, Los Angeles, Nevada and Arizona. The company features classical programming with contemporary presentations. Regular collaborations with county arts organizations include the Orange County Performing Arts Center, the Imagination Celebration and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County.

Season Information

“The Nutcracker”--Dec. 13-17

Full-length production of the holiday classic at Saddleback College’s McKinney Theatre

Summer Dance Sampler--August

Full evening concert with repertory ranging from classical to contemporary held at Pearson Park Amphitheatre in Anaheim

ANGELIKA NEMETH’S MIDDLE EASTERN DANCE ENSEMBLE

Orange Coast College

2701 Fairview Rd.

Costa Mesa

(949) 786-3111

This ensemble performs classical and folkloric dances from the Near and Middle East including Egypt, Kuwait, Lebanon and Iran. The group is based at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa under the direction of Angelika Nemeth and performs at concerts, festivals, weddings and other special events.

Newport Beach Central Library--Oct. 26

UC Santa Barbara--Dec. 2

ARPANA DANCE COMPANY

7 Mecklenberg

Irvine

(949) 552-9043

https://danceramya.com

Arpana Dance Company performs Bharata Natyam, an Asian Indian dance form with origins dating back 2,000 years. Bharata Natyam has two main aspects: Nritta (pure dance) and Nritya and Abhinaya (interpretive dance). Through the use of suggestive facial expressions, codified gestures of the hand and symbolic poses of the body, the dancer conveys a theme or idea to the audience and seeks to provide a rich visual and emotional experience. Accompanied by musicians, the company brings the melodies, rhythms, colors and drama of India alive.

THE BALLET MONTMARTRE

2790 Harbor Blvd.

Suite 210

Costa Mesa

(714) 241-7424

Ballet Montmartre is a local dance company founded in 1972. Under the direction of Stela Viorica, the company’s mission is to create an awareness among children of how the art of dance can enhance the quality of their lives. The company regularly performs an adaptation of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” and is also a participant in the Imagination Celebration.

Season Information

“A Christmas Carol”--Dec. 22 and 23

Plummer Auditorium, Fullerton

BALLET PACIFICA

1824 Kaiser Ave.

Irvine

(949) 851-9930

https://ocartsnet.org/ballet_pacifica/

Ballet Pacifica continues to build on its commitment to the development of new work, revival of American classics and an eclectic blend of programming. The company has established itself nationally through its Pacific Choreographic Project. This annual program provides four choreographers with the opportunity to create a new work using the company’s dancers. During the past 10 years, Ballet Pacifica has worked with more than 36 emerging and established choreographers and premiered more than 45 ballets. The company’s repertoire also includes masterpieces by legendary dance-makers such as George Balanchine and Antony Tudor.

Season Information

Dance Concert Series:

Program 1--Oct. 13-14

World Premiere by choreographer/composer Peter Pucci/To Be Announced

“Triptych” by Lynne Taylor-Corbett/Karl Jenkins

“Variations Serieuses” by Choo-San Goh/ Felix Mendelssohn

Program 2--March 30-31

World Premiere by Ann Marie DeAngelo/To Be Announced

“Between People” by William Soleau/John Adams

“No Less Than Every” by Rick McCullough/Dmitri Shostakovich

Program 3--June 15-16

“Carmen” by Robert Sund/Miles Davis

“as is, is us” by Jamey Hampton/Aphex Twin

World Premiere by David Allan/To Be Announced

BALLET UNLIMITED

1014 W. Collins Ave.

Orange

(714) 639-8525

Season Information

“The Nutcracker”--Dec. 8-10

Fullerton College Campus Theater

Guest artists join a cast of more than 90 performers. For tickets, call the Fullerton Campus Box Office (714) 871-8101.

Spring Concert 2001: Dance and Desert--April 1

Fullerton College Campus Theater

Summer Concert 2001--June 22-23

Fullerton College Campus Theater

The dancers of the West Coast Conservatory of Ballet are featured in two narrative productions: “La Boutique Fantasque,” a romance about two dolls in a magic toy shop; and a new production.

BUENA PARK CHORUS

276 Seneca Circle

Anaheim

(714) 772-1347

Formed in 1968, the 45-member Buena Park Chorus presents three major events during the year and also enjoys singing community concerts. The chorus has performed in Hawaii, northern California and western Canada.

Season Information

Silverado Days--Oct. 2

In Buena Park

Community Chorale Festival--November

Christmas Concert--Dec. 16-17

Buena Park Senior Center

Community Chorale Festival--May

Annual Spring Concert--June 22-24

CAPISTRANO VALLEY SYMPHONY

34145 Pacific Coast Highway

Suite 139

Dana Point

(949) 240-8584

https://cvsymphony.com

The Capistrano Valley Symphony has been bringing symphonic and pop music to south Orange County since 1982 featuring the annual Riviera Pops Series, directed by conductor and musical director Carlo Spiga. This five-concert series is held in the garden courtyard of the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano. Additional programs and concert series held throughout the year.

Season Information

Concert dates for 2001:

May 13, June 24, July 22, Aug. 26 and Sept. 16

DEFORE FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS

151 Kalmus Drive, G-3

Costa Mesa

(714) 241-9908

Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

As a charitable and educational nonprofit organization, DeFore Foundation for the Arts provides dance scholarships and artistic outreach, promotes professional work for dancers, funds performances, and trains and provides facilities for dancers. Jimmy DeFore Dance Center trains professionals for commercial work on stage, film and TV. Classes cover ballet, turns and stretching, jazz, tap, ballroom, lyrical, Spanish and funk.

Season Information

An Evening of Ballet--Sept. 24

A free in-house performance

Pulse--Jan. 26-28

At Huntington Beach High School

Generations 2001--June 9 and 10

At Orange Coast College’s Robert B. Moore Theatre

FESTIVAL BALLET THEATRE

9527 Garfield Ave.

Fountain Valley

(714) 962-5440

Season Information

All performances at Robert B. Moore Theatre, Orange Coast College. For information and tickets, call Orange Coast College at (714) 432-5880, Ext 1. Contact the company for performances in other counties.

“The Nutcracker”--Dec. 8-10

With additional 45-minute, narrated performances at 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. Dec. 8, specially suited for younger audience members.

“Sleeping Beauty”--March 31-April 1

The classical fairy tale ballet about a princess under an evil spell and the handsome prince who rescues her.

FRIENDS OF JAZZ--ORANGE COUNTY

P.O. Box 5671

Fullerton

(800) 690-6684

Friends of Jazz is a nonprofit educational corporation created to promote the continued growth and development of jazz performance, appreciation and education.

Season Information

RagFest 2000--Oct. 7

Orange County’s first ragtime musical festival at Steamers Cafe, 138 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton. Reservations required.

FULLERTON FRIENDS OF MUSIC

1118 N. Stanford Ave.

Fullerton

(714) 529-7758

(714) 525-5836

https://www.webpan.com/fullerton-friends-of-music/index.html

Now in its 42nd year, Fullerton Friends of Music, the oldest chamber music society in Orange County, continues to present repertoire ranging from baroque to late-20th century. Performances take place at Sunny Hills High School Performing Arts Center in Fullerton. Admission for the fall series is free.

Season Information

“All Bach!”--Oct. 22

Jonathan Mack, tenor, accompanied by Lucinda Carver and members of the Mozart Orchestra

The Alexander String Orchestra--Dec. 3

The Amadeus Trio--Jan. 7

The Clavino Trio--Feb. 11

The Cleveland Trio and James Umble--April 8

Bachmann-Klibonoff-Fridman Trio--May 13

HARMONIA BAROQUE PLAYERS

19795 Villager Circle

Yorba Linda

(714) 970-8545

https://www.ocartsnet.org/harmonia

The Harmonia Baroque Players is Orange County’s only professional baroque chamber music group. The ensemble consists of recorders, viola da gamba, baroque cello, lute, baroque guitar, baroque violin and harpsichord. The ensemble presents a three-concert series--often featuring guest artists--throughout Southern California with local performances at Newport Harbor Lutheran Church in Newport Beach.

Season Information

Music for a Well-Tempered Audience--Nov. 12

The program will include a prelude and fugue from Bach’s “Wohltemperiertes Klavier” a concerto by Telemann for recorder and obbligato harpsichord, a trio sonata by Quantz for recorder-flute and continuo, and other works. With baroque flutist Richard Wilson.

“If It Is Baroque, Don’t Fix It!”--Jan. 7

All-baroque concert with Mari Haig on baroque violin.

“Images of Melancholy and Mirth”--May 20

Guests Paul Sherman, oboe, and Maurita Phillips-Thornburgh, soprano.

IRVINE BARCLAY THEATRE

4242 Campus Drive

Irvine

(949) 854-4646

https://www.thebarclay.org

Box office hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4 p.m.

The Barclay’s 10th anniversary season presents West Coast premieres, newly commissioned works and a diverse array of artists.

Season Information

Special Events

“Barclay Ole!: A 10th Anniversary Celebration”--Oct. 7

Irvine Civic Center Plaza

Imagine Madrid’s Plaza Mayor. On this evening, the Irvine Civic Center Plaza will be filled with the sights and sounds of flamenco music and dance coordinated by Yaelisa, Emmy Award-winning flamenco artist. Traditional tapas and sangria will be served.

Theater Events

“Far Side of the Moon”--Oct. 26-28

Written, directed and performed by Robert Lepage; original score by Laurie Anderson

Innovative theater--a fusion of media, movement, text and music. Co-commissioned by the Barclay (West Coast premiere)

“Shylock”--Feb. 3

Written and performed by Gareth Armstrong

Armstrong retells the compelling story of “The Merchant of Venice.”

“Mummenshanz: Next”--Feb. 28-March 4

The exclusive Los Angeles area engagement of this company.

“MacHomer”--April 1

Written and performed by Rick Miller

MacHomer, or “The Simpsons Do MacBeth,” is a one-man show featuring more than 60 voices from TV’s favorite dysfunctional family in a hilarious performance of Shakespeare’s bloody tragedy.

Contemporary Dance Series

“Streb: Action Heroes”--Oct. 20-22

Streb pays homage to the stunt artists--Cannonball Joe, Annie Taylor (the heroine of Niagara Falls) and Evel Knievel, among others--in this new dance and theater presentation.

“Pilobolus”--Dec. 6-7

The troupe is acrobatic, theatrical and unconventional.

“Sasha Waltz: Alle Der Kosmonauten”--Feb. 6-7

Southern California Premiere of the Berlin-based choreographer of narrative dance theater.

Garth Fagan Dance--March 21-22

Modern dance.

World Stages Series

(co-presented by the Barclay and the Philharmonic Society)

“Misia”--Oct. 29

The word fado means fate in Portuguese. Misia has been crowned the new voice of this complex musical tradition.

Bale Folclorico da Bahia: Carnaval 2000--Nov. 24-26

Thirty-two dancers, singers and drummers from Brazil’s original capital present Afro-Brazilian rhythms and dance.

Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival--Jan. 30

Ki ho’alu, which means “loosen the key,” is the Hawaiian language name for the solo finger-picked style unique to Hawaii.

Burhan Ocal with the Istanbul Oriental Ensemble--March 9

Ocal, a darbouka (finger drum) player, is joined by the Istanbul Oriental Ensemble in an authentic exploration of the traditional Gypsy sounds of the Ottoman Empire.

“Solas”--March 17

Irish music for St. Patrick’s Day by one of the premier Irish groups in the world.

Vocal Series

Ute Lemper: A European Cabaret--Dec. 1

German theater star and singer Lemper is acknowledged as one of the foremost interpreters of the songs of Kurt Weill and European cabaret.

Chanticleer: Sing We Christmas--Dec. 8

Vocal ensemble in a performance offering traditional and contemporary settings of holiday music, including anthems, canons, carols, dances, hymns and motets.

THE JOHN BILEZIKJIAN BAND

P.O. Box 2434

Laguna Hills

(949) 581-5664

https://www.dantzrecords.com

The John Bilezikjian Band performs the music and dance of Armenia, Turkey, Greece, Lebanon, Israel, Persia, Russia and Italy.

KEITH GLASSMAN AND DANCERS

1555 Mesa Verde Drive East

No. 49H

Costa Mesa

(949) 588-2427

Keith Glassman and Dancers is a postmodern dance company recently relocated to Orange County from New York. They have performed in theaters, parks, schools and museums in New York, Toronto, Vermont, Maine, San Diego and Los Angeles.

Season Information

(Orange County performances--contact the company for information on Los Angeles and San Diego performances)

Choreographers Dance Festival--Oct. 14

Laguna Beach

LAGUNA CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

13 Doheny

Laguna Niguel

(949) 249-2404

Laguna Chamber Music Society has been presenting a classical music series since 1959. Concerts are held at the Irvine Barclay Theatre.

Season Information

Julia Fischer, violin, and Milana Chernyazska, piano--Oct. 24

Tartini’s Violin Sonata in G Minor, “Devil’s Trill”; Beethoven’s Sonata for Violin and Piano in E-Flat Major, Op. 12, No. 3; and Franck’s Sonata for Violin and Piano in A Major

Ysaye Quartet with Regis Pasquier, violin, and Jean-Claude Pennetier, piano--Nov. 20

Ravel’s Sonata for Violin and Piano; Debussy’s Quartet in G Minor, Op. 10; and Chausson’s Concerto in D for Piano, Violin and String Quartet, Op. 21

Diaz Trio with James Buswell, violin--Jan. 4

Bach’s Sonata for Solo Violin in A Minor; Hindemith’s String Trio No. 1, Op. 34; and Smetana’s String Quartet in E Minor, “From My Life”

Lanier Trio--Feb. 8

Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio in D Minor, Op. 49; Schubert’s Sonata in B-Flat Major, D. 28; and Dvorak’s Piano Trio in E Minor, Op. 90, “Dumky”

Lark Quartet with Peter Schickele--March 5

Brahms’ String Quartet in A Minor, Op. 51, No. 2 and Schickele’s Quintet No. 2 for Piano and Strings

Ying Quartet with Jon Nakamatsu, Van Cliburn Gold-Medalist--March 19

Bolcom’s Three Rags; Putz’s Dark Vigil of Youth; Brahms’ Piano Quintet in F Minor, Op. 34; and selections by Chopin

THE LIVING TRADITION

6 Shooting Star

Irvine

(949) 559-1419

https://thelivingtradition.org

This group’s mission is to preserve and promote traditional music and dance. Activities, events and concerts are hosted throughout Southern California: jam sessions and potlucks occur monthly, old-time contra dances are presented twice a month and approximately 10 concerts by various visiting and local folk artists are scheduled per year. Workshops are also offered. Contact the Living Tradition for more information or to receive the monthly newsletter.

METROPOLITAN BALLET COMPANY

4322 Katella Ave.

Los Alamitos

(562) 430-7025

https://www.dancewest.org

The company is involved in such events as the California Choreographers Dance Festival and Imagination Celebration. Since its establishment in 1989, it has provided a training facility, educational outreach programs, rehearsal space for local dance companies, and numerous performance opportunities for Orange County artists.

Season Information

(Contact the company for performances in other counties.)

Choreographer’s Showcase--March 24

MOZART CLASSICAL ORCHESTRA

23251 Peralta

Ste. N

Laguna Hills

(949) 830-2950

Season Information

Beethoven for President--Oct. 5

Irvine Barclay Theatre

Beethoven for President--Oct. 8

St. Andrew’s in Newport Beach

Song and Dance--Nov. 5

St. Andrew’s in Newport Beach

Happy Birthday Mozart--Jan. 6

Irvine Barclay Theatre

Happy Birthday Mozart--Jan. 7

St. Andrew’s in Newport Beach

Strings and Pipes--March 25

St. Andrew’s in Newport Beach

From Vienna--April 29

St. Andrew’s in Newport Beach

NICHOLSON PIPES AND DRUMS

Westminster

(714) 973-7575

Nicholson Pipes and Drums is a traditional Scottish pipe band. Since 1981 it has performed traditional Scottish and Irish tunes at events and in venues throughout the county.

Season Information

Annual Concert--Nov. 4

Ebell Theatre in Santa Ana

Featuring guests the Browne Sisters, uillean piper Eric Rigler (of “Braveheart” fame), Donnie MacDonald and the U.C. Riverside Highland Dancers.

NORTH ORANGE COUNTY COMMUNITY CONCERTS ASSN.

623 S. Clara St.

Anaheim

(714) 535-8925

Celebrating its 55th season in Fullerton, this organization offers a variety of nationally and internationally acclaimed professional artists, presented at Fullerton First United Methodist Church. Season subscribers may attend more than 90 concerts in other Southern California cities; single ticket admissions also available.

Season Information

Side Street Strutters: Jumpin’ Into Swing--Sept. 21

Big-band sounds with a swinging rhythm section, soloists and the Strutters’ trademark humor.

Debra Reuter-Pivetta, flute, and Federico Pivetta, piano--Feb. 2

“In Thinking of America” with Robert Trentham, tenor--March 8

Influenced by his family’s involvement on both sides of the Civic War, Trentham performs a program of the parlor songs, battle hymns and spirituals that sustained America during that time.

Cristiana Pegoraro, piano--April 17

NOUVEAU CHAMBER BALLET

1090 W. Valencia Drive

Fullerton

(714) 526-3862

https://www.nouveauchamberballet.com

Since its founding in 1988 by Lois Ellyn, this nonprofit organization has provided pre-professional and professional dancers with performance and educational opportunities. The company’s repertoire encompasses traditional ballets and contemporary and original works. Nouveau Chamber Ballet frequently collaborates with other artistic groups, including orchestras, ensembles and soloists.

Season Information

(Contact the company for performances in other counties)

“The Nutcracker”--Dec. 15-17

Fullerton College Campus Theater

Holiday favorite features guest artists and the Cal State Long Beach Orchestra.

“Dances for a Summer Evening”--July 6-8

Fullerton College Campus Theater

OPERA PACIFIC

600 W. Warner

Santa Ana

(800) 34-OPERA

https://www.operapacific.org

Now in its 15th season, Opera Pacific’s mission is to produce a broad repertoire of opera and occasional musicals with the highest artistic standards; to develop audiences through education programs for children, adolescents and adults; and to provide training and performance opportunities for emerging operatic talent. The company has also launched a major initiative to produce new American operas. The first work in this multi-year series, Mark Adamo’s “Little Women,” is slated for May at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. The company recently moved to expanded facilities in Santa Ana in a 20,000-square-foot center with space for administration offices, production, rehearsal, a costume department, Opera Shoppe and a warehouse.

Season Information

(All performances except for “Little Women” will be presented at the Orange County Performing Arts Center)

“The Magic Flute” by Mozart--Nov. 7-12

Mozart’s musical fairy tale is brought to life in a production designed by artist Maurice Sendak, author and illustrator of the children’s book “Where the Wild Things Are” (sung in English, translation by Andrew Porter).

“Macbeth” by Verdi--Jan. 16-21

Presented on the centennial of the composer’s death, Giuseppe Verdi’s rendition of Shakespeare’s dark tragedy (sung in Italian with English supertitles).

“Carmen” by Bizet--Feb. 20-25

A new production created for Opera Pacific by Ron Daniels, director of the company’s 1998 “Madame Butterfly” (sung in French with English supertitles).

“Der Rosenkavalier” by Strauss--April 3-8

A lush score full of lilting waltzes and rich orchestrations, one of the most popular German operas of the 20th century (sung in German with English supertitles).

“Little Women” by Mark Adamo--May 12-20

Irvine Barclay Theatre

Based on Louisa May Alcott’s classic about four young women coming of age in New England during and after the Civil War (sung in English).

ORANGE COUNTY OPERA

Los Alamitos

(562) 867-2298

https://www.orangecountyopera.org

Orange County Opera celebrates 25 years of arts education for the children of Southern California. This group of actors with colorful costumes, scenery and music performs at schools providing a fun and educational introduction to the art form.

ORANGE COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

600 Town Center Drive

Costa Mesa

(714) 556-ARTS

Box office hours: Daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. For group discounts (20 or more): (714) 755-0236. Information and online tickets purchases available at https://www.ocpac.org. Charge by phone through Ticketmaster: (714) 740-7878.

This season, the center will showcase productions by the world’s leading dance companies, national tours of Broadway’s top musicals, internationally renowned classical musicians and popular headliners in the J.P. Morgan Jazz Club and Cabaret Series and many special events. Performances are held in the 3,000-seat Segerstrom Hall and a more intimate 300-seat Founders Hall.

2001 International Classic Dance Series

The Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg--March 16-18

Paris Opera Ballet--May 8-13

La Scala Ballet--July 10-15

National Ballet of Cuba--Oct. 18-21

Broadway Series

“Ragtime--The Musical”--Now through Sept. 24

“Annie Get Your Gun”--Nov. 21-26

“The Scarlet Pimpernel”--Jan. 2-7

“Fosse”--April 18-29

“Cinderella”--June 5-10

“Saturday Night Fever”--June 26-July 8

Concert Series

Borromeo String Quartet and Christopher O’Riley--Nov. 9

Christopher Parkening--Nov. 12

The Academy of Ancient Music and Andrew Manze--Nov. 19

Rosetti String Quartet--Nov. 30

Musica Angelica--Dec. 14

American String Quartet--Jan. 14

Artemis String Quartet--Feb. 2

Nina Kotova--Feb. 15

Hesperion XXI--March 15

Assad Duo--March 21

Emerson String Quartet--April 19

Voices in Song Series Denyce Graves--Jan. 26

Kathleen Battle, Feb. 11

J.P. Morgan Jazz Club Series

John Pizzarelli--Sept. 22-23

Eddie Palmieri--Oct. 20-21

Jeannie and Jimmy Cheatham--Nov. 17-18

Freddy Cole--Dec. 15-16

Regina Carter--Feb. 16-17

Joshua Redman)--March 30-31

Stefon Harris--April 20-21

Carmen Bradford--May 4-5

Cabaret Series

Barbara Cook--Sept. 28-Oct. 1

David Campbell--Nov. 2-5

Kristin Chenoweth--Jan. 18-21

Ann Hampton Callaway--Feb. 22-25

Faith Prince--March 8-11

Saturdays at the Center

(Family Series)

Repercussion Unit, Sept. 26

“Amahl and the Night Visitors”--Dec. 2

Fantoccini Mum Puppettheatre--Jan. 27

Michel Lauziere--March 24

“See There in the Distance”--June 2

Special Events

Keely Smith--Nov. 24-25

David Copperfield: Unknown Dimension--Nov. 30 and Dec. 2

Harry Belafonte--Dec. 9

Rosemary Clooney’s White Christmas Party--Dec. 14

“Rent,” Dec. 26-31

“Arthur--A Live Adventure”--Feb. 27-March 4

ORANGE COUNTY SYMPHONY

11752 Garden Grove Blvd.

No. 208

Garden Grove

(714) 638-9639

The Orange County Symphony is a regional orchestra formed in 1985 and is composed of a full complement of professional and community musicians. The symphony performs in the Don Wash Memorial Auditorium in Garden Grove and other venues throughout the area as well as in outdoor concerts.

Season Information

‘The Nutcracker”--Nov. 18

Ballet set to music by Tchaikovsky, featuring the Academy of Dance.

Don Wash Memorial Auditorium

Holiday Gala--Dec. 10

Doubletree Hotel, Orange

Concert featuring classical guitar--TBA

Anaheim Downtown Center

ORANGE COUNTY WOMEN’S CHORUS

1 Mansfield

Irvine

(714) 662-5402

The chorus seeks to present, advocate and promote quality choral music from diverse cultural and historical periods.

Season Information

“Three Unbelievable Things About Christmas”--Dec. 17

Spring Concert--May 20

PACIFIC CHORALE

1221 E. Dyer Road

Santa Ana

(714) 662-2345

https://www.pacific-chorale.org

Since 1968, Pacific Chorale has produced a series of choral/orchestral concerts each year with the Pacific Symphony at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. Pacific Chorale has also performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and the Ojai Festival Orchestra and has toured extensively in Europe, South America and Asia. Performances by Pacific Chorale can be heard on KKGO (105.1 FM) in Los Angeles and affiliate stations in San Francisco and San Diego. The chorale has appeared on six compact discs, including Pacific Symphony’s “Fire, Water, Paper: A Vietnam Oratorio,” composed by Elliot Goldenthal.

Season Information

(All concerts led by John Alexander except the performance featuring Bobby McFerrin)

Bach and Handel--Oct. 22

Orange County Performing Arts Center

The John Alexander Singers and Musica Angelica perform Bach’s “Missa Brevis in G Minor,” Handel’s “Laudate Pueri” and Bach’s “Magnificat.”

“Tis the Season”--Dec. 17

Orange County Performing Arts Center

Pacific Chorale, Pacific Chorale Children’s Chorus and Pacific Symphony Orchestra unite for this annual holiday tradition.

Barber and Bruckner--March 25

Orange County Performing Arts Center

A performance featuring Barber’s “Adagio for Strings,” “Prayers of Kierkegaard” and Bruckner’s Mass in F Minor, with Pacific Symphony.

An Evening with Bobby McFerrin and Pacific Chorale--May 19

An innovative vocalist, composer and conductor, Bobby McFerrin will lead Pacific Chorale in works by Brahms and Schubert, as well as showcase his vocal talents.

PACIFIC SYMPHONY

1231 E. Dyer Road

Suite 200

Santa Ana

(714) 755-5799

https://pacificsymphony.org

Founded in 1978, the Pacific Symphony presents a variety of musical programs and outreach activities. The third-largest orchestra in California, the symphony’s series at the Orange County Performing Arts Center offers classical masterworks with international soloists, pops concerts headlined by favorite performers, Saturday morning concerts for children and parents, and annual holiday concerts of Handel’s “Messiah.” Dedicated to the performance of music by living American composers, the orchestra has commissioned a number of works, including pieces by William Kraft and the PSO’s former composer-in-residence Frank Ticheli. Its recordings include performances by guest soloists such as cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

Season Information

Special Events

Handel’s Messiah--Dec. 16

George Manahan, conductor; Pacific Chorale with vocal soloists

Philip Glass’ Symphony of Peace--Oct. 13

Pacific Chorale, Pacific Chorale Children’s Chorus and vocal soloists (presented by the Philharmonic Society of Orange County as part of the Eclectic Orange Festival)

Classics Series

Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2--Oct. 4-5

Jean-Philippe Collard, piano.

Beethoven’s Majesty--Oct. 25-26

James Paul, conductor; Angela Cheng, piano.

Copland in Hollywood--Nov. 15-16

Burnette Dillon, trumpet; Leslie Resnik, English horn; William Warfield, narrator.

Symphonic Jazz--Dec. 6-7

Cecile Ousset, piano.

Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1--Jan. 24-25

Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, violin.

Carl in Vienna--Feb. 7-8

Raymond Kobler, violin

Mostly Mozart--March 7-8

Patrick Summers, conductor; Andreas Haefliger, piano.

Spanish Guitars--April 11-12

Timothy Landauer, cello; Los Angeles Guitar Quartet.

“Voices of Remembrance”--May 23-24

Joshua Bell, violin.

Pops Series

Lou Rawls--Oct. 6-7

Peter Nero--Nov. 17-18

A Broadway Holiday--Dec. 15-16

Broadway stars Mark McVey, Ron Raines and Jodi Benson.

A Sandy Duncan Valentine--Feb. 9-10

Dionne Warwick--April 13-14

Vic Damone--May 4-5

Peter, Paul & Mary--May 25-26

Classical Connections

Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2--Oct. 7

Jean-Philippe Collard, piano.

Copland in Hollywood--Nov. 18

The Magic of Mozart--Feb. 10

“Don Quixote”--April 14

PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY OF ORANGE COUNTY

2082 Business Center Drive

Suite 100

Irvine

(949) 553-2422

https://www.philharmonicsociety.org

For more than four decades, the Philharmonic Society has expressed its commitment to the community by hosting the world’s most acclaimed orchestras, ensembles and soloists. In recent years, the society has broadened its programming to include world and contemporary music while maintaining firm roots in the traditions of classical music. Its Eclectic Orange Festival International showcases orchestras and period instrument ensembles, world premieres and local debuts, contemporary theater and dance, ancient cultural traditions and American roots music.

Season Information

Philharmonic Society Concert Series

Evgeny Kissin, Piano--Sept. 28

Orange County Performing Arts Center

Fiesta Navidad--Dec. 12

Orange County Performing Arts Center

Diaz Trio with James Buswell, violin--Jan. 4

Irvine Barclay Theatre

Dresden Staatskapelle--Jan. 17

Orange County Performing Arts Center

Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival--Jan. 30

Irvine Barclay Theatre

Russian National Orchestra--Feb. 3

Orange County Performing Arts Center

Lanier Trio--Feb. 8

Irvine Barclay Theatre

Cecilia Bartoli, Mezzo-Soprano with Il Giardino Armonico--Feb. 26

Orange County Performing Arts Center

Lark Quartet with Peter Schickele--March 5

Irvine Barclay Theatre

Co-presented by the Philharmonic Society and Laguna Chamber Music Society.

Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra--March 8

Irvine Barclay Theatre

Burhan Ocal with Istanbul Oriental Ensemble--March 9

Irvine Barclay Theatre

Co-presented by Philharmonic Society and the Barclay.

Bolshoi Symphony Orchestra--March 10-11

Orange County Performing Arts Center

Solas--March 17

Irvine Barclay Theatre

Co-presented by Philharmonic Society and the Barclay.

Ying String Quartet with John Nakamatsu, piano--March 19

Irvine Barclay Theatre

Co-presented by the Philharmonic Society and Laguna Chamber Music Society.

National Orchestra of Spain--March 24

Orange County Performing Arts Center

Eclectic Orange Festival Highlights

Cruzando Fronteras / Crossing Borders--Oct. 13

Orange County Performing Arts Center

Festival Opening Night: Philip Glass Symphony No. 5--Oct. 13

Orange County Performing Arts Center

Shaolin Warriors--Oct. 14

Orange County Performing Arts Center

Iceland Symphony Orchestra--Oct. 15

Orange County Performing Arts Center

Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra--Oct. 17

Irvine Barclay Theatre

Ursula Oppens “Keyboard Eclectic”--Oct. 19

Orange County Performing Arts Center

Elizabeth Streb/ActionHeroes--Oct. 20-22

Irvine Barclay Theatre

Presented by the Barclay.

NDR Symphony Orchestra Hamburg--Oct. 21

Orange County Performing Arts Center

Julia Fischer, violin, and Milana Chernyavska, piano--Oct. 24

Irvine Barclay Theatre

Co-presented by Philharmonic Society of Orange County and Laguna Chamber Music Society.

Ian Bostridge, tenor, with Julius Drake, piano--Oct. 26

Orange County Performing Arts Center

Robert Lepage in “Far Side of the Moon”--Oct. 26-28

Irvine Barclay Theatre

Presented by the Barclay.

Ballet Argentino--Oct. 27-29

Orange County Performing Arts Center

Presented by the Orange County Performing Arts Center

Bach B-minor Mass--Oct. 29

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Newport Beach

Presented by William Hall Master Chorale

“Misia”--Oct. 29

Irvine Barclay Theater

Co-presented by Philharmonic Society of Orange County and the Barclay.

John Tavener Premiere: Anonymous 4 with the Chilingirian String Quartet--Nov. 3-4

St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, Irvine

Presented by Philharmonic Society of Orange County and St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church

Borromeo String Quartet with Christopher O’Riley, Piano--Nov. 9

Orange County Performing Arts Center

Presented by Orange County Performing Arts Center

Failing Kansas: A cine-opera by Mikel Rouse--Nov. 10-11

Orange County Performing Arts Center

Christopher Parkening, guitar--Nov. 12

Orange County Performing Arts Center

Presented by Orange County Performing Arts Center

Andras Schiff, piano--Nov. 13

Orange County Performing Arts Center

American Roadhouse II--Nov. 18

Linda’s Doll Hut, Anaheim

Presented by Linda’s Doll Hut

Academy of Ancient Music--Nov. 19

Orange County Performing Arts Center

Presented by Orange County Performing Arts Center

Ysaye String Quartet with Regis Pasquier, violin, and Jean-Claude Pennetier, piano--Nov. 20

Irvine Barclay Theatre

Co-presented by Philharmonic Society of Orange County and Laguna Chamber Music Society.

Bale Folclorico da Bahia: Carnaval 2000--Nov. 24-26

Irvine Barclay Theatre

Co-presented by Philharmonic Society of Orange County and the Barclay.

Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra--Nov. 30

Irvine Barclay Theatre

Rossetti Quartet--Nov. 30

Orange County Performing Arts Center

Presented by Orange County Performing Arts Center.

Ute Lemper: A European Cabaret--Dec. 1

Irvine Barclay Theatre

Presented by the Barclay.

Festival Finale: Los Angeles Philharmonic--Dec. 1

Orange County Performing Arts Center

PLACENTIA FOUNDERS SOCIETY

136 Palm Circle, Placentia

(714) 993-2470

The Placentia Founders Society presents the 10th annual Chamber Music Concerts at the historic, turn-of-the-century home of Albert Sumner Bradford, founder of Placentia. The society was formed in 1974 to maintain and preserve this place of heritage and to offer cultural and enrichment opportunities to the community.

Season Information

Chamber Music at the Bradford House

Calico Winds--Jan. 28

A woodwind quartet performing music of D’Rivera, Mahler and Reicha

Santiago String Quartet--Feb. 25

Schubert’s “Quartetsatz,” Kodaly’s String Quartet No. 2 and Beethoven’s Op. 59, No. 3

Quatracelli: Cello Quartet--March 25

Trio Roseton--April 22

A guitar trio performing music of Grandos, Weiss and Johanson.

SAINT JOSEPH BALLET

1810 N. Main St.

Santa Ana

(714) 541-8314

Saint Joseph Ballet offers inner-city youth dance training and performing opportunities as a means to build self-esteem, self-discipline and a sense of accomplishment. In 18 years, the organization has served more than 35,000 youths.

Season Information

2001 Concert--May 30-June 2

Irvine Barclay Theatre

Program includes a commissioned, collaborative work with music by jazz pianist Geoffrey Keezer as well as reprises of last year’s “All Heaven Broke Loose” and “Embraceable You” choreographed by Kennedy Center Latin American Fellow Melanie Rios.

SUNRISE BALLET THEATRE

Hirschl Ballet School

1086 Tustin Ave.

Anaheim

(714) 630-1455

https://www.hirschlballet.org

Sunrise Ballet Theatre provides education, performance opportunities and lecture demonstrations to the community.

Season Information

“The Nutcracker”--Dec. 10, 16-17

The company performs this Christmas classic at the Servite Theatre in Anaheim.

TAGGART BALLET THEATER COMPANY

275 S. C St.

Tustin

(714) 544-4304

With Taggart Ballet Theater Company, amateur and semi-professional dancers are given the opportunity to perform innovative ballets. The company has been in existence since 1986.

Season Information

Copland 2000 Celebration: Aaron Copland’s “The Second Hurricane”--October

Taggart Ballet Theater performs the world premiere of this production in locations throughout the Southland.