Long Beach Symphony’s beloved Instrument Petting Zoo is back! IPZ is a collection of orchestral instruments that travel around to neighborhood libraries and community events to provide children with a hands-on exploratory music education experience.  Our knowledgeable volunteers give a special presentation to explain how each instrument works, how to produce a sound, and how each instrument fits into the orchestra. Afterwards, children have the chance to put what they learned to the test and try each instrument.  The Instrument Petting Zoo is designed to pique the interest of young children in playing an instrument and create lifelong music lovers.

JOIN US on Sunday, October 6th 

Kids Get in Free!

The Instrument Petting Zoo is generously sponsored by The Wolfe Foundation, and Ovation! – Volunteers of the Long Beach Symphony

For questions and more information contact [email protected] or call (562) 436-3203 ext. 224.

   
    

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Embark upon this musical journey which recognizes the Symphony’s meaningful relationships and partnerships in Long Beach, including the Cambodian community. This concert is a celebration of who we are. It will open with traditional Cambodian music, the ethereal performances of Cambodian dancers Modern Apsara, and the resounding Pin Peat Ensemble under the guidance of Master Ho. “Hanuman & Sovan Macha” from Ramayana Story is arranged for orchestra by Hans Preu. The Ramayana is an ancient Indian epic that tells the story of Prince Rama’s journey to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. It’s a complex tale with themes of love, duty, courage, and good versus evil.

This carefully curated program unfolds as a tapestry of cultural resonances, an ode to Long Beach’s diverse populace. Chinary Ung’s composition, “Water Rings, Overture,” emerges as a testament to the symbiosis of tradition and innovation, echoing the legacy of his mentor, Chinese-American composer Chou Wen-chung. Ung skillfully intertwines the threads of traditional Cambodian melodies with avant-garde elements, mirroring Wen-chung ‘s groundbreaking fusion with traditional Chinese music in a true cultural convergence. (Many audience members will recall Chinary Ung for Long Beach Symphony’s premiere production of KHMERASPORA.)

The Butterfly Lovers violin concerto, beautifully written as a collaboration by He Zhanhao and Chen Gang will feature guest artist Gao Can on violin.

Concluding this evocative journey (and season) is Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4, the same piece that closed Long Beach Symphony (then known as Philharmonic) 1^st season on June 7, 1935! Delving into the depths of Tchaikovsky’s personal tribulations and a poignant expression of the composer’s tumultuous emotional landscape, the symphony unfolds as a powerful narrative that includes the fleeting romance that marked the composer’s tumultuous piece. Not to be understated, it was this piece that Music Director Eckart Preu used for his audition that gained him the prestigious podium with Long Beach Symphony in 2017. This symphony promises to be a grand crescendo, resonating with the transformative evolution of the orchestra under the conductor’s baton.

Audiences will enjoy the Classical Series fun and elegant evening surrounded by the Terrace Theater’s dazzling fountains and fire pits, live ensemble in the lobby, 6:30 PM Pre-Concert Talk to gain greater knowledge regarding the evening programming, and the ability to “Sip & Enjoy” in the concert hall.  Doors open at 6PM.

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We are proud to bring Arturo Sandoval to our stage, fresh off this most prestigious of honors.

Read the Evening’s Program Notes Here

This evening will captivate a diverse audience drawn together by the magnetic allure of the multifaceted virtuoso, Arturo Sandoval. Renowned for his mastery in the realms of both jazz and classical music, Sandoval’s ten GRAMMY Awards and his expansive repertoire as a trumpeter, vocalist, storyteller, and composer ensure a captivating performance, promising a harmonious fusion of genres and emotions.

We open with Adam Schoenberg’s “Cool Cat,” a piece inspired by the captivating Los Angeles’ own P22, a thematic inspiration with vibrant fanfare. (We appreciate permission to play this piece for which LA Phil has exclusive rights.)

In honor of our virtuosic guest artist, George Gershwin’s “Cuban Overture” is a nod to Sandoval’s Cuban heritage. This piece, born from Gershwin’s immersive experiences in Havana in the 1930s and his fascination for Cuban music and percussion instruments reminds us of Gershwin’s return from Cuba with a suitcase full of instruments that will eloquently blend Cuban rhythms and instrumentation into this rich soundscape.

Arturo Sandoval then takes the stage featuring his magnum opus, “Concerto for Trumpet No. 2.” Sandoval’s versatility shone through as he seamlessly transitioned between trumpet, piano, and vocals, enraptures the audience with not just his musical prowess but also his engaging storytelling. The performance, reminiscent of a bygone Las Vegas era display of the multitude of talents, is enhanced by Sandoval’s charisma and generosity of spirit that will elevate the evening into a transcendent experience of inclusivity.

The orchestra takes center stage with Paul Hindemith’s “Symphonic Metamorphosis,” a composition serving as a dazzling and catchy showcase of the orchestra’s prowess. The piece, though perhaps not immediately recognizable by its title, is familiar to most. Born in Germany and fleeing first to Switzerland and eventually to America, Hindemith demonstrates his ability to draw inspiration from the romantic German composers and crafts a four-movement symphony that resonates with both familiarity and innovation, pleasing to musicians and audiences alike.

Completing the evening is Rachmaninoff’s SERGE: Themes from Piano Concerto No. 2, which transports listeners through a poignant musical journey. With emotive piano phrases supported by lush orchestration, the Adagio unveils a profound emotional landscape. A delicate balance of restraint and passion characterizes this movement, drawing the audience into a world of profound introspection.

Learn more about Arturo’s story here:

Audiences will enjoy the Classical Series fun and elegant evening surrounded by the Terrace Theater’s dazzling fountains and fire pits, live ensemble in the lobby, 6:30 PM Pre-Concert Talk to gain greater knowledge regarding the evening programming, and the ability to “Sip & Enjoy” in the concert hall.  Doors open at 6PM.

There’s still time to Subscribe and get all the PERKS:  Choose the Subscription that’s right for YOU.

There’s still time to Subscribe and get all the Perks! Choose the Subscription that’s right for YOU!

During this adventurous and audacious evening, the audience will feel as if it is traveling through rhythmic habaneras, bluegrass dances, and classical symphonies, covering an expansive landscape of musical and cultural terrain. The program, carefully curated to elicit joy and celebration, invites contemplation on the whimsical delight of bluegrass and the classics playing alongside each other. Indeed, the concert emerges as a testament to the transformative power of music that transcends boundaries and converges diverse traditions into an enjoyable and harmonious event.

This evening includes a curated ensemble of award-winning musical masterpieces, genres, and influences. Commencing the program is Arturo Marquez’s “Danzon No. 2,” a resplendent fusion of Contradance and Cuban habanera steeped in the cultural heritage of Mexico. Marquez, a luminary hailing from a lineage of folk musicians, deftly intertwines traditional Mexican musical forms into this composition that resonates with the rhythmic allure of ballrooms in bustling Mexico City. The composition exudes an infectious energy, captivating the audience with its catchy rhythms and toe-tapping quality. Marquez’s composition unfolds as a vivacious dance, wherein sultry, passionate melodies intermingle seamlessly with an underlying drive, creating an experience that is both easy on the ears and exuberantly invigorating for both performers and listeners alike.

Following this rhythmic odyssey is Michael Torke’s “Sky”, a virtuosic composition tailor-made for the prodigious Tessa Lark. The concerto, a manifestation of Torke’s Pulitzer Prize-winning genius, weaves together the classical prowess of a renowned violinist with the rich heritage of Kentucky’s fiddling tradition. Lark, nominated for a GRAMMY in the Best Classical Instrumental Solo category and recipient Lincoln Center’s prestigious Emerging Artist Awards, effortlessly navigates the intricate complexities of the concerto, seamlessly transitioning between her classical prowess and her roots in bluegrass. Torke’s creation, though challenging, unfolds as a lighthearted, evocative homage to the bluegrass idiom, a musical journey that is both technically demanding and artistically rewarding.

The concert expands into Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1, a composition that resonates with the effervescence of dance. Beethoven, often perceived through the lens of sternness, here reveals a facet of exuberance, challenging the notion that he was solely a solemn maestro. The symphony, imbued with an upbeat character, weaves together a diverse range of influences, mirroring the theme of the entire program.

READ THE EVENING’S PROGRAM NOTES HERE.

Get in the mood! Tessa Lark as seen with West Michigan Symphony:

Audiences will enjoy the Classical Series fun and elegant evening surrounded by the Terrace Theater’s dazzling fountains and fire pits, live ensemble in the lobby, 6:30 PM Pre-Concert Talk to gain greater knowledge regarding the evening programming, and the ability to “Sip & Enjoy” in the concert hall.  Doors open at 6PM.

There’s still time to Subscribe and get all the PERKS:  Choose the Subscription that’s right for YOU.

There’s still time to Subscribe and get all the Perks! Choose the Subscription that’s right for YOU!

Embark upon an evening that pays homage to the rich tapestry of American music with an exquisite celebration of diverse musical cultures, influences, identities, and expressive forms where the melodies echo the origins and spirit of America in a harmonious and colorful celebration of past and present.

We open with Coincident Dances, the work from contemporary composer Jessie Montgomery as she channels her profound reflections on the dynamic rhythms of New York City into an innovative musical composition. This piece, a convergence of simultaneous sounds, contrasting times, and diverse cultural ideas, unfolds as a rhythmic masterpiece that elicits an immediate response of understanding and appreciation.

William Grant Still’s Symphony No. 5, “Western Hemisphere” is an opulent composition exuding a late romantic sensibility. Filled with lush and melodic passages, the symphony pulsates with rhythmic vitality, reminiscent of the blue scale. Its cinematic quality carries a positive message of American goodwill and prosperity, exploring the vigorous life-sustaining forces of the hemisphere and focusing on the beauty of nature.

With the timeless genius of George Gershwin, whose signature fusion of jazz and classical music takes center stage, this piano concerto was written a year after “Rhapsody in Blue,” promising an even more ambitious and expansive musical journey. This concerto, performed by the extraordinary pianist Clayton Stephenson, elevates the evening to unparalleled heights. Stephenson, a trailblazing talent and the first black finalist of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2022, lends his remarkable artistry to this symphonic spectacle.

The program seamlessly weaves together the threads of American identity, from Montgomery’s contemporary reflections to Still’s lush romanticism and Gershwin’s groundbreaking fusion of genres. Join us on this transcendent journey, where the melodies echo the vibrant spirit of America, past and present, in a harmonious celebration of musical innovation and brilliance.

Enjoy here Clayton Stephenson’s performance of Gershwin’s Piano Concerto 

Enjoy the evening’s PROGRAM NOTES

Audiences will enjoy the Classical https://longbeachsymphony.org/2024-11-9-concert-program-notes/ ‎Series fun and elegant evening surrounded by the Terrace Theater’s dazzling fountains and fire pits, live ensemble in the lobby, 6:30 PM Pre-Concert Talk to gain greater knowledge regarding the evening programming, and the ability to “Sip & Enjoy” in the concert hall.  Doors open at 6PM.

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Purchase a NEW Classical Subscription starting at just $120.

Welcome to this celebratory affair as we open the 2024-2025 Season and 90th anniversary of Long Beach Symphony. Beethoven’s Egmont Overture opens our 90^th Anniversary Season which was the first piece the Symphony performed in 1934. It will be followed by the West Coast Premiere of Anna Clyne’s Quarter Days and Dvořák’s “Goin’ Home” and Symphony No. 9 “From the New World.”

Egmont Overture, Op. 84, the jubilant opus that inaugurated the Long Beach Symphony in 1934, encapsulates the quintessence of Beethoven’s artistry. Revered as the “Victory Symphony,” its power and thunderous beginning emanates with an almost excessive virtuosic jubilation. Beethoven had a deeply rooted belief in humanistic freedom. He was drawn to protagonists who fought against repressive forces. In this emotional overture – which is part of incidental music composed to accompany Goethe’s play “Egmont” – he depicts the struggle of count Egmont fighting for freedom and liberty. From thunderous chords of oppression to fanfares of victory, with its dramatic turn from tragedy into triumph, Beethoven unleashes some of his most powerful music. This overture showcases the power and virtuosity of music and represents the philosophical and musical ideals of this orchestra.

Cultivating new beginnings, we present the West Coast Premiere of “Quarter Days, a new concerto for solo string quartet and orchestra by the distinguished British violinist, composer, and Emmy nominee Anna Clyne. Her cello concerto DANCE – performed by the Long Beach Symphony in 2022 – has garnered over 10 million plays on Spotify. We are proud to be part of the consortium that commissioned “Quarter Days”. This concerto will be a great opportunity to showcase the principal string players of the orchestra as soloists, featuring Concertmaster Roger Wilke, Chloé Tardif (Violin II, Principal), Andrew Duckles (Viola, Principal), and Cécilia Tsan (Cello, Principal). Quarter Days is a reflection on the passing of time – both within a minute, a day, and through the seasons of the year. Anna Clyne’s music has an instant appeal – full of lyricism, colors, and emotion.

The evening concludes with Antonin Dvořák’s Ninth Symphony “From the New World”, composed during Antonin Dvořák’s early days in the United States. It is not only one of quintessential symphonies of the entire orchestral repertoire, but it also stands as a testament to his encouragement of American composers to cultivate a national identity in their music. This tour-de-force for the orchestra includes influences of Native-American melodies, spirituals – and of course his indomitable “Czech spirit.” The performance of the “New World” Symphony will be preceded by a presentation of “Goin’ Home”, a song based on the famous melody of the second movement, with a text by William Arms Fisher.

Be inspired by these works:

Be inspired by the backstories: Enjoy the Program Notes for this concert, by Susan Swinburne.

Audiences will enjoy the Classical Series fun and elegant evening surrounded by the Terrace Theater’s dazzling fountains and fire pits, live ensemble in the lobby, 6:30 PM Pre-Concert Talk to gain greater knowledge regarding the evening programming, and the ability to “Sip & Enjoy” in the concert hall.  Doors open at 6PM. Celebrate the inaguration of the 90th Season with us after the concert.

Get all the PERKS:  Purchase a NEW SUBSCRIPTION

We can’t go back in time, but what if in one evening we could relive all the youthful energy and sonic celebration that was 1980s New Wave & FM Radio Pop: right here, right now? Every sound.  Every nuance.  Every time.

Join the ultimate 80’s celebration that will have you singing and dancing to music by Kenny Loggins, Tears for Fears, the Police, The Cars, George Michael, Soft Cell, Simple Minds, Bryan Adams, Queen, Lionel Richie, Phil Collins, and Bruce Springsteen ~ LIVE (far better than the tunes we remember from our cassettes and boom boxes!). Enjoy hits like Danger Zone – Kenny Loggins; Head Over Heels – Tears For Fears; Take on Me – A-ha; Always Something There – Naked Eyes; Faith – George Michael; Broken Wings – Mr Mister; Power of Love – Huey Lewis & the News; Dancing in The Dark – Bruce Springsteen; Let’s Dance – David Bowie; Let’s Go Crazy – Prince; Against All Odds – Phil Collins;   Summer of 69 – Bryan Adams …… and so much more!

“If you close your eyes it’s 1985. This band is unbelievable.” – Christine Murphy, Manchester, CT

“Incredible! Every song was as good as the original, or better.” – Michael Collins, San Diego, CA

Watch the videos and judge for yourself!

Shout – Tears For Fears cover – (Live in our private rehearsal studio) (youtube.com)

Radio Gaga – Queen Cover (youtube.com)

Head Over Heels – Tears For Fears (Cover) (youtube.com)

No One Is To Blame – Howard Jones Cover (youtube.com)

June 12, 2021: ELECTRIC AVENUE (80s MTV Experience) LIVE at 37 Main (youtube.com)

SOMETHING ABOUT YOU – Level 42 (Cover) – Electric Avenue (youtube.com)

Another Brick in the Wall St Electric Avenue The 80s MTV Experience in Akron (youtube.com)

Electric Avenue in Nashville (youtube.com)

KYRIE – Electric Avenue covering Mr Mister (youtube.com)

DRIVE – The Cars – Cover (youtube.com)

WHIP IT! by Electric Avenue (DEVO cover – Live 12/31/20) (youtube.com)

SOMETHING ABOUT YOU – Level 42 (Cover) – Electric Avenue (youtube.com)

One More Try – (George Michael Cover) (youtube.com)

Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree (youtube.com)

June 12, 2021: ELECTRIC AVENUE (80s MTV Experience) LIVE at 37 Main (youtube.com)

SOMETHING ABOUT YOU – Level 42 (Cover) – Electric Avenue (youtube.com)

Electric Avenue in Nashville (youtube.com)

KYRIE – Electric Avenue covering Mr Mister (youtube.com)

Radio Gaga – Queen Cover (youtube.com)

DRIVE – The Cars – Cover (youtube.com)

Shout – Tears For Fears cover – (Live in our private rehearsal studio) (youtube.com)

WHIP IT! by Electric Avenue (DEVO cover – Live 12/31/20) (youtube.com)

KYRIE – Electric Avenue covering Mr Mister (youtube.com)

SOMETHING ABOUT YOU – Level 42 (Cover) – Electric Avenue (youtube.com)

One More Try – (George Michael Cover) (youtube.com)

Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree (youtube.com)

Doors open at 6:00pm for indoor picnicking. Bring your baskets with food, sweets, libations, and even costumes and table decorations. You may also pre-order catering from these pre-approved vendors.

There’s still time to Subscribe and get all the PERKS:  Choose the Subscription that’s right for YOU.

Doors open at 6:00pm for indoor picnicking. Bring your baskets with food, sweets, libations, and even costumes and table decorations. You may also pre-order catering from these pre-approved vendors.

There’s still time to Subscribe and get all the PERKS:  Choose the Subscription that’s right for YOU.

There’s still time to Subscribe and get all the Perks! Choose the Subscription that’s right for YOU!

Dance the night away to the music of Tina Turner, Pat Benatar, Heart, Carole King, Janis Joplin, Holly Knight, Aretha Franklin, Joni Mitchell and Joan Jett. Women Rock honors powerful female singers and songwriters who changed Pop and Rock & Roll forever.  Featured songs include I Feel the Earth Move, What’s Love Got to Do With it, Proud Mary, Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Freeway of Love, and You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman.

Get in the mood here!

Doors open at 6:00pm for indoor picnicking. Bring your baskets with food, sweets, libations, and even costumes and table decorations. You may also pre-order catering from these pre-approved vendors.

There’s still time to Subscribe and get all the PERKS:  Choose the Subscription that’s right for YOU.