See concert PROGRAM BOOK 

 or call (562) 436-3203 ext. 1, or

PURCHASE THROUGH TICKETMASTER

Long Beach Symphony presents an evening filled with music and imagery featuring the works of American composer Florence Price, Dvořák, Mussorgsky and Ravel, and Cécilia Tsan’s superb cello.  

A night of emotional warmth and vibrant colors opens with Concert Overture No. 2 by Florence Price, the first African American woman to be recognized as a symphonic composer and to have her works performed by a major symphony orchestra. Her compositions disappeared after her death but were discovered half a century later in 2009 in a home in Illinois.  Long Beach Symphony will proudly present Price’s Concert Overture No. 2, a set of three spirituals that demonstrate the influence of ragtime, spirituals, and folk dance. This idea that celebrates American music was originally introduced by Dvořák who encouraged American composers to seek inspiration from their own roots.

Dvořák’s own work and Cello Concerto, featuring Long Beach Symphony’s Cécilia Tsan principal cellist, is beloved both for the deeply felt emotion it evokes and for the showmanship and mastery it spotlights in its soloist.

As a celebration of classical music and artistic inspiration, Long Beach Symphony also presents a mesmerizing performance of Modest Mussorgsky’s timeless masterpiece, “Pictures at an Exhibition.” This orchestral suite, originally composed in 1874, has become a staple of the classical repertoire and continues to captivate audiences with its vivid musical depictions of visual art. The composition was inspired by Mussorgsky’s visit to an exhibition of works by his dear friend, the artist Viktor Hartmann. Originally composed for piano solo, the stunningly creative work was arranged for full orchestra forty years after Mussorgsky’s death by Maurice Ravel to immediate and enduring high praise. From The Gnome to The Old Castle and concluding with the majesty of The Great Gate of Kiev, Mussorgsky’s musical visualization of a Russian gallery of paintings always delights. The original imagery will be projected on screen to enhance the audience’s listening experience.

Audiences can enjoy a relaxed, fun, yet elegant evening along the dancing fountains, fire pits and bar on the Plaza, and a 7pm Pre-Concert Talk that will give further context into the evening– with the ability to “Sip & Enjoy” in the concert hall.  

In Maestro Eckart Preu’s own words

Audiences will enjoy the Classical Series fun and elegant evening surrounded by the Terrace’s dazzling fountains and fire pits, live ensemble in the lobby, pre-concert talk to gain greater knowledge regarding the evening programming, and the ability to “Sip & Enjoy” in the concert hall.  

Get all the PERKS and SAVE with a Classical Subscription or 3-Concert Sampler Pack Subscription

Long Beach Symphony presents an evening of exciting, contrasting musical styles and art forms, plus the introduction of a new soundscape where Indian and western classical music come together in a haunting and extraordinary piece about climate change.

It’s a combination of styles, full of energy and contrasts as we are joined by Hindustani violinist Kala Ramnath and Long Beach Ballet.

The evening starts with Stravinsky’s Pulcinella Suite, a lighthearted piece narrating our antihero’s narrow escapes while pursuing his affairs of the heart; an intimate piece based on Baroque music of the 18th century and yet 20th century neoclassicism making it very entertaining and theatrical.

Guest Hindustani violinist virtuoso Kala Ramnath, renowned as the leading 21^st century practitioner of Hindustani classical violin, will take the stage to perform highly sought-after and multiple-award-winning Indian-American composer Reena Esmail’s Violin Concerto, who wrote this piece specifically for Ramnath and Hindustani violin — a rhythmically captivating tour-de-force for orchestra and Hindustani violin. The concerto aptly channels Esmail’s talent for weaving Western and Indian classical music traditions to paint melodic pictures both rapturous and melancholic. As part of this musical presentation, Long Beach Symphony is proud to be a participant in the CA Festival Celebration of New Music.

From Scott Joplin, known as “the King of Ragtime,” Treemonisha overture, from his three-act opera recently rediscovered in the 1990s, will be followed by the boisterous and jazzy, cool, effervescent, improvisatory, and toe-tapping Fancy Free by Leonard Bernstein where, appropriately, the Long Beach Ballet will take the stage.

Audiences can enjoy a relaxed, fun, yet elegant evening along the dancing fountains, firepits, and bars on the Plaza, and a 7pm Pre-Concert Talk that will give further context into the evening– with the ability to “Sip & Enjoy” in the concert hall.  

In Music Director Eckart Preu’s own words…

About Kala Ramnath and her unique skills as a Hindustani violinist

Audiences will enjoy the Classical Series fun and elegant evening surrounded by the Terrace’s dazzling fountains and fire pits, live ensemble in the lobby, pre-concert talk to gain greater knowledge regarding the evening programming, and the ability to “Sip & Enjoy” in the concert hall.  

Get all the PERKS and SAVE with a Classical Subscription or 3-Concert Sampler Pack Subscription

Join your Long Beach Symphony for Opening Night of the 2023-2024 season at the beautiful Terrace Theater. Music Director Eckart Preu launches the orchestra’s new season with a rainbow palette of 19th century musical colors. Johannes Brahms’ lushly harmonic, pulsating Hungarian Dances kick things off with a bright rhythmic energy. Next, renowned pianist and Romantic Era specialist Andreas Boyde joins the orchestra to perform the singular, highly imaginative Piano Concerto by Antonín Dvořák. Written especially for an outstanding popular Czech pianist who championed the young Dvořák, the composer’s only piano concerto will envelope listeners in waves of harmony and emotion. Finally, our celebratory season opening concert concludes with selections from another Romantic icon, the deeply personal “Ma Vlast” – “My Homeland” – by the Czech composer Bedrich Smetana. This beloved and popular work featuring the beloved “The Moldau”, resounding with patriotism, nostalgia, and passion, will send audiences away with ringing ears and hammering hearts.

In Music Director Eckart Preu’s own words:

Audiences will enjoy the Classical Series fun and elegant evening surrounded by the Terrace’s dazzling fountains and fire pits, live ensemble in the lobby, pre-concert talk to gain greater knowledge regarding the evening programming, and the ability to “Sip & Enjoy” in the concert hall.  

Get all the PERKS and SAVE with a Classical Subscription or 3-Concert Sampler Pack Subscription.

You may also buy tickets through Ticketmaster.

Two of classical music’s most romantic Russian composers share the stage in this concert that also presents Enrico Chapela’s high-flying “Rotor”, with its intensity and emotion paving the way for more ardent musical expression as the program unfolds. Both Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky are treasured by music-lovers for their deeply felt works that epitomize the heights and depths of human yearning and heroism. Russian-born pianist Natasha Paremski guests.

Take a sneak peek at the PROGRAM BOOK

Long Beach Symphony is thrilled to present an evening of the greatest hits from the legendary Sir Elton John. Get ready to sing and dance the night away to songs that have been at the top of everyone’s playlist for the last five decades.

The Lobby doors will open at 6:30pm for our legendary indoor picnicking. Bring food, drinks, and dancing shoes for this amazingly fun event — and celebrate Pops Pride and the LGBTQ community.

Under the direction of Maestro Eckart Preu, and starring renowned Elton John tribute artist Craig A. Meyer on the piano and on vocals, the symphony will perform a number of Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s most beloved 1970s classics (Crocodile Rock, Bennie and the Jets, Honky Cat and Candle in the Wind), as well as Tony winning Broadway hits, including Can You Feel The Love Tonight from “The Lion King.”

This concert is generously sponsored by Dr. Allen and Charlotte Ginsburg

Get a head start in reading the EVENT PROGRAM

This is a Free, community event presented by Long Beach Symphony. The evening will start at 4pm on the Long Beach Terrace Theater Plaza delighting participants in the enjoyable “Night Market” spirit. Take part in this event that includes a variety of foods for purchase, as well as entertainment, curated artistic installations on display in the theater lobby,  and good fun. Two concerts will take place, at 5PM and 7PM as entertainment continues on the Plaza till 9PM.

Written and directed by the world-renowned Cambodian American rapper, praCh, KHMERASPORA is a musical performance that tells the Cambodian American experience. Featuring three world premieres by internationally renowned Cambodian composer, Chinary Ung, this artistic collaboration unites musicians from Long Beach Symphony conducted by Music Director Eckart Preu, and Cambodian instrumentalists, dancers, and singers. A documentary film by award-winning filmmaker Caylee So memorializes the project and videographer Robert Chhaing-Carleton’s video will ensure that KHMERASPORA has a global presence and impact.

Artistic Partners

Eckart Preu, conductor

Musicians of Long Beach Symphony

praCh Ly, writer, producer, director, performer

Chinary Ung, composer

Mea Lath, dance choreographer

Chhom Nimol, singer

Chrysanthe Tan, violinist

Kaitlyn Mady, flutist

Kalean Ung, actress

Modern Apsara, Cambodian dancer ensemble

Ho Chan Ensemble, Cambodian instrumentalists

REVIEWS!

This program is part of Long Beach Symphony’s Musical Bridges, a community engagement initiative that celebrates the artistry of the many diverse communities in Long Beach through free, collaborative multicultural performances.

Get ready to “rock and roll all night” to some of the best Classic Rock of the 70’s and 80’s on May 20, 2023. A seven-member band and the power of your Long Beach Symphony will bring the house down for a full party evening at the Long Beach Arena. Symphonic Rock is the perfect dance party to complete the 22-23 Pops Series season.

Conductor Susie Seiter (best known for The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses and Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions and conducting film concerts such as Frozen Live, Pixar in Concert and Mary Poppins Live) leads this fan-favorite rock band and your Long Beach Symphony as audiences sing along to Rock’s greatest hits. And, in our legendary Pops series style, picnicking and side-stage dance floors will get everyone up on their feet rockin’ and rollin’.

The music of Journey, Led Zeppelin, U2, Starship, Pat Benatar, Scorpions, and Lynyrd Skynyrd are just a few of the evening’s top-of-the-charts favorites.

Doors will open at 6:30 for indoor picnicking. Bring your food and libations, or pre-order online, and don’t forget the dancing shoes and your best rockstar look.

Symphonic Rock will blast out on Saturday, May 20th at 8:00pm at the Long Beach Arena (300 E. Ocean Ave.). Doors will open at 6:30 for indoor picnicking. Bring your food and libations, or pre-order online, and don’t forget the dancing shoes and your best rockstar look. 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for families to ring in the holidays with a festive evening of your holiday favorites and sing-alongs. Guaranteed to put you and your family in the holiday spirit!

Get a sneak peek at the program book

And Watch Conductor Morihiko Nakahara’s Welcome / What to Expect Message

Our season finale offers audiences an infectious array of American musical genius. Award-winning pianist Michelle Cann takes center stage performing the Piano Concerto in One Movement by groundbreaking American composer Florence Price. The concert also includes brilliant 21st -century works by Brian Nabors and Nan Schwartz, along with Duke Ellington’s swinging “Harlem” and George Gershwin’s foot-tapping “An American in Paris.” We will send you out dancing!

Audiences will enjoy the Classical Series fun and elegant evening surrounded by the Terrace’s dazzling fountains, live ensemble in the lobby, pre-concert talk to gain greater knowledge on the evening programming, and the ability to “Sip & Enjoy” in the concert hall.  

In this powerful evening of extremes, audiences will be transported by compositions that cross the span of times. Anticipate a highly-charged, exhilarating evening at the Terrace Theater when the symphony embarks on a thrilling musical pilgrimage through Ana Lara’s passionate terrain of fire and ice (listen here); and then, Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, or “songs of Bavaria,” sets 24 poetic texts from the Germany of a millennium ago to paint a vivid picture of medieval life, including religious verses, social satires, and bawdy drinking songs. This exhilarating presentation will include three soloists, the Long Beach Camerata Singers, the South Bay Children’s Choir, and returning to Long Beach, the acclaimed Silver-Garburg Piano Duo. Expect an exuberant orchestral panorama of Orff’s pulsating musical journey.   ~ See artist bios at the bottom of this page. Watch the video here:

Audiences will enjoy the Classical Series fun and elegant evening surrounded by the Terrace’s dazzling fountains, live ensemble in the lobby, pre-concert talk to gain greater knowledge on the evening programming, and the ability to “Sip & Enjoy” in the concert hall.