Pasadena Symphony Subscriber Party Reveals Changes
Is Jorge Mester saying "goodbye" to Pasadena Symphony?
In a startling announcement released to Beacon Media prior to its official presentation at a subscriber’s special party on the plaza of the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, the Pasadena Symphony will leave its home since the early 1920’s to perform exclusively at the Ambassador Auditorium when it opens its 2010-2011 season on October 23.
More changes are afoot at the Pasadena Symphony Association including the change of the Pasadena Pops from its longtime home in La Cañada Flintridge, at Descanso Gardens, to a lawn area adjacent to the Rose Bowl for its summer concert season which will begin June 19.
The Symphony will retain its two main conductors, Jorge Mester for the Pasadena Symphony Classic Series, and Rachael Worby for the 2010 Summer Series. But, they will share conducting chores with out-of-town conductors. Maximiano Valdés will guest conduct the final concert for the Pasadena Symphony season and Grant Cooper will conduct a special holiday Pops concert, the final concert of the Pops orchestra season, which certainly raises eyebrows as to future intent.
Programs for both orchestras are to be announced at a party for subscribers and donors Friday evening. A quick review of both season’s music would seem to indicate a rehash of programs recently presented. For the Pops, Lisa Vroman, Don Brinegar Singers, Valerie Pettiford, and Doug Masek are among returning guest artists. For the Symphony, a quick review indicates only pianist Robert Thies as a returnee, but the music to be performed is really same-old same-old. Stepping out into new directions has never been the forte of the Pasadena Symphony.
The Pasadena Symphony performs Saturday, March 20 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.
By Bill Peters
