Step into the mythical world of Turandot, where love and destiny collide. From the iconic aria “Nessun Dorma” to the dramatic clash of heart and duty, Puccini’s lush melodies and grand orchestration bring this epic tale of sacrifice, love, and defiance to life. This unforgettable journey will leave you captivated by one of opera’s most powerful stories.
The nation’s leading symphonies and presenters regularly request the talents of Pacific Chorale to provide the choral forces for esteemed
performances throughout Southern California and occasional tours.
Come and hear us perform with these outstanding ensembles!
Experience Miloš Forman’s multi-Academy Award-winning phenomenon Amadeus (1984) while the Los Angeles Philharmonic performs the score of celebrated Mozart works live to picture.
Alexander Shelley, conductor
Miah Persson, soprano
Dame Sarah Connolly, mezzo-soprano
Pacific Chorale —Robert Istad, Artistic Director
MAHLER: Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection”
New beginnings. Optimism. Fresh starts. Mahler’s Second Symphony, “Resurrection,” is music of towering power, hushed mystery, soaring voices, and a finale that lifts heavenward. This is music that transforms both performer and listener. This is how a new era should begin, with music that asks life’s biggest questions and answers with hope. Listen as the future begins.
Preview Talk at 7 p.m. with Classical California midday host Alan Chapman.
It’s an annual holiday tradition—Handel’s iconic masterwork, Messiah. This timeless work’s popularity hasn’t waned in hundreds of years, so join Pacific Symphony and Pacific Chorale for this glorious event celebrating joy, reflection, and renewal, featuring the famous “Hallelujah” chorus
BEETHOVEN REVOLUTION FESTIVAL
Alexander Shelley, conductor
Pacific Chorale–Robert Istad, artistic director
JAKE RUNESTAD: A Silence Haunts Me
BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 9, "Choral"
A powerful journey from reflection to triumph, pairing Runestad’s evocative A Silence Haunts Me with Beethoven’s transcendent Symphony No. 9.
Enjoy the music alongside insightful commentary by the conductor. The concerts is 90 minutes long and is performed without intermission.
BEETHOVEN REVOLUTION FESTIVAL
Alexander Shelley, conductor
Pacific Chorale — Robert Istad, artistic director
RUNESTAD: A Silence Haunts Me
BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 9, "Choral"
Alexander Shelley, conductor
Pacific Chorale — Robert Istad, artistic director
Program and artists for be announced
Philharmonic Society Orange County Presents Vienna Philharmonic for Mahler’s "Resurrection" Symphony
In this unforgettable Orchestra Residency finale, the world-famous Vienna Philharmonic performs one of the most moving pieces ever written—Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony.
Alexander Shelley, conductor
Elkhanah Pulitzer, stage director
Pacific Chorale — Robert Istad, artistic director
JOHN ADAMS: Nixon in China
Semi- staged opera in English
Cast to be announced
When President Nixon landed in Beijing in 1972, it was the diplomatic gamble of the century. Pulitzer Prize–winning composer, John Adams’ thrilling opera Nixon in China comes vividly to life in a theatrically staged production created for the concert hall. With its richly layered score, soaring vocal writing, and intimate human drama, this masterpiece unfolds with gripping dramatic power under Alexander Shelley.
Preview Talk at 7 p.m. with Classical California midday host Alan Chapman.
TOP: First Lady Pat Nixon and President Richard Nixon during during Nixon’s historic visit to China.
BELOW: President Richard Nixon toasts Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai at a banquet in Shanghai on February 27, 1972.
Photo Credits: Courtesy of The Richard Nixon Foundation