Spotlight

The Pacific Symphony Orchestra is sounding off again with a powerful

showcase of the music of Antonin Dvorak titled “Dvorak in America.” The

weeklong festival will open Wednesday and run through April 25 at the

Orange County Performing Arts Center.

The four-part festival will feature music Dvorak composed while in

America at the start of the 20th century. It begins with a performance of

“Cello Concerto in B minor” by the famed Mstislav Rostropovich on opening

night.

Two chamber music concerts next weekend will highlight Dvorak’s

interpretation of American Indian and African American music. Both will

feature pianist Robert Thies.

The festival will conclude with performances of the Czech composer’s

Symphony No. 9, “New World.” These shows will include a slide

presentation created by Peter Bogdanoff.

“Dvorak saw with unjaded eyes all that was rich and unique in our

culture,” said Pacific Symphony Orchestra conductor Carl St.Clair. “his

visions and reflections of America and how they influenced his music will

be the musical fabric of the festival.”

FYI

What: “Dvorak in America” by the Pacific Symphony Orchestra

Where: Orange County Performing Arts Center

When: Opening night is 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Cost: Tickets start at $21.

Contact: (714) 755-5799 or www.pacificsymphony.org.

Earth Day a natural UCI event

Environmental celebration part of college’s 24th open house

UC Irvine will host its 24th annual open house from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday at Ring Road. The event will feature Earth Day activities,

children’s games and rides, a petting zoo, magic show, several bands --

including a performance by Tone Loc -- car show, food booths and academic

information sessions and tours. In addition, UCI’s traditional Wayzgoose

Medieval Faire will be held all day.

FYI

Where: Ring Road, UCI campus

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday

Cost: Free

Contact: (949) 824-5182

PLANNING AHEAD

Quite a bash

The Orange County Charity Bash will be held from 3 to 11 p.m. at the

Hilton Costa Mesa Hotel at 3050 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. Eight hours of

live, continuous dance music, including jazz, big band, Latin and swing

will be played. $30, or $25 for advance tickets. Proceeds benefit

nonprofit organizations that provide services to stroke victims and

better care for the elderly. (949) 675-9708.

Sunday, April 28

Walk on

MAY 16

Environmental Nature Center founder Robert House will lead an hourlong

walk beginning at noon at the nature center office, 1601 E. 16th St.,

Newport Beach. It’s free, and bring a sack lunch. (949) 645-8489.

Thursday, May 16

NUMERICALLY SPEAKING

12: The number of short films from outside the United States at the

third annual Newport Beach Film Festival, which runs through Friday.