A new challenge

Luis Pena

David Cassidy, the quintessential 1970s teen pop idol, keeps on

rocking with a new twist to symphonic music at the Orange County

Performing Arts Center.

Cassidy, 53, best known for his portrayal of Keith Partridge in

the early ‘70s TV show “The Partridge Family,” has been performing

for more than 30 years.

Cassidy had seven hit singles with the Partridge Family, including

“Breaking Up is Hard To Do” and “I Think I Love You.” He had five hit

singles as a solo artist, which include “Cherish” and “Could It Be

Forever.”

Cassidy has since extended his talent to Broadway. He appeared in

the original production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor

Dreamcoat.” He also appeared in “Blood Brothers” with his real life

half-brother Shaun Cassidy.

Over his long career, Cassidy has sold more than 25 million

records. For many artists, these past accomplishments would be enough

to satisfy and fulfill their goals and dreams.

“During my last world tour, I played stadiums, and it was five

years of madness and hysteria,” Cassidy said. “I wanted to do other

things, and the only way that I could do that was walking away from

the top.”

Fame and money aren’t that important to him, Cassidy said, and he

doesn’t try to compete with those two factors, because he wants the

art to be the reason for doing what he does. He feels that doing it

for the love of the art is what has made him a success. “I don’t want

to play the same part over and over again. I’ve done that. ...

There’s no challenge in doing something you’ve done, as great as it

is,” Cassidy said.

Cassidy is taking up a new challenge by performing with the

Pacific Symphony Pops. This will be his first time performing on

stage with a symphony of its caliber. His performance will include

all new arrangements written for the Pacific Symphony. The

performance will include hits such as “I think I Love You” and

“Doesn’t Somebody Want to be Wanted.”

He asked his fans on his Web site what song they wanted him to

perform with the Pacific Symphony, and the No. 1 response was

“Cherish,” from his 1972 solo debut album.

“When they offered the opportunity for me to do it, I thought,

‘There’s a challenge ... . Here’s something that I haven’t done that

I’d like to do,” Cassidy said.

Longevity has been a mainstay of Cassidy’s career. He was recently

voted the No. 2 teen idol in VH-1’s 50 Greatest Teen Idols, coming in

second to Britney Spears.

“As far as being recognized for my accomplishments, it’s always a

compliment. I’m flattered, and I guess it’s not a disgrace to be

second to Britney Spears,” Cassidy said.