Symphony brings music up close and personal to children

B.W. COOK

It was a celebration of music.

The Pacific Symphony Orchestra held its 25th anniversary concert

at Costa Mesa’s Pacific Amphitheatre to present the world premiere of

Peter Boyer’s “On Music’s Wings.” The gala concert also featured John

Alexander’s singers, the All-American Boys Chorus of Costa Mesa, as

well as a 120-voice, all-county, high school, honors chorus. If that

wasn’t enough, a 600-voice children’s chorus performed along with the

orchestra.

The music celebration was actually a large-scale festival that

included a showing of 140 pieces of artwork by Orange County

elementary, middle and high school students. There was also a

conducting clinic, face painting, instrument making, a meet the

musicians confab, storytelling and an instrument petting zoo. Now

that’s original. Whatever it takes to send a musical message to

children that a connection with live music will change their lives

for the better, regardless of how serious they are or whether they

want to become musicians.

Pacific Symphony Orchestra Maestro Carl St. Clair was on hand for

the event, which also featured a concert festival overture by

Shostakovich. “Exultate Justi” by John Williams was also presented,

as was “Carnival of the Animals” by Saint-Saens, narrated by KMZT-FM

(105.1) radio personality Rich Capparela.

The day of music and celebration was sponsored by First American

Corporation, KOCE-TV, Edison International, Robinsons-May, American

Express and the Los Angeles Times.

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