Pacific Symphony

10/12/2026

What’s it like working with Alexander Shelley as a composer? 🎶

Composer James Newton Howard shares his admiration for our Artistic & Music Director, reflecting on Alexander’s welcoming, collaborative approach and remarkable artistry as a conductor.

See their musical partnership come to life as Shelley leads the West Coast Premiere of James Newton Howard’s Violin Concerto No. 2, featuring acclaimed violinist James Ehnes, October 22–24 at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.

🎟️ Tickets at the link in bio.

10/09/2026

What happens when the composer behind some of your favorite films writes for the concert hall?

James Newton Howard’s music has helped tell stories in The Hunger Games, Pretty Woman and The Dark Knight. Now, hear where his imagination takes him in his Violin Concerto No. 2, receiving its West Coast Premiere with James Ehnes, Alexander Shelley and Pacific Symphony, October 22–24.

Fun fact: When James Newton Howard reached out to James Ehnes with a demo of the concerto, James Ehnes told him a story: After a screening of the movie Signs (2002), which features solo violin in the score, James Ehnes’ wife told him “You should have James Newton Howard write you a violin concerto.”

Read our latest blog to explore Howard’s journey from screen to stage:
https://pacificsymphony.blog/2026/10/08/what-happens-when-a-hollywood-film-composer-writes-for-the-concert-hall/

Get tickets: https://www.pacificsymphony.org/show-details/shelley-conducts-the-sorcerers-apprentice-and-strauss

One of the biggest names in Hollywood film music brings new music to the concert hall in Orange County CA

10/08/2026

What does a legendary film composer sound like when he writes for the concert stage? 🎻

James Newton Howard takes us inside his Violin Concerto No. 2, receiving its West Coast Premiere with acclaimed violinist James Ehnes and Pacific Symphony led by Alexander Shelley.

Howard has shaped the sound of more than 100 films, from The Hunger Games and The Dark Knight to Pretty Woman. Now, discover another side of his music. Live, unfiltered, and written for the concert hall.

Hear James Newton Howard’s Violin Concerto No. 2 live October 22–24 at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Tickets at PacificSymphony.org/sorcerers-apprentice-and-strauss

10/08/2026

Happy Birthday to our Artistic & Music Director, Alexander Shelley! 🎉

As we celebrate the beginning of your inaugural season, all of us at Pacific Symphony wish you a wonderful birthday and an extraordinary year ahead!

10/07/2026

Cinematic musical magic and breathtaking orchestral power. ✨

Alexander Shelley leads Pacific Symphony through an unforgettable program featuring The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, James Newton Howard’s Violin Concerto No. 2 with James Ehnes, and Strauss’ iconic Also Sprach Zarathustra (immortalized in 2001: A Space Odyssey).

Experience these extraordinary sound worlds live in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, October 22-24. Tickets at PacificSymphony.org/sorcerers-apprentice-and-strauss

10/05/2026

You know this music (even if you don’t know you know it).

Alexander Shelley leads a program filled with cinematic connections. The magic of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, a new violin concerto by Hollywood film composer JamesNewtonHoward, featuring James Ehnes, and the unmistakable opening of Strauss’ Also Sprach Zarathustra, immortalized in 2001: A Space Odyssey. 🌅

October 22–24 at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. If you love film scores, this concert is for you. 🎟️ Tickets at PacificSymphony.org/sorcerers-apprentice-and-strauss

10/04/2026

No one leaves the same after Mahler 2.

The epic finale of Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection,” performed by Pacific Symphony and Pacific Chorale led by Artistic & Music Director Alexander Shelley.

The culmination of one of music’s most monumental journeys: from darkness and turmoil to an overwhelming affirmation of hope, renewal and transcendence.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this momentous opening to our 2026–27 Classical Season. 🎶

10/02/2026

“The composer’s epic symphony emerges dramatically succinct and beautifully wrought.

https://cultureoc.org/shelley-the-pacific-symphony-and-pacific-chorale-resurrect-mahler-2/

“Rhythms were ever alert, even in slow passages, articulations were clear and purposeful. The orchestra was meticulously prepared too — there wasn’t a shrill fortissimo all evening — and responded to Shelley’s signals readily and comfortably. These musicians are in good hands, and they seem to know it. So what does Mahler sound like when performed this way? Succinct and dramatic. The 84 minutes (Thursday) went by in a swoop, sans longeurs. One noticed how good the orchestration is. (The woodwinds, especially, made some remarkable blended sounds.) And since Shelley had attended to pace so consistently, the extended finale, instead of sagging, snapped right into place. It was a glorious roof-raiser...”

Thanks for the review Culture OC!

Get tickets: PacificSymphony.org/mahler2

REVIEW: The composer’s epic symphony emerges dramatically succinct and beautifully wrought.

10/02/2026

A new era is underway.

Last night marked the first of three performances of Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection,” as Alexander Shelley opened his inaugural Classical season alongside our incredible Pacific Symphony musicians, Pacific Chorale, Dame Sarah Connolly, and Miah Persson.

Two performances remain. Experience Mahler 2 live tonight and tomorrow, October 2-3, at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.

🎟️ Tickets at the link in bio.

📸: Doug Gifford

10/01/2026

Coming in October 🎶

PacificSymphony.org/shows for tickets and more info 🔗