Pacific Symphony Premieres Wagner’s “Das Rheingold” in St.Clair’s Final Season

Under Music Director Carl St.Clair—one of today’s leading Wagner interpreters—Pacific Symphony presents Richard Wagner’s “Das Rheingold” for the first time. These landmark performances (April 10, 13, and 15) mark a historic moment in St.Clair’s farewell season after 35 years of artistic leadership.

The first opera in Wagner’s epic “Ring” Cycle, “Das Rheingold” will be semi-staged with an orchestra, world-class singers, video elements, costumes, and props. Sung in German with English supertitles, the opera’s story—an inspiration for The Lord of the Rings—unfolds in a mythic world of gods, Rhinemaidens, and a stolen ring of immense power.

St.Clair previously conducted the full “Ring” Cycle as general music director of Germany’s National Theatre and Staatskapelle Weimar, earning critical acclaim. Now, Pacific Symphony audiences can experience his interpretation of this monumental work as part of the orchestra’s ongoing “Opera and Vocals” initiative.

A Mythic Journey

Wagner spent 25 years crafting “The Ring”, drawing from Norse mythology and German legend. His revolutionary use of leitmotifs—more than 150 recurring themes—binds music to character and fate. The opera’s gripping tale follows the consequences of greed, betrayal, and ambition, set against a backdrop of feuding gods, magical beings, and epic struggles for power.

Renowned bass-baritone Kyle Albertson leads as Wotan, king of the gods, alongside Nathan Berg as Alberich. Rising soprano Hanna Brammer sings Woglinde, while tenor David Cangelosi reprises his signature role as Mime. The cast also features Alexandra Razskazoff, Krysty Swann, Ronnita Miller, Adam Diegel, and Aleksy Bogdanov.

Tomer Zvulun, general and artistic director of The Atlanta Opera, serves as production designer and director, bringing his experience from previous “Ring” productions in Atlanta and Dallas. 

The creative team includes lighting designer Ben Rawson, projection designer Nick Hussong, costume designer Mattie Ullrich, and scenic consultant Steven Kemp.

Costumes were constructed by The Atlanta Opera Costume Studio, Carmel Dundon, The Dallas Opera, and Siam Costumes International Company.

 “Das Rheingold” takes place Thursday, April 10 and Tuesday, April 15 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, April 13 at 2 p.m. in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. All three performances include a preview talk with KUSC midday host Alan Chapman at 7 p.m. (and at 1 p.m. for the Sunday performance). 

This concert is part of the 2024-25 Classical Season and is sponsored by the Hal and Jeanette Segerstrom Family Foundation. Tickets are $30-$251. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (714) 755-5799 or visit pacificsymphony.org. 

Roger’s Gardens Celebrates 50 Years in Corona del Mar with Spring Events

We’re so fortunate to have Roger’s Gardens right here in Orange County. For 50 years, this beloved destination in Corona del Mar has inspired gardeners, decorators, and anyone who appreciates beauty and creativity. It’s more than just a nursery—nearly 1 million visitors a year come for the curated seasonal boutiques, expert advice, and incredible décor that make Roger’s Gardens truly one-of-a-kind.

Now through May 11, Roger’s Gardens is celebrating its golden anniversary with a Spring Celebration, “Bring Nature Home,” happening daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Guests can explore vibrant floral displays, lush plantings, and artistic installations while discovering new ways to bring nature indoors. It’s a season filled with inspiration, education, and the chance to connect with expert gardeners, designers, and horticulturists.

Spring Highlights:

March 28–30: Flower of the Year: ‘Celebration’ Impatiens
Meet the bloom of 2025: the vibrant and resilient ‘Celebration’ Impatiens. Showcased throughout the gardens, this striking bedding plant adds brilliant color to outdoor spaces. Experts will share tips on how to grow and style this must-have flower.

Herb Festival | April 4–13
Shop more than 100 varieties of potted herbs, enjoy complimentary herb tea tastings, meet local vendors and catch weekend demonstrations at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Bird & Butterfly Gardening + Easter Jubilee | April 18–20
Celebrate Easter and pollinator-friendly gardening with a free milkweed exchange, displays of butterfly- and bird-attracting plants, and an opportunity to round up purchases to support monarch conservation.

Peppermania! | April 25–27
Back by popular demand, Peppermania! features the world’s largest pepper plant sale with more than 100 varieties. Get growing tips from experts, including David Rizzo, and shop peppers ideal for grilling, stuffing and more.

Rose Festival + Mother’s Day Celebration | May 2–11
Surround Mom with over 350 rose varieties, including the debut of the Martha Stewart™ rose. Enjoy rose care demos and complimentary planting with purchase.

Roger’s Gardens is at 2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd., Corona del Mar. For more information, visit rogersgardens.com.

Pasta Sisters Expands to Costa Mesa Kitchens

Pasta Sisters is bringing its handmade pasta to Orange County. The beloved Los Angeles brand has joined Costa Mesa Kitchens, a restaurant co-op that reimagines the food hall experience. This marks Pasta Sisters’ first location outside of Los Angeles, offering more ways for customers to enjoy its housemade pastas and sauces.

Now open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Pasta Sisters at Costa Mesa Kitchens is available for takeout and delivery through the Pasta Sisters website, Costa Mesa Kitchens, and delivery platforms including DoorDash, Uber Eats, Postmates, and Grubhub. The location, near Costa Mesa Courtyards, Triangle Square, and Trader Joe’s, is expected to draw new and returning customers.

Costa Mesa Kitchens provides a flexible, modern approach to restaurant expansion without the high costs of a traditional brick-and-mortar space. For Pasta Sisters, it’s an opportunity to reach more customers while maintaining its commitment to authentic, homestyle Italian cuisine.

Pasta Sisters was founded on a passion for food and family. Chef Paola Da Re, along with her siblings, grew up in Padova, Italy, learning to cook from their mother, Maria Giovanna. In 2014, Da Re moved to Los Angeles to support her son, Francesco, and turned her lifelong love of cooking into a business.

What began as a small deli in Koreatown quickly gained a loyal following. With the support of friends and Italian investors, the business expanded to a larger location at Helms Bakery District, earning a reputation for high-quality, handmade pasta.

Now, with its first Orange County location, Pasta Sisters continues to share its tradition and flavors with a growing audience.

For more information and to view the full menu, visit pastasisters.com

Pasta Sisters is located at 1750 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa.